Wine Origin

Stellenbosch South Africa.

Grape Varietal

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Guide

The intrinsic Sauvignon Blanc characteristics of tropical fruits, melon and gooseberry, with underlying tones of pineapple and passion fruit sustained on a fresh, crisp and well-balanced palate with prodigious length.

Introduction

The Rustenberg Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc is grown at some of the highest altitudes that vineyards are grown at in the Stellenbosch region; just over 550m above sea level, right against the Simonsberg Mountain. The cooling effect of altitude and the oceanic breeze blowing off False Bay and Table Bay which are both within line of sight of the vineyards, combined with the vineyards being planted on West facing slopes make this ideal for the production of a full flavoured, more tropical styled Sauvignon Blanc. Made without the influence of oak the wines are aged on their lees for further palate weight and complexity to balance out the wines' natural acidity.

Vintage

This vintage was impacted by the fourth year of the ongoing drought in the region. The 2017 Winter was cold and dry, followed by a dry Spring and Summer, with bouts of unusual weather. A number of thunder storms resulted in a late onset of additional vigour in the vineyards. Unsettled weather and wind during flowering, along with a freak hail storm and low levels of soil moisture decreased yields by 20% to 50%. The harvest began closer to its average start date and the smaller berries and bunches yielded lower juice volumes per ton. The lower yields resulted in the wines showing excellent concentration and body, producing rich, robust reds and fruit forward, expressive whites and rosé.

Awards

Silver Award Outstanding Medal International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018

Silver Medal Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2018

Top 10 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 2018