Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Drinking the newly released 2022 vintage of Sauvignon Blanc from Klein Constantia next to 2021, there is little to choose between them, something that is only borne out when comparing analyses: Alc: 13.69% vs 13.88%, RS: 2.3g/l vs 1.7g/l, TA: 6.3g/ vs 6.4g/l and pH 3.3 vs 3.3 (2022 first and 2021 second).

This wine is an extraordinary feat of viticulture and winemaking: 52 passes through 42 different parcels, 80% spontaneous fermentation, 20% inoculated with non-saccharomyces cerevisiae to enhance complexity and reduce the requirements of sulphur, 10% matured in neutral 500-litre barrels. Total production: 140 000 bottles depending on vintage.

The 2022 is perhaps a little less tightly coiled than the 2021. Lemon, peach, nectarine and a faint herbal note on the nose while the palate has good fruit weight, fresh acidity and a gently pithy quality to the finish. Understated and sophisticated as ever. Price: R185 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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