Banele has quickly established himself in the South African wine scene since his first release five vintages ago. Trained through the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé program and under Duncan Savage, he brings rigorous technique to his craft. The 2024 Chenin Blanc comes from old, untrellised vines on the Geluksoord Vineyard near Bottelary, Stellenbosch. It was a clean vintage: everything was harvested on time with no rot and Banele describes the wine as “splashy”: bright acidity balanced by layered fruit and excellent drinkability.

The watercolor label honors his mother, Tembela, who appears in the foreground carrying a basket; a second woman in the background symbolizes community and a sense of place.

The grapes were 100% whole-bunch pressed and then the juice was allowed to settle overnight. The clear juice was racked off the solids, and then was sent to old oak barrels to ferment. The wine stayed there 10 months of aging, after which the wines were racked to tank and bottled with a gentle sheet filter and a small dosage of sulfur. No fining.

“Banele Vakele is a name to watch in the Cape, especially now that he’s entirely focused on his own wines. This is a stylish, barrel-fermented Devon Valley Chenin Blanc that has texture from full malolactic, subtle pear and citrus fruit flavours, a touch of quinine-like bitterness and a savoury undertone.” Tim Atkin 93

ANALYSIS: ALC 13% | TA 5.4g/l | pH 3.5  | RS 1.6g/l