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Sandstone

This is an innovative blend that captures the most beautiful possible expression of the sandstone-derived soils in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Free by design of excessively dramatic varietal fruit, the focus of the wine is on bright minerality, salinity and vibrant natural acidity, coated by a full and gentle viscosity derived from wild yeasts, and the method of vinification, not from high alcohol. Nearly three decades of family experience have gone into this blend.

Select Vintage:

Latest vintage available online via Port2Port.

  • Soil Table Mountain Sandstone-derived soil

 

  • Alcohol 12.83%
  • Acid 6.90 g/l
  • pH 3.47
  • Residual Sugar 1.70 g/l

 

  • Fermentation & Maturation  Sauvignon blanc – fermented in Terracotta Amphorae and Ceramic Egg for 6 months.

 

  • Semillon – fermented in Nomblot Egg and neutral oak barrels for 6 months.

 

  • Chardonnay – fermented in Terracotta Amphorae and neutral oak barrels for 6 months.

 

  • Yield 21.10 hl/ha, 3.4 t/ha
  • Production 563 cases

 

  • Blend Composition Sauvignon blanc 67%, Chardonnay 22%, Semillon 11%

 

  • Fruit Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 100%

 

  • Vegan Friendly

 

  • Release Date September 2023
Growing Season

Despite slightly later bud-break for Sauvignon blanc, ripening was just over one week earlier in 2023. Later ripening sites were at risk from significant late February and March rains, but careful in-vineyard selection enabled us to bring only the best grapes to the cellar. At 24.18 centigrade for the average maximum temperatures for the 4 “hottest” months (Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar) building up to and during harvest, 2023 was one of our coolest years on record. Burgundy for the equivalent period has an average of 24.66 Centigrade. For those lucky enough to harvest before the substantial late season rains 2023 produced vibrant energetic wines with wonderful natural acidity.

93 Points - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2024

92 James Suckling, 6 November 2023

This has a pretty nose of honeysuckle, white peaches, lemons and crushed stones. Touch of fennel. Fresh and creamy, with a medium body and nicely chalky texture. Mineral, saline finish. 67% sauvignon blanc, 22% chardonnay and 11% semillon, all grown on sandstone soils.

92 Vinous, September 2023

The nose has attractive purity with lemon rind, orange pith and light leesy aromas. There is good complexity here. The palate is very well-balanced, with a fine, acidic spine. Good tension gently builds in the mouth with a very subtle lemongrass, wild peach-tinged finish lingering in the mouth. This is a very satisfying white blend.

Henry Jeffreys, Drinking Culture, UK, August 2024

"How to describe the taste? Well it’s zingy fresh initially, like a Sancerre, perhaps, but not at all grassy, but then it’s followed by an unmistakable weight in the mouth, like a Burgundy, but it’s not oaked. It's a subtle wine that I defy you not to go ‘mmmm’ when taking a sip. I can think of no higher compliment."