Brookdale Estate Bradbourne White Blend 2022, WO Paarl, 13% Abv. 95/100 Made up of a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Piquepoul Blanc and Marsanne, this stylishly crafted new classical white from the Brookdale Estate in Paarl is wonderfully perfumed and expressive with exotic notes of honeysuckle, white blossom, peach stone, waxy apple peel, crushed grey slate and granitic mineral undertones. The palate boasts a broad fleshy texture with succulent soft yellow pineapple pastille, hints of marzipan, pear purée, peach bellini and yet more liquid mineral nuances. Very Rhone-like in appearance but also beautifully pithy and complex, showing off the very finest characteristics of Roussanne and Marsanne without compromising freshness. This is another very classy white addition to the Brookdale Estate portfolio that’s sure to be a big gastronomic food matching hit. Drink now and over the next 5 to 8+ years. (95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
Brookdale is an impressive winery owned by Englishman Tim Rudd that is planted with 20+ year old Chenin Blanc vines as well as several other special Chenin Blanc blocks that are now fully certified as 37 year old Old Vines planted in 1985, situated at the foot of the lofty Du Toitskloof Pass in Paarl.
The property was bought by the Rudd family who instantly kick started a widespread replanting programme where sustainable viticulture and farming for the future generations were at the centre of their ethos. The first vintage of their new field blend white was recently released and will be reviewed on the Fine Wine Safari in coming weeks. With most of the previous vineyards acquired with the original estate very neglected, most were uprooted with only the old vine Chenin Blanc blocks retained. This exceptional site offers altitude and granitic soils rich in clay and schist that are perfectly suited for Chenin Blanc and in their 4th vintage, the true pedigree of the Brookdale terroir is finally being revealed with an exceptional white wine.
