Waterkloof Sauvignon Blanc 2016

One for the purists.

The Sauvignon Blanc 2016 is probably the best vintage yet from Somerset West property Waterkloof. Grapes from two 19-year-old vineyards farmed according to biodynamic methods, fermentation occurred spontaneously in old 600-litre barrels, this lasting six months before a further three months of maturation on the lees.

There’s nothing obvious about nose or palate. Aromatically, there are subtle notes of lime, white peach, black currant and maybe some straw or dried grass. The palate shows remarkable fruit concentration but also snappy acidity, the finish gently savoury. For all the depth the wine possesses, it equally feels very tightly wound right now, a good while off revealing anything of its true potential. Price: R220 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

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