Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality regional South African wines. Located in illustrious and picturesque Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s premier wine regions, Ken Forrester is a bit of a legend. You might even say that Ken Forrester’s wines have become regarded as iconic. I would probably agree with that. No more so than possibly his most special and iconic of wines – The FMC Chenin Blanc, which is no ‘ordinary’ South African white wine.

As part of the ‘Icon Range’ and the ‘Old Vines Project’, Ken Forrester has single parcel vines, where an older, special vineyard like a small postage stamp on the map, produces exceptional fruit and extremely low yields and here we attempt to make a statement of purity, intensity, complex concentration of fruit and elegant balance. Destined to be limited by provenance and finally after barrel aging we only select the very best individual barrels to go into bottle, ensuring a unique superlative wine, justifiably the pinnacle of our efforts.

The FMC is considered the pinnacle of the finest expression of the grapes of this varietal – an icon Chenin Blanc, a challenge to the world! Hand selected Chenin Blanc primarily from low yielding, old bush vines (planted in 1974). Harvested at full maturity. Natural wild yeast fermentation in new French oak 400 litre barrels. Due to repetitive harvesting some botrytis is always present. Maturation on the lees total of 12 months in the barrel.

Ken Forrester’s flagship FMC, the pinnacle of Chenin Blanc mastery. Luxurious layers of pineapple, candied lemon, apricot, ginger, and vanilla. Hints of honey, spice, and crème brûlée with elegant oak and refreshing vibrancy. Youthful exuberance and complexity, evolving beautifully over four to five years. Will gain additional complexity with cellaring.

Best enjoyed served chilled especially when you wish to push the boat out for special occasions and celebrations and always in a convivial atmosphere.