If you want a good reminder of why South Africa is one of the go-to spots for Chenin Blanc, grab a bottle of the 2025 Lubanzi Chenin Blanc.
Lubanzi was founded by three longtime friends, and while they are one of the newer names coming out of South Africa, they’re doing things the right way. B Corp certified, focused on sustainable farming, and working closely with small growers across the Western Cape, they know where to find good fruit, and the wines always reflect where they come from.
The 2025 Chenin Blanc earned a 92-point rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate with a suggested retail of $20. Our price is just $17.99!
For their Chenin Blanc, the fruit comes out of Swartland, one of the most exciting regions in South Africa right now and home to some of the country’s oldest dry-farmed bush vine Chenin. In this case, they’re blending fruit from younger trellised vines with old bush vines, some over 100 years old. That mix gives you both freshness and depth, which is not something you usually find at this price.
In the glass, it’s bright, lively, and luscious with notes of Meyer lemon, green apple, and pear, backed up by richer nuances of peach and apricot. While it's not sweet, it is rich and juicy, and there's an intriguing mineralic texture that keeps things engaging from the first glass to the last one.
I know I'm constantly referring to whites as "porch pounders," especially this time of year, and this is another one of those. It would also be right at home served alongside some spicy Asian cuisine, as that rich fruit profile would tame the heat.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
