David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Is there a price ceiling for local Sauvignon Blanc? Seemingly not if grapes are sourced from windswept Elim and winemaking deviates from the standard inoculated ferment in tank, the 2022 vintage of Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc from David Nieuwoudt of Cederberg fame selling for R310 a bottle.

Winemaking involves spontaneous fermentation in 400-litre barrels of which 13% were new, before maturation lasting 10 months. The nose shows some flinty reduction alongside hay, fynbos and sea-breeze plus peach, citrus, some leesy character and spice. The palate, meanwhile, has nice weight and texture but remains direct thanks to vibrant acidity, the finish long and saline. A compelling argument that Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t always have to be facile and well worth the money.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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