BLANKbottle "Empire Strikes Back" Stellenbosch White Blend 2022

Vin Chicago: 93 Points

(10/2023) Pieter Walser blends Marsanne, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne and Chenin Blanc, all from the Stellenbosch region, to make this beautiful statement wine, aptly named The Empire Strikes Back. This wine is all about being young, energetic and... rebellious! It is Walser's playful jab at the trendy white wines of the up-and-coming Swartland region. The white wines of Stellenbosch, which was the original empire of South African wine, have been taking a back seat lately to Swartland. This bottling is Pieter's way of showing that the old guard can produce wines that are just as inspired and revolutionary as the new guys. An incredibly complete wine with great fruit, strong notes of Bosc pear, apricot, lychee, loaded with wet crushed rock, great acid, all on a medium-bodied palate. This is simply the best vintage of this wine we’ve had the pleasure of tasting. 

Tim Atkin : 93 Points

Called The Empire Strikes Back because it's Stellenbosch's response to the Swartland - at least in Pieter Walser's eyes - this is a five-way blend of predominantly Verdelho and Chenin Blanc with lesser amounts of Marsanne, Roussanne and a splash of Viognier. Pithy, stony and layered, it has green apple, citrus and pear fruit and a hint of apricot skin. 2023-29.