Rudger van Wyk’s New Dawn Chenin Blanc 2024 Solo Project Reviewed…

After an illustrious stretch of service as head winemaker at Stark-Condé in the Jonkershoek Valley, which also involved the dynamic joint venture of Kara Tara, in partnership with Jose Condé, in 2023 Rudger decided it was time to spread his wings and fly off to new pastures. Following a succinct appointment process with Doolhof Winery in Wellington, he is now settled in there producing some very exciting wines.

Of course, Rudger’s ambition to create his own wines persists and this year sees the maiden releases of his own white and red wines from his New Dawn project.

New Dawn OG Chenin Blanc 2024 by Rudger van Wyk, WO Stellenbosch, 12.5% Abv.

There is something incredibly alluring about this crystalline canary yellow Chenin Blanc 2024. Youthfully bright and enticing, the aromatics show a fabulously complex array of white peaches in honey, baked apples dusted with cinnamon spice, freshly baked apple strudel and lovely vanilla pod nuances. The oaking is incredibly considerate and well integrated, giving way to zesty, electrically tangy fresh acids, mouthwatering white citrus, tangerine, yellow grapefruit pith and green apple pastille fruits. The precision and concentration in the mouth is monumental, but always remains beautifully balanced, incredibly energetic and focused. This has Rudger’s obsessive winemaking fingerprints all over it. Wow! What a debut. Drink on release and over 8-10 years.

(Wine Safari Score: 96/100 Greg Sherwood MW)