Made
in an elegantly restrained, edgy style with a strong mineral core, the limited
release Waterkloof Sauvignon Blanc is produced only in exceptional vintages and
ages gracefully over a number of years. The previous release stems from the
2010 vintage which is a clear indication of the selective manner in which this
poised gem is crafted.
Waterkloof’s
prime location on the undulating slopes of the Scapenberg – stretching up to 300 meters above sea level and
descending to a mere four kilometres from the coastline – is ideally suited to its signature varietal. The estate’s
amphitheatre of bio-dynamically farmed vineyards is heavily influenced by cool
sea breezes and ideal soil conditions which allow for slower and longer
ripening periods, which lend a high natural acidity and remarkable concentrated
flavours in the grapes.
The
Waterkloof Sauvignon Blanc 2012, which epitomises the estate’s goal in
classical refinement, stems from select, single vineyard 17-year old vines on
the windswept crest of the Schapenberg.
There
the blustering South Easter and North Wester ensure that just a very small crop
of only the finest grapes are produced for this cellar pride with flavours
intensified to a flinty, mineral character.
In
its quest of producing wines of vitality, which have a truly defining sense of
origin, Waterkloof firmly believes in minimal intervention winemaking. Not just
in the vineyards which are grown organically without chemical pesticides and
fertilisers and where
healthy vines are produced using the forces of nature which are ever changing
and totally unpredictable, but also in the expertly
designed cellar where naturally present wild yeast fermentation has carte
blanche. They also rely on whole bunch pressing to extract the best juices in
the gentlest way.
True to the
estate’s slow wine mantra, the Waterkloof Sauvignon Blanc 2012 was in no rush
to finish fermentation and the wine spent more than a year in old oak before it
was ready for botteling.
The slow
natural fermentation added complexity, texture and weight to the palate with notes of citrus and fynbos and green pepper, complementing
a fine, mineral core. Balanced acidity adds freshness and focus to this wine,
ending with an impressive long finish.
The wine’s
pure intensity allows for a more diverse flavour profile making it an
exceptional food wine that will age well and a superior choice of leading
restaurateurs.
The
Waterkloof Sauvignon Blanc 2012 tastes sublime with fresh crayfish on the coals
or creamy seafood pasta. This wine is exclusive to the Waterkloof Restaurant
and only if you are a Waterkloof Wine Club member, can you buy this exclusive
wine at R155 per bottle.
For more information or to
become a Waterkloof Wine Club member contact Waterkloof Estate
Tel: 021 858 1292, email: sonja@waterkloofwines.co.za
or visit www.waterkloofwines.co.za.