Essay

Chenin Blanc with a touch of Viognier

8.865 ratings
8.78 pro ratings
South Africa
Chenin Blanc, Viognier
Turkey, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Pork, Nuts & Seeds, Hard Cheese, Soft Cheese, Shellfish, Quinoa, Mushrooms, Chili & Hot Spicy, Fish, Herbs, Asian Cuisine, Veal, Potato, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Vanilla & Caramel, Fruit & Berries, Exotic Spices, Salads & Greens, Pate, Tomato-Based, Fruit Desserts, White Rice, Pasta, Pungent Cheese, Goat & Feta Cheese, Cheddar & Gruyere, Sweet Potato, Yuca, Taro, Baking Spices, Salami & Prosciutto, Sweet Potato
Top Notes For
Adam Knoerzer

Killer value — heaps of apples, peaches, and lemon that give ripe, sweet fruit and plenty of weight. Enough acidity to keep it lively and cheerful.

Killer value — heaps of apples, peaches, and lemon that give ripe, sweet fruit and plenty of weight. Enough acidity to keep it lively and cheerful.

Feb 23rd, 2020
Brian Ager

87% Chenin Blanc / 13% Viognier makes for a nice combination. Peaches, lemon peel with the viognier adding a bit of oilyness and hints of cream and bread. ($8) [1/24/17]

87% Chenin Blanc / 13% Viognier makes for a nice combination. Peaches, lemon peel with the viognier adding a bit of oilyness and hints of cream and bread. ($8) [1/24/17]

2 people found it helpfulJun 11th, 2016
Nathan M

Loved this, and I don't really care for whites. Superb dry finish.

Loved this, and I don't really care for whites. Superb dry finish.

1 person found it helpfulApr 21st, 2016
Riccardo L.

Smelled like vanilla ice cream on first whiff, but I can't find that anymore. Flavours of white chocolate and macadamia nut... like the cookie... but even this is completely overcome by the intense acidity on the finish. Just tingly all over the back corners of my mouth... begging for some carbs to absorb it. Licking my lips now and finding them salty. I can associate the acidity to fresh guava. I just wrote a lot because the wine is called Essay :). Speaking of which, this is the best S. A. (South African) wine I've ever tried, so there's lots of positives here. I'd still prefer a French Chenin though. #cheninigans #southafrica #cheninblanc #chenin

Smelled like vanilla ice cream on first whiff, but I can't find that anymore. Flavours of white chocolate and macadamia nut... like the cookie... but even this is completely overcome by the intense acidity on the finish. Just tingly all over the back corners of my mouth... begging for some carbs to absorb it. Licking my lips now and finding them salty. I can associate the acidity to fresh guava. I just wrote a lot because the wine is called Essay :). Speaking of which, this is the best S. A. (South African) wine I've ever tried, so there's lots of positives here. I'd still prefer a French Chenin though. #cheninigans #southafrica #cheninblanc #chenin

1 person found it helpfulAug 21st, 2015
Samantha Lau

Stunning blend for the price. More of a peach flavor than I remember, and could use a touch more acid to cut through some of the fruit flavors. All-in-all, a great wine for a warm day.

Stunning blend for the price. More of a peach flavor than I remember, and could use a touch more acid to cut through some of the fruit flavors. All-in-all, a great wine for a warm day.

Jun 21st, 2017
Samantha Lau

You definitely get the touch of Viognier on this wine - oily aromas. It's heavy on the palate but you still get the fruit profile of Chenin and the acidity on the finish.

You definitely get the touch of Viognier on this wine - oily aromas. It's heavy on the palate but you still get the fruit profile of Chenin and the acidity on the finish.

Feb 6th, 2016
Rachel Van Til

True Chenin chamomile/macadamia nut, with acidity to balance the slightly rich body and fruit. Great bargain; lovely wine.

True Chenin chamomile/macadamia nut, with acidity to balance the slightly rich body and fruit. Great bargain; lovely wine.

Aug 8th, 2015
Bruce Gunther

Notes of yellow apple and honey, very well-balanced with slight acidity in the finish, but not too much. Nice wine, and our first taste of Chenin Blanc.

IPS

Notes of yellow apple and honey, very well-balanced with slight acidity in the finish, but not too much. Nice wine, and our first taste of Chenin Blanc.

IPS

Oct 11th, 2020
Bryan McLean

Tart, crisp, slightly smoky, smooth finish

Tart, crisp, slightly smoky, smooth finish

Apr 27th, 2018
Cyd Eaton

Really enjoyed this one!

Really enjoyed this one!

Mar 31st, 2018