Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

"A return to our roots," is how Duncan Savage describes the most recent release of his signature white blend, which has dispensed with Chenin Blanc to focus on Sauvignon Blanc with 24% Semillon for the first time since 2014. Pithy, taut and grapefruity with subtle wood, a hint of bitterness, a herbal lift and the focus and concentration to age.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 93/100

'76% Sauvingon Blanc and 24% Semillon (the first vintage since 2014 to exclude Chenin Blanc) from Kaaimansgat, Villiersdorp and Stellenbosch. Matured for 10 months in old 500-litre barrels. Expressive aromatics of naartjie, peach, blackcurrant and just a touch of granadilla and pineapple. The palate is rich and dense (alcohol is 14%) with well-integrated acidity. Polished, plush and poised.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100 (Aug 2021)

'It’s been in the pipeline for a long time and now with the 2020 Savage white blend, Duncan Savage has returned to his roots to create a traditional blend of Sauvignon Blanc (76%) and Semillon (24%) with all minority portions of either Chenin Blanc or Clairette Blanche now removed. Sourced from trellised and bush vine vineyards across the Western Cape, the grapes were whole bunch pressed before undergoing spontaneous wild fermentation. With the high Sauvignon Blanc component, the aromatics show a pronounced spicy, herby, savoury tinged array of waxy green apples, white citrus, clementine, honied chamomile and root fennel with subtle hints of dried fynbos and lanolin. The palate is masterfully rich and broad, coating all corners of the palate with intense, crystalline notes of spicy yellow grapefruit, freshly squeezed tangerines and white peach cordial notes. The acids are intense but wonderfully tangy adding to a real sense of textural harmony and mineral complexity. A very complete wine that races out the blocks and will undoubtedly give plenty of drinking pleasure immediately on release. Drink now and over the next 4 to 6+ years.' – Greg Sherwood MW, 94/100 (Aug 2021)