Savage new releases
By Christian Eedes, 15 August 2017
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Duncan Savage, now operating out of the Salt River premises previously owned by Tim Martin of the now defunct Tim Martin Wines, recently released new vintages. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:
Savage White 2016
Wine Cellar price: R235
54% Sauvignon Blanc, 29% Semillon, 17% Chenin Blanc. A wonderfully expressive nose display the merest hint of fresh herbs before lime, naartjie and grapefruit through peach and even a little blackcurrant. The palate displays massive concentration and is almost chewy in texture, the finish long and savoury. Super-powerful yet perfectly proportioned, it keeps coming at you.
Editor’s rating: 94/100.
Savage Red 2016
Wine Cellar price: R260
81% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cinsaut (the 2016 released ahead of the 2015 as Savage feels the latter is currently a bit awkward). The nose is initially quite brooding with notes of earth, cured meat and black olive to go with red and black fruit but opens up to reveal pretty notes of flowers and herbs. The palate displays excellent fruit concentration, moderate acidity and tannins which are none too grippy. Has a certain forcefulness about it despite a relatively modest alcohol of 13.5%.
Editor’s rating: 94/100.
Review of Are We There Yet 2016 and Follow The Line 2016 to follow shortly.
Find our South African wine ratings database here.
Pierre Rabie | 16 August 2017
Both of those wines are truly special, well done Duncan! I remain one of your biggest fans.
Kevin R | 15 August 2017
His Loveboat red 2016 is going to draw some real interest at the guild auction. Think it will herald/prove some new ‘great’ sites in the Western Cape. Loved this Savage Red too and the ‘Are we there yet’ also.