At a glance

Producer

Collusion Series

Region

South Africa (likely Western Cape, as South Africa is a major Chenin Blanc producer and 'Black Market' is a style descriptor sometimes used in South African boutique releases)

Grape variety

Chenin Blanc

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$13-$22 (based on similar boutique South African Chenin Blancs)

Tasting profile

Fresh notes of green apple, pear, quince, lemon zest, white peach, and subtle honeydew with light floral accents.

Evolution: With 1-2 years in bottle, expect hazelnut, baked apple, and light lanolin/waxiness characteristic of maturing Chenin.

At peak: Balanced tension between vibrant acidity and softening fruit, gentle minerality, possible ‘wet stone’ or flinty character, creamy texture if partial malolactic/accounted oak aging is used.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus to high (typical of Chenin Blanc, especially from South Africa)

Tannins

Negligible (white wine)

Alcohol

Typically 12% - 13.5%

Aging potential

3-4 years in bottle for peak freshness; can develop extra complexity with an additional 1-2 years, but not meant for long aging

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2026

Optimal window

2024 to 2027

Current status

2024 vintage is just being released and is suitable for early consumption or short-term cellaring

Current condition

Young, fresh, vibrant acidity, showing varietal primary fruit and lively aromatics

Chenin Blanc of this style and region is prized for its vibrant acidity and delicate fruit. Drinking window favors consumption within 1-3 years to highlight those qualities. Extended cellaring can unlock honeyed, nutty notes but may lose vibrancy.

Food pairing

Excellent with grilled seafood, shellfish (mussels, clams), sushi, goat cheese salads, roast chicken, spicy South-East Asian cuisine (Thai, Vietnamese), and mild Indian curries.

Serving

Serving temperature

8-10°C / 46-50°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Many Western Cape wineries employ integrated pest management, cover crops to prevent erosion, responsible irrigation, lightweight glass bottles, and some use solar power. Packaging is usually recyclable; some producers emphasize minimal intervention in the vineyard and cellar.

South Africa as a country has robust industry-wide sustainability measures and the majority of Chenin Blanc is produced with conservation in mind. With no explicit evidence of organic/biodynamic certification for this wine and assuming standard practices, this wine scores above average for sustainability, though not at the highest level due to lack of direct certification or detailed documented practices from this specific brand. If purchased locally, its footprint is reasonable; internationally shipped bottles have a higher impact.