Even The (Scratch & Sniff) Bottle Smells Good – Bellingham Citrus Grove Chenin Blanc

100% Chenin Blanc from Western Cape, South Africa.

SRP of $12 and available for as low as $10. Sample submitted for review. Imported by Cape Wine Ventures. Available at Whole Foods or see a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

From the bottle:

“A riveting white wine bursting with punchy citrus fruit flavours of orange and tangerine, a tropical twist of melon and pineapple finishing with a surge of key lime freshness and juicy clementines. Best enjoyed well chilled with or without food. Enjoy it with sushi, Thai chicken wraps, Caesar salads or crumbed calamari.

13.5% Alcohol”

Yes, you read that right…this wine actually has a scratch and sniff back label:

Is it really representative of the scent of the wine? Not especially as it’s too one dimensional but it does give you an idea of it and I certainly give them credit for being creative.

The 2013 Bellingham Citrus Grove Chenin Blanc begins with fresh, pleasant aromas of citrus, tangerine, melon and tropical fruit. Tasting shows lots of delicious juicy fruit just like the nose, with an added bit of spice. The wine also has a nice lively acidity and a smooth, easy to drink texture. On the finish the juicy fruit lingers for quite a long time and there’s even a bit of a mineral streak. While the scratch the sniff label is a nice touch, for maximum enjoyment I recommend you drink the wine.

Available at Whole Foods or see a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.