Journey to The Centre of the Universe Blanc Fumé 2020

Mark Stephens, who has worked widely as a winemaker not only locally but also internationally did not see himself settling in the Overberg let alone adopting unhip Sauvignon Blanc as the variety to launch his own label – his day job is now at Stanford Hills and 2020 is the third vintage of his Journey to The Centre of the Universe Blanc Fumé.

Featuring grapes sourced equally from Sondagskloof, Stanford and a parcel above the Klein River lagoon, winemaking involved spontaneous fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in old oak, sulphur additions kept to a minimum.

The nose shows white peach and cut apple plus overtones of floral perfume and dried herbs while the palate has good fruit definition with bright acidity and a saline finish. Very appealing in its elegance and understatement. Price: R210 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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