Savage Red Western Cape 2022

Description

Duncan Savage, previously the winemaker at Cape Point Vineyards, introduced his own label in 2011 with a goal to produce rock-solid, classic and elegant wines. Through his time at Cape Point, Duncan grew to understand maritime vineyards, which led him to source grapes for Savage wines from maritime and high altitude sites around the Western Cape. These small, hand-selected parcels receive a lot of love and attention throughout the growing season. Each vineyard’s unique terroir contributes in its own special way to the blends. Savage wines are inspired by the great older reds from South Africa and abroad that have stood the test of time, and are made with gentle extraction, minimal intervention, and moderate alcohol.

94 points

The 2022 Red Blend comes from the usual block in Polkadraai on a granitic belt in a wind-exposed site that Savage looks for. Unlike other cuvées, it spends two years aging—the rst in old 500-liter barrels and the second in oval foudres and conical tanks. This has a wonderful bouquet with expressive brambly red fruit and light tertiary scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a pliant entry. Liberally sprinkled with white pepper and fennel toward the nish, this is very ne, very sophisticated and very harmonious. Neal Martin, Vinous