All good stories start with “once upon a time” and this one is no different. Joseph began his day telling us of this great man; an inspiring leader, a man who left a legacy. A man who he respected & taught him a lot. That man was his father. If that man was alive today I have no doubt how incredibly proud he would be of his son. His son who arrived in South Africa as a refugee with nothing but his wife & ambition to make a better life for himself & for his family, with the words of his father close to his heart. “A real man works hard, a real man shouldn’t sleep long”
Through hard work, determination & passion, doors have opened & opportunities arisen for Joseph. No one can look at Joseph – look into his kind eyes, through his warm smile and be envious of where he has got to. It couldn’t have happened to a better, more humble man.
Today I was privileged enough to sit around a table with people he calls family, people who have been a part of his journey & taste through his wines.
We tasted his 2014 Fraternity Chenin he made with Herman Redelinghuys, the owner of Swartland cellar Antebellum. From old bush vines, 8 months in old barrels before freshening up in stainless tanks. It’s aging gracefully, white peach & honeysuckle with a subtle waxy character. Accomplished & elegant.
Then we tasted the 2016 Infinite 3 Chenin which is from 36 year old bush vines in Paarl. This he made in conjunction with two friends. The style has now changed. Basket pressed & more oak, it’s richer & a bit more grown up than it’s older brother. A nose that envelops you; sweet potato skins, good citrus & pear, stone fruit with a honey line.
Then we were fortunate enough to be the first to try his latest release; the 2017, Maiden release of Tinashe Chenin. This is 100% Joseph, named after his son. It has a vibrant & empowering nose, passion fruit skin, orange citrus with notes of pine nuts & baked apple crumble as it opens up. Soft entry with well integrated dry tannins. It’s still young but shows huge potential.
Joseph speaks of growing up in the Swartland. Not from a boy to a man. But a growth in passion and learning about wine & ultimately discovering who he was.
