Helderberg Winery, Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2020

The nose is fresh and very inviting with its complex aromas of apple, lime and greengage, and subtle whiffs of lemon verbena and elderflower. The palate shows more tropical fruit and interesting flavours reminiscent of a Thai green papaya salad, with fresh pineapple and gooseberry hints. The mid-palate is round and smooth with a refreshingly tangy, yet integrated, acidity. Hints of lemongrass, passion fruit and apple blossom linger on a fresh, clean and zesty finish.

Although we were still faced with the challenges of the ongoing drought during the 2018/2019 growing season, Helderberg were not as badly affected as other growing areas in the Stellenbosch district. The limited supply of irrigation water however urged us to manage the irrigation schedules effectively. Proximity to the ocean alleviated the dry conditions somewhat and contributed to the essential Sauvignon aromatics clearly portrayed in this wine. Our small berries were picked at optimum ripeness to ensure concentrated flavours. Fermentation took place in stainless steel at low temperatures and reductive practices were followed to produce a wine that is naturally well balanced, retaining as much of the varietal character as possible, without a distinct methoxypyrazine profile. The grapes were mostly sourced from cooler blocks on the Helderberg mountains. A careful selection was made to create a blend with delicate, yet intense, flavour and vibrancy.

• Alcohol: 13.21% vol
• RS: 1.7 g/l
• TA: 6.30 g/l
• pH: 3.44
• W.O. Stellenbosch