Description
As Spring emerges, we have selected three delicious, mouthwatering Sauvignons to enjoy in this sunnier weather. They are all sourced from old vines with low yields. Each wine displays delightfully different characteristics of the grape variety created by the different terroirs. From the restrained, grassy, characteristics of False Bay’s coastal vineyards in South Africa – to the zingy, exotic herbaceous fruit of Heaphy’s old vines in Nelson, New Zealand – to the Sancerre-like style of Pré Baron’s old vines in the Loire.
We are offering a Mixed Half Dozen of 2 bottles of each of:
False Bay Windswept Sauvignon Blanc 2024
WO Coastal Region, Stellenbosch
False Bay Windswept Sauvignon Blanc stems from vineyards in Stellenbosch, some of which are a mere 3 miles from The Atlantic Ocean. These vineyards allow for low yields, slower ripening, natural acidity and a greater concentration of flavours. Grapes are hand harvested, then a portion of the juice is fermented spontaneously with wild yeast and the rest is inoculated with cultured yeast. The wine spends a minimum of six months on the lees before bottling.
The nose is fresh and zesty with grassy and dry bay-leaf aromatics, mineral notes and a hint of honey. This is a restrained style of Sauvignon Blanc with a palate of ripe peachy, subtle leafiness and mineral notes. It finishes with crispy green apple fruit and gentle acidity.
Heaphy Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Nelson, New Zealand
In the north-west corner of New Zealand’s South Island, is the Nelson Tasman region. The Heaphy winery is situated high above Tasman Bay on the Moutere. There are 10 hectares, first planted in 1973 in Moutere’s signature clay soil. The vines are amongst the very oldest productive vineyards in New Zealand. The fruit was vinified in stainless steel tanks before being resting on fine lees for eight months prior to a mild filtration and bottling.
There is a mouthwatering herbaceous nose of tomato leaf and sugar-snap peas. The fruit has the characteristic Nelson green freshness of just-ripe kiwi, green figs and lime zest. It’s lively with a juicy texture, that is a nice counterfoil for all that raciness. Perfect with scallops or chilli prawn linguine. Vegan.
Domaine Pré Baron Sauvignon Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2023
AOP Touraine
This lovely Sancerre look-alike is hand-picked from carefully selected fruit from the best parcels of 35-year-old vines, grown on gentle south-facing slopes with sandy gravel soils. About 25% of the harvest is macerated on the skins. This is followed a slow fermentation at 18°C for three weeks in stainless steel vats. There is no malolactic fermentation. The wine is then matured on fine lees to enhance both the flavour and texture of the wine.
The nose is heady and herbaceous. On the palate there is great concentration with a rich texture. Coming from the very sunny 2023 vintage it is almost New World in style, with ripe passionfruit mingling with gooseberry flavours and a long mineral finish.
