FMC Chenin Blanc 2024 (Fucking Marvelous Chenin) Ken Forrester

FMC Chenin Blanc 2024 ("Fucking Marvelous Chenin") from Ken Forrester:

Alcohol percentage & Vinification

The alcohol strength for the 2024 vintage is around 13% ABV , according to retailers like Frontier Fine Wines and Great Wine Co.

Origin & Production

Crafted by Ken Forrester and Shawn Mathyse in Stellenbosch, from an old bush vine plot planted in 1974. In 2024, they harvested over six weeks and 19 separate picks to ensure complexity and nuance.

Fermented naturally in 400L French oak barrels (around 50% new), with up to 12 months of maturation on the lees. Only the very best barrels were selected for bottling.

Flavor Profile & Style

Tasting notes : Rich layers of dried apricot, vanilla and honey , and with age also brioche, spice and tropical fruit like pineapple and candied lemon.

Drinks Direct also describes notes of lemon curd, frangipane, almond and nutmeg , along with a waxy, harmonious palette and a focused structure.

Assessment & Storage

FMC is Ken Forrester's iconic Chenin Blanc – an “icon Chenin” and often referred to as “the pinnacle” of his creations.

Great Wine Co. highlights a young, lively style with fruity nerves and promising development, recommends enjoying it over the next 4–5 years

Perfect Cellar mentions that the wine received 89 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards , with notes of floral elderflower and nice balance between richness and acidity.

Simon Wine Emporium states a residual sugar of approximately 9.2 g/l , which gives a discreet off-dry feeling.

Reactions from wine lovers (reddit):

"Had Ken Forrester The FMC last night at dinner. Totally balanced and an unbelievable recommendation..."
"FMC is the truth. Fuckin' Marvelous Chenin as it's sometimes known."

Conclusion

FMC Chenin Blanc 2024 is a remarkable and well-executed white wine — a flagship for Chenin Blanc with deep complexity, fine layers of aromatics and a structure that offers both pleasure now (with a little aeration) and development over several years. A truly “marvelous” wine that lives up to its name.