Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Made by Hamilton Russell Vineyard and named after a whale that's often found off the coast of Walker Bay, the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc brought up all in tank. Terrific notes of ripe grapefruit, lemon peel, and plenty of citrus emerge from this medium-bodied, vibrant, juicy and undeniably delicious white.
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Wine Enthusiast
This attractive and well-balanced white leads with enticing notes of pressed lemon verbena, just-dried grass and fynbos that are framed by a fruity spine of Meyer lemon, melon rind and white nectarine. Orange-like, citrusy acidity weaves throughout the medium-weight palate, ending with verve and vibrancy. Drink now–2020.
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Wine Spectator
This white shows weight and zip, with a mix of lime and lemon pulp notes intertwined with thyme, honeysuckle and chive accents. Drink now through 2019.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
With an important wine renaissance in full swing, impressive red and white bargains abound in South Africa. The country has a particularly long and rich history with winemaking, especially considering its status as part of the “New World.” In the mid-17th century, the lusciously sweet dessert wines of Constantia were highly prized by the European aristocracy. Since then, the South African wine industry has experienced some setbacks due to the phylloxera infestation of the late 1800s and political difficulties throughout the following century.
Today, however, South Africa is increasingly responsible for high-demand, high-quality wines—a blessing to put the country back on the international wine map. Wine production is mainly situated around Cape Town, where the climate is generally warm to hot. But the Benguela Current from Antarctica provides brisk ocean breezes necessary for steady ripening of grapes. Similarly, cooler, high-elevation vineyard sites throughout South Africa offer similar, favorable growing conditions.
South Africa’s wine zones are divided into region, then smaller districts and finally wards, but the country’s wine styles are differentiated more by grape variety than by region. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is the country’s “signature” grape, responsible for red-fruit-driven, spicy, earthy reds. When Pinotage is blended with other red varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Pinot Noir (all commonly vinified alone as well), it is often labeled as a “Cape Blend.” Chenin Blanc (locally known as “Steen”) dominates white wine production, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc following close behind.