Ken Forrester

The FMC Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc

9.323 ratings
9.36 pro ratings
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Chenin Blanc
Turkey, Vanilla & Caramel, Fruit & Berries, Exotic Spices, Salads & Greens, Pate, Potato, Tomato-Based, Chicken, Fruit Desserts, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pungent Cheese, Squash & Root Vegetables, Goat & Feta Cheese, Cheddar & Gruyere, Sweet Potato, Yuca, Taro, Baking Spices, Chili & Hot Spicy, Nuts & Seeds, Soft Cheese, Salami & Prosciutto, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Quinoa, Shellfish, Sweet Potato
Top Notes For
Bill Bender

This threw me....a Chenin from SA. Amazing purity, white peach, cut flowers and some residual sugar but not cloyingly so. Bravo.

This threw me....a Chenin from SA. Amazing purity, white peach, cut flowers and some residual sugar but not cloyingly so. Bravo.

Nov 17th, 2016
Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

8.7

I have mixed feeling about this wine. To start, it is easily the oakiest Chenin I've ever had. Has all the unctuous caramelized pineapple, ginger, and honey/botrytis notes you'd expect, but the oak dominates the wine in uncomfortable volume. Will it age? I imagine so, and perhaps it's unfair to critique at this without looking at aged versions as well. Perfectly drinkable and delicious wine, but falls into that awkward category of things I was curious about that aren't actually worth anywhere near the money they retail for.

I have mixed feeling about this wine. To start, it is easily the oakiest Chenin I've ever had. Has all the unctuous caramelized pineapple, ginger, and honey/botrytis notes you'd expect, but the oak dominates the wine in uncomfortable volume. Will it age? I imagine so, and perhaps it's unfair to critique at this without looking at aged versions as well. Perfectly drinkable and delicious wine, but falls into that awkward category of things I was curious about that aren't actually worth anywhere near the money they retail for.

May 29th, 2015
Sean Razee

Master Sommelier

9.2

Sweet peach, pear, and nectarine with light sweetness and balancing acidity. Delicious.

Sweet peach, pear, and nectarine with light sweetness and balancing acidity. Delicious.

Dec 14th, 2014
Steve Steese

100% old vines Chenin, and the texture is incredible, rich and viscous, obvious but integrated barrel fermentation and a slightly sweet finish filled with ripe apricot.

100% old vines Chenin, and the texture is incredible, rich and viscous, obvious but integrated barrel fermentation and a slightly sweet finish filled with ripe apricot.

Jul 20th, 2014
Robert Lim

Mutant love child btwn oaked Chardonnay and floral/honeydripping Northern Rhone varietals.

Mutant love child btwn oaked Chardonnay and floral/honeydripping Northern Rhone varietals.

Jun 28th, 2015
Courtney Walker

As you peek your nose into the glass a melange of butter scorched strawberry, passion fruit, papaya, banana mango, and warm oak ~ smokes sun gold kiwi and lemon soaked peach skins. These flavors create a thick knit basket weave of aromas and sensations your tongue must unravel one by one. The body is as smooth as licking fresh orange slices dipped in crushed tart powder. A fit and lean steen with a strong finish and tannic wink as it bids you adieu.

As you peek your nose into the glass a melange of butter scorched strawberry, passion fruit, papaya, banana mango, and warm oak ~ smokes sun gold kiwi and lemon soaked peach skins. These flavors create a thick knit basket weave of aromas and sensations your tongue must unravel one by one. The body is as smooth as licking fresh orange slices dipped in crushed tart powder. A fit and lean steen with a strong finish and tannic wink as it bids you adieu.

May 18th, 2015
Ian Magiros

Nothing like tasting the wines with the people who make them w/Ken Forrester

Nothing like tasting the wines with the people who make them w/Ken Forrester

Apr 8th, 2015
Jeroen Koenen

Found this beauty on another winelist, so ordered it again. Different vintage, slightly more racy, cristalline than the opulent 2010. But equally impressive. Bravo!!

Found this beauty on another winelist, so ordered it again. Different vintage, slightly more racy, cristalline than the opulent 2010. But equally impressive. Bravo!!

Nov 27th, 2014
Byron Fuller

Barriqued. Powerful, unsubtle. Quite good.

Barriqued. Powerful, unsubtle. Quite good.

Sep 7th, 2014
Gilles de Chambure

Master Sommelier & Educator

9.7

Gilles had this 10 years ago

Gilles had this 10 years ago

Mar 19th, 2014