Forge Mill, Bush Vine Chenin Blanc, 2024

Grapes

Chenin Blanc

Vintage report

The 2024 vintage in the Western Cape arrived after a growing season shaped by La Niña conditions that had been easing, with most regions experiencing moderate temperatures and reasonably well-timed rainfall through the growing period. It is still early for detailed analysis to have filtered through fully, but the broad picture from producers is one of good natural acidity and fruit that came in at measured ripeness rather than the overblown, sun-baked characters that warmer years can push towards. Chenin Blanc, predictably, looks strong — the variety's ability to translate vintage precision into the glass is why it keeps drawing serious attention.

For Syrah and Grenache from Swartland and the Rhône-leaning producers of Stellenbosch, early indications suggest wines with real definition and grip rather than sheer weight. Cabernet from cooler pockets of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek appears to have ripened cleanly without the extracted heaviness that warmer years can bring. These are early days, and much of the 2024 crop is still settling in barrel. We would expect most reds to reward patience — drink from 2026 or 2027 onwards — while the whites, particularly the Chenins, are already showing well and will drink happily until 2028 and beyond.