2022 Arbor Novae Chenin Blanc

Chenin blanc deserves its ranking as one of the great whites from Margaret River when done well. This is particularly smart. Dried wildflowers, quince and barely ripe pears, Japanese pickled ginger and whiffs of red shiso. Ah, but the palate. Racy, tangy and juicy yet with plenty of texture. The finish tears away and all that’s left is an empty glass.

You’ve got to love a wine that not only tastes superb but does its bit for the planet. For each bottle of Howard Park’s Arbor Novae Chenin Blanc sold, $1.50 will go to Carbon Positive Australia to support tree planting and landscape restoration. Arbor novae – “new trees” in Latin – is a showcase for one of Margaret River’s great white secrets, Chenin Blanc. A lovely, expressive wine, it makes you wonder why we don’t see more Margs Chenin made. Creates an immediate strong first impression with the scent of deep honeysuckle, citrus, lemon curd and spiced apple rising from the glass. Nails the balance of Chenin’s almost opulent mouthfeel and clean Chenin flavours against a background of bright acid drive. Really drills home the grape’s strengths, its honeyed melon, citrus intensity, green apple pucker, all wrapped in nutty oak. A big, warm hug of a wine.

The 2022 Arbor Novae Chenin Blanc leads aromatically with beeswax and cheesecloth, lanolin and white flowers. There is apricot and apples and orchard fruit galore on the nose; likely, this expressiveness is a product of the warm year, and it’s a pleasure to see in a Chenin so young. It is texturally waxy, with layers of Bosc pear and sugared pastry. Lovely wine.

Chenin blanc shines in Margaret River. This texturally waxy white comes from the well-established Howard Park stables. Arbor Novae means ‘new trees’ in Latin as proceeds from this range will support local tree planting and landscape restoration. So you can feel extra good about yourself for buying this lovely white.

Spicy oak tones mix with nougat, honey and golden delicious apples. The palate is alive with intensity and piquant phenolics. This needs time to flesh out and add layers to its youthful frame. It’s loaded with promise.