Laurens Campher 2023
R250.00
Laurens Campher was a young German soldier who started farming at Muratie in 1685. This blend is a labour of love, much like Laurens’ love for Ansela van de Caab. Their love was ultimately rewarding, bringing about the birth of their three children, her freedom and the development of a farm that was only officially granted to Campher in 1699 but is still going strong over three centuries later.
Tasting Notes
VINEYARD
This wine is made from meticulously sourced grapes from different sites and
slopes. Vineyards vary in age from 10 – 15 years old. The Chenin Blanc is from
an old north facing bush vine block with low yields and good fruit purity.
VINIFICATION
Medium bodied, with a sturdy backbone, this uniquely South African white is
made in Campher’s honour, combining predominantly Chenin Blanc (85%) with
smaller amounts of Sauvignon Blanc (8%), Verdehlo (4%), and Viognier (3%).
Components were vinified separately, then meticulously blended after judicious
oaking in a combination of new and older 500 L French Oak barrels (11
months). 40% underwent MLF ensuring a softer acidity – it’s truly a labour of
love.
WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS
For all its freshness, elegance and focus, the wine’s flavours are complex and
intense, ranging from bright lemon, fresh pineapple, apricots and juicy nectarine
to more concentrated lime marmalade as well as caramel and cream (from barrel
fermentation and 11 months of maturation in mostly older French oak). On the
palate the initial impression is floral (heady honeysuckle) finishing with white
peaches and apricots, with hints of citrus and a fresh acidity – great persistence
promising enjoyment over at least five years.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol 13.39 %
Residual Sugar 3.4 g/l
Total acid 5.9 g/l
pH 3.41
