Coast to Coast Kudos for Professor Black 2003

Thursday, 12 February, 2004
Cowley Nel & Associates
Warwick’s Sauvignon Blanc finds favour around the globe
The Old versus New world preferences in wine have at least been put aside by Warwick’s Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc 2003. It’s found favour with experienced tasters from ocean to ocean with high scores and tantalising descriptions.

Jane MacQuitty of The Times of London had this to say: ‘Warwick Estate is best known for it’s impressive reds, but I think there should be a stampede for this spookily Sancerresque Sauvignon Blanc. With so much seductive steely, floral, nettly finesse coupled with the pizzaz you would expect from a new world white, this cries out for a bold leafy starter.’

Across the Atlantic, Jams Molesworth the US Wine Spectator awarded the wine 91 points and named it a ‘Smart Buy’ and describing its classic sauvignon blanc characteristics ‘underpinned’ by a minerality that gives it depth and character. ‘Drink now’ they suggest for this wine that is perfect for summer’s days.

In South Africa, Professor Black has made many friends too. Veritas awarded the wine a Double Gold medal, the highest honour; while it gathered a Silver medal at the Michelangelo International Wine Competition in Johannesburg.

This sauvignon blanc was carefully made to preserve all the variety’s naturally fresh characteristics, while at the same time adding complexity through a very slow fermentation and a long period on the lees. For these reasons, this is a wine that is extremely versatile – drinking well now, but with the structure to age for a year or two in the bottle.

The winemaker, Louis Nel, should have the last say: ‘The palate is rich and fruity with well balanced acid, while the aftertaste is long and lingering with enough fruit to make you come back for more.’

Cowley Nel & Associates
Contact: Jeremy Nel
Tel: +27 (0) 21 702-3436
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