Orange River Wine Cellars, Star Tree Chenin Blanc 2011, South Africa

Tasting Note: A chenin blanc with heft and body that still displays bright acidity.

Golden in color this wine has a nose of pineapple, mango, banana and peach stone fruit.

On the palate the chenin blanc is dry and medium-plus in body and acidity with tartness showing on the attack followed by surprising under-ripe tropical fruit flavors as the aromas suggested on the nose are riper in character.

The wine is relatively straight-forward and enjoyable in its dimension.

Bottle Note: The fossil-like “Star Tree” (Quiver Tree) is indigenous to the hot dry desert like region of the Northern Cape. Due to its sponge like consistency, the trunk and branches could easily be hollowed out to make quivers by the ancient San people, who formerly inhabited this area. The tree only blossoms after 20 to 30 years and can reach 300 years of age, and 40 foot in height. An easy drinking wine, emitting subtle pineapple and granadilla fruit aromas, laced by a touch of honey and ending with some concentrated fruit flavors on the palate.