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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.

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Latest vintage available online via Port2Port.

  • Soil Table Mountain Sandstone-derived soil

 

  • Alcohol 12.85%
  • Acid 6.80 g/l
  • pH 3.48
  • Residual Sugar 2.60 g/l

 

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

 

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

 

  • Chardonnay – fermented in Terracotta Amphorae and Ceramic Egg for 6 months.

 

  • Yield 10.20 hl/ha, 1.7 t/ha
  • Production 760 cases

 

  • Blend Composition Sauvignon blanc 66%, Chardonnay 16%, Semillon 18%

 

  • Fruit Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 100%

 

  • Vegan Friendly

 

  • Release Date December 2024

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Growing Season

Budding was earlier and more even than for the 2023 vintage, but the Cape Storm of September 24th/25th caused damage which resulted in significantly lower yields. In general, Sauvignon blanc handled the challenges of the growing season well versus other varieties, where high rainfall and untimely rainfall created significant disease pressure.  At 25.05 centigrade for the average maximum temperatures for the 4 “hottest” months (Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar) building up to and during harvest, 2024 was warmer than the particularly cool 2023. Burgundy, for example, for the equivalent period in the Northern Hemisphere has an average of 24.66 centigrade. Harvest finished earlier than 2023 with ripening more variable, requiring careful selection. Our Sauvignon blanc acids were wonderfully high at harvest, although in some parcels the pH was a little higher than 2023. The wines produced have beautiful texture and electricity. There was just not enough of them.