Carinus Polkadraai Heuwels Chenin Blanc 2023

Aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and lemon curd unfold with hints of chamomile and crushed stone. On the palate, it’s finely textured yet lively, with layers of orchard fruit, citrus, and gentle salinity. The finish is long and mineral-driven, echoing the granitic soils of Polkadraai Hills. Both refined and expressive, this wine captures the modern South African Chenin renaissance at its best.

Quick Facts

• Region: Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Sustainable; dry-farmed, old bush vines
• Winemaker: Chris and Danie Carinus
• Aging: 10 months on lees in neutral 500L French oak barrels
• ABV: 13%
• Production: Small-lot, single-site bottling

Tasting Profile

• Aromas: Pear, quince, lemon curd, and chamomile
• Palate: Medium-bodied and textural with citrus, stone fruit, and saline minerality
• Finish: Long, clean, and elegant with subtle lees richness and chalky tension

Why We Love It at Petit Philippe

Carinus is redefining Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc through vineyard precision and minimalist winemaking. The Polkadraai Heuwels bottling is an insider favorite — serious, complex, and quietly luxurious. It’s a brilliant expression of South Africa’s potential for world-class white wine, balancing vibrancy and finesse at an exceptional value.

Winemaking

The Polkadraai Heuwels Chenin Blanc comes from dry-farmed bush vines planted on decomposed granite soils in the Polkadraai Hills, one of Stellenbosch’s coolest and most expressive subregions.

• Fermentation: Native yeast fermentation in seasoned French oak barrels.

• Aging: 10 months on lees for texture and integration.

• Farming: Sustainable, with minimal irrigation and hand harvesting.

• Style: Crisp and mineral yet textural — showcasing Chenin’s natural complexity.

Aging Potential: 2024–2030. Gains depth and honeyed nuance with short-term cellaring.

Vintage Notes: 2023 delivered ideal balance — moderate warmth and cool nights yielding Chenin with crystalline acidity and concentrated fruit.

Serving & Pairing

Serve chilled at 48–52°F. Beautiful with roasted chicken, shellfish, or vegetable risotto. The wine’s balance of richness and freshness also makes it ideal with goat cheese, sushi, or creamy pasta with lemon and herbs.

Drinking Window

Enjoy now through 2030. Vibrant in its youth, but will evolve gracefully with added depth and savory complexity over time.

Estate Overview

Carinus Family Vineyards was founded by cousins Chris and Danie Carinus, who farm some of the Cape’s finest old-vine Chenin Blanc sites. Their vineyards in the Polkadraai Hills are dry-farmed and sustainably managed, emphasizing purity and site expression. In collaboration with winemaker Lukas Van Loggerenberg, the wines strike a remarkable balance between precision and generosity. Polkadraai Heuwels Chenin Blanc is a standout example — soulful, mineral, and effortlessly sophisticated.