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SANDSTONE

This small production of Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon is the result of many years of research into the best possible expression of the quartzitic sandstone derived soils and our cool, maritime expression. Complexity and character are built through fermentation and ageing in ceramic eggs and amphorae, and carefully blended. The goal is to produce an appellation and soil driven wine with marked classical styling.

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Latest vintage available online via Port2Port.

  • Soil Table Mountain Sandstone-derived soil

 

  • Alcohol 13.50%
  • Acid 6.18 g/l
  • pH 3.39
  • Residual Sugar 1.66 g/l

 

  • Maturation  Chardonnay – fermented in Manetti amphorae, Semillon – neutral barrel fermented, both aged for 5 months, sauvignon blanc fermented in Manetti amphorae and neutral barrels

 

  • Yield 24.80 hl/ha, 3.8 t/ha
  • Production 301 cases

 

  • Blend Composition Sauvignon blanc 49%, Chardonnay 25%, Semillon 26%

 

  • Fruit Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 100%

 

  • Vegan Friendly

 

  • Release Date September 2019

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Growing Season

Exceptional quality and record low yields characterise 2019. Sauvignon blanc yields were 52% down and Pinotage yields were 65% down. And the Sauvignon blanc ripened a little unevenly and unusually early. The Pinotage was particularly concentrated without being too dense or heavy. The Sauvignon blanc has a beautiful vinosity and saline minerality and true to Ashbourne is not too fruit-driven. Our Semillon performed unusually well with yields up 36%. Once again it shows a tight mineral centre with viscous edges. Overall the vintage was a cooler than 2017 and even 2018, with an average maximum temperature for Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar of 24.5 Centigrade (versus an equivalent long term average for Burgundy of 24.8 Centigrade). Rainfall was lower than average for Spring and during harvest, but occurred in frequent small amounts causing sustained high humidity. Fortunately our organic treatments proved highly effective against the resulting downy and powdery mildew threat. And the day after harvest finished, the serious rains began – some luck at least! We had the highest March rainfall in 21 years. Record low production and some challenges, but the 2019’s have a deep, concentrated, refined beauty.

 

 

WWF Conservation Champions

92 Points, Tim Atkin MW

"Salty, complex and nuanced, with grapefruit and lanolin notes and some underlying tannic grip."

Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, April 2021

"…… the energetic mouthfeel is food-friendly with bright acidity, hinting at sensations of dusty citrus blossom and ending with a crisp, clean finish that lingers with persistence. Nicely done.”

Miguel Chan, Tsogo Sun, July 27th 2021

"Amongst the world's finest white blends, perfect synchroinization of Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon, without any one of the variety dominates, incredibly pure, vibrant and chiselled acidity, beaming with energy."