Savage new releases

At the outset of a pre-release tasting of his 2025 wines, Duncan Savage observes, “The market’s tight. I’m so happy I didn’t follow the trend to go aspirational R1,000 a bottle.” He goes on to describe 2025 as “a vintage where the stars aligned”, and the wines bear this out: Savage’s range has always been strong, but the 2025s deliver an exceptional amount of quality for the money.

Savage White 2025
Price: R435

71% Sauvignon blanc, 29% Semillon from the Overberg, Stellenbosch and Villiersdorp. Matured for 11 months in 500-litre barrels (20% new) and concrete eggs. Exotic aromatics of nectarine, peach, apricot and blackcurrant, with a subtle leafy note. Dense fruit meets tangy acidity, finishing savoury. Open and creamy in texture, this is a particularly generous rendition of this wine (full MLF). Alc: 13.54%. Alc: 13.54%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Luxurious

Never Been Asked to Dance 2025
Price: R435

Chenin Blanc from a Paarl vineyard planted in 1956. Fermented and matured for 10 months in old 600-litre barrels. Aromas of hay, herbs, citrus and peach, with a hint of reduction. Great purity and punchy acidity lead to a deeply savoury, umami-like finish. Dense yet vital, with excellent definition – lean but not mean, tightly wound and beautifully focused. Alc: 13.2%.

CE’s rating: 97 | Serious

Follow The Line 2025
Price: R435

93% Cinsault, 7% Syrah from Darling. 50% whole-bunch fermentation; matured for 12 months in foudre and amphora. Alluring aromatics of red and black berries, fynbos, pepper and the merest hint of rose. Lean and taut, ultra-dry, the wine narrowing to a precise point. The acidity is beautifully integrated, lending the wine energy. Pure and precise. Alc: 12.7%.

CE’s rating: 96 | Classic

Thief In The Night 2025
Price: R435

From Piekenierskloof Grenache. Includes 4% Cinsault. 10% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 10 months in concrete eggs and older 500-litre barrels. The nose is understated but compelling – flinty reduction before strawberry, fynbos and pepper. Pure and fresh and crunchy, fine-grained tannins nevertheless providing plenty of grip, the finish long and dry. Has weight and texture without being overblown. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 96 | Classic

Girl Next Door 2025
Price: R535

Syrah from two Cape Peninsula vineyards, one in Fish Hoek and the other in Noordhoek. Matured for 10 months older 500-litre barrels. A touch of reduction giving way to fynbos, flowers, red and black berries and a subtle note of pepper. The palate is vivid and pure, with expressive fruit, bright acidity and powdery tannins. Excellent structure – well-built but never imposing – and a long, dry finish. Light on its feet and exceptionally elegant. Alc: 13.4%.

CE’s rating: 97 | Distinctive

Are We There Yet? 2025
Price: R435

56% Touriga Nacional, 44% Syrah, 10% of the latter fermented whole-bunch. Exotic aromatics of red and black berries, flowers, herbs, earth and spice. The palate is rich and luscious with bright acidity and chewy, nicely grippy tannins. Muscular but controlled. Alc: 13.4%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Luxurious

Savage Red 2024
Price: R435

Syrah from Kuils River and Polkadraai. 15% fermented as submerged cap. Matured in old 500-litre barrels for 13 months before a further 10 months in foudre. Gorgeous aromatics with pronounced fynbos preceding red berries, rose, cinnamon and pepper. Lovely fruit expression, bright acidity and powdery tannins, the finish long and dry but not at all astringent. Seamless, not too lean nor stemmy. So coherent from entry through mid-palate to finish. Alc: 13.7%.

CE’s rating: 97 | Classic

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