Saxenburg new releases

Dirk van Zyl, previously assistant winemaker at De Morgenzon and before that, part of the Kleine Zalze team, joined Saxenburg in late-2019. What will his tenure at this well-established Polkadraai property bring? A tasting of three new releases as made by him indicate a generally steady start:

Saxenburg Private Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Price: R125
The nose shows top notes of flowers and fresh herbs before green melon and granadilla. The palate meanwhile has good fruit definition and is pleasantly creamy in texture with nicely integrated acidity. Finishes long and dry. Textbook stuff.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Saxenburg Limited Edition Sauvignon Blanc  Semillon 2020
Price: R185
68% Sauvignon Blanc and 32% Semillon. Fermented and matured for 10 months in old oak. The nose is particular with smoky reduction before overt cut grass, dried herbs and nettles sitting above lemon, white peach and naartjie as well as some vanilla. The palate has quite nice weight but appears a bit dilute and listless. Rather old school in style.

CE’s rating: 88/100.

Saxenburg Winemaker’s Blend 2020
Price: R185
Exclusive to wine club members. 51% Chenin Blanc, 30% Chardonnay, 14% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Blanc. All components fermented and matured in old oak except for the Sauvignon which was tank-fermented. Citrus, stone fruit, fresh herbs and spice on the nose. Rich and round on the palate, zesty acidity lending verve, the finish nicely dry. An intriguing wine that shows both balance and complexity.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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