Brookdale Estate, situated on the slopes of the Du Toitskloof Mountains in Paarl, has unveiled a trio of new white wines, masterminded by winemaker Kiara Scott Farmer. Guided by the visionary Rudd family, the estate is boldly charting its own course in South Africa’s wine landscape. The recent releases encompass the revered Brookdale Estate Sixteen White Field Blend (2022), the flagship Brookdale Estate Old Vine Chenin Blanc (2021) in its fifth vintage, and the debut of the Southern Rhône-style white blend, named Brookdale Estate Bradbourne (2022).
Embracing an intuitive approach, Kiara Scott Farmer tailors her winemaking process in response to the nuances of each harvest’s growth and harvest conditions. She remarks that wines like these largely come to life in the vineyard and are refined in the cellar through minimal intervention. Each vintage holds its own uniqueness, as Kiara avoids standardized practices, opting instead for techniques that best accentuate the particular year’s grape characteristics and terroir.
Brookdale Estate Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2021
Following the impressive feat of the award-winning 2020 vintage, the freshly released Brookdale Estate Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2021 continues to meet elevated expectations, celebrating the essence of old-vine Chenin Blanc. This vintage stands as another triumphant testament to Paarl’s terroir, highlighting complexity and equilibrium. Kiara’s tasting notes depict “Ginger spice and sourdough aromas unfurl on the nose, interwoven with pineapple freshness, peach tea, and a touch of vanilla pod. The palate merges richly textured, weighty stone fruit with vibrant tropical undertones. Apricot tanginess on the mid-palate complements creamy, salted lees. Fine, mineral acidity and subtle spice contribute to the wine’s seam. The finish reverberates with quince, peaches, and poached pears, displaying abundant and lingering fruit generosity.”
Brookdale proudly aligns with South Africa’s Old Vine Project, a collective of certified heritage vines. At the 2022 Trophy Wine Show, the Brookdale Estate Chenin Blanc 2020 secured Gold, earning a stellar score of 97/100, capturing the Rosa Kruger Trophy for the finest Old Vine Wine. The acclaimed wine was crafted from Old Vine Chenin Blanc vines dating back to 1985.
Brookdale Estate Bradbourne 2022
The inaugural release of Brookdale Estate Bradbourne (2022) comprises a blend of Grenache Blanc, Piquepoul Blanc, Roussanne, and Marsanne. Renowned for crafting quality blends, the Paarl region proves ideal for these varietals. Meticulously chosen, the four grapes were harvested at distinct stages and skillfully melded into a traditional, Southern Rhône-style blend. “The nose presents pristine notes of Asian pear, white honey, blossoms, and crushed chalk. The palate offers a light, effervescent quality akin to club soda. Fresh quince, apples, and melon swirl harmoniously, underscored by salted butterscotch, transitioning to a deeper layer of waxy honeycomb. A surge of lifted, lemony acidity runs through peaches and cream sensations, culminating in a finish imbued with citrus tones.”
Brookdale Estate Sixteen White Blend (2022)
Reflecting owner Tim Rudd’s passion for the art of field blend winemaking, inspired by his travels through Portugal, the second iteration of Brookdale Estate’s Sixteen White Blend (2022) perfectly encapsulates its vintage’s essence. Remaining aligned with the winemaker’s philosophy, minimal intervention shaped this wine’s creation. Kiara Scott Farmer explains, “Sixteen white varietals, planted as bush vines, were harvested in two stages due to grape variability. The initial notes evoke a sense of understated luxury, weaving together thatch, heather, white blossoms, and fine linen, paving the way for green pineapple, lemon balm, and fresh honey. The palate unfolds with a richer fruit tapestry, delivering velvety peach, apricot, and pear drop flavors. A dash of zesty lime acidity invigorates and sculpts around lush fruit, transitioning to a flinty side palate and culminating in an appetizing mineral-salted finish.”
