Critics Ratings

2013:
‘Duncan Savage has form when it comes to making white Bordeaux blends (Cape Point’s Isleidh), so it’s no surprise that this is every bit as good as his maiden release. Sauvignon is the dominant partner with 44% Semillon. Stone fruit and grapefruit flavours are complemented by stylish oak integration, with undertones of cardamom and curry powder. The Cape meets Pessac-Léognan. Drink: 2014-20’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2014, 95/100

‘The 2013 White is a blend of 56% Sauvignon Blanc and 44% Semillon, the fruit sourced by Duncan Savage from numerous vineyards around Kaaimansgat for the former and Villiersdorp for the latter. The wine is fermented in 500-liter used oak casks, 25% new, where it ages for 11 months. It has a very refined bouquet with scents of beeswax, honeysuckle, jasmine and touches of praline in the background. The palate is very well balanced with beautifully effervescent orange zest, guava, apricot and honeysuckle notes and a supremely focused, classy finish. Quite simply, this is one of South Africa’s finest white wines - and I am saying that because I've tasted hundreds of them and this comes very near the summit.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Oct 2014)

‘Bright light yellow. Aromas of yellow fruits, orange blossom, nut oil, minerals and vanillin oak. Densely packed, saline and light on its feet; boasts a lovely combination of dusty extract and energy. Subtle leesy richness leavened by striking acidity (6.9 grams per liter). Finishes broad, fresh and long, with a saline complexity. This is the new label of Duncan Savage, winemaker for Cape Point Vineyards.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 91/100 (Apr 2015)

2015:
‘Zesty, herbal and rocky. Dry but powerful with a cedar/sour freshness on the finish that seems more about origin than variety. Ripe pear and quince fruit but bone dry with a rich depth to the texture and terrific length.’ - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Oct 2016)

‘This alluring white displays a mix of shortbread and lemon curd flavors that lean toward the rich side, set against verbena, honeysuckle and wet stone accents that impart brightness and freshness. The long finish knits the two elements together nicely. Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Clairette Blanche and Chenin Blanc.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Feb 2017)

‘Bright, pale yellow with a green tinge. Reticent but complex nose suggests green topical fruits, nuts oils, menthol and a minty topnote. Intensely flavored, dense and penetrating, with lovely brisk acidity giving definition and thrust to the complex, spicy flavors. This wine shows tantalizing complexity and a suggestion of lemon drop sweetness but is not really about fruit today. The long, rising finish is both bracing and thoroughly ripe. Terrific energy and salinity here.’ - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 93/100 (Mar 2017)

2018:
‘No one variety outshines ithers in 2018, Sauvignon, Semillon, Chenin blend, as 2017. Sense of ripe calmesss, textural flow, balanced by focusing savoury acid. More contemplative than arresting. Natural ferment, older oak 10 months.’ – Platter's SA Wine Guide 2021, 4.5* (94/100)

‘Duncan Savage is an old hand at making superb white blends and this medley of mostly Sauvignon Blanc with 30% Semillon and 20% Chenin Blanc is another impressive cuvée. Fermented in older wood with 10% malolactic, it's herbal, textured and refreshing with a leesy, cream mid palate and notes of grapefruit and citrus. 2019-24’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 93/100

‘Exotic, with notes of mango and kiwifruit, underscored by sea salt and elderflower accents. Elegant, expressive and texturally seductive, with vibrant acidity flowing through, bringing out balance and focus. Cardamom details emerge on the long finish. Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Chenin Blanc. Drink now through 2028.’ - Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Apr 2020)

‘The 2018 White is a blend of 54% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Sémillon and 18% Chenin Blanc matured in used 500-liter barrels. It has a lovely bouquet of praline and subtle brioche scents that unfurl seductively in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a saline entry, quite taut and spicy in the middle, and tinged with tangy marmalade on the finish. Enjoy this lovely white from Duncan Savage over the next two decades.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Oct 2019)

Provenance

Producer