Cape Point Vineyards Cape Town Noordhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Description

Sauvignon Blanc specialist, Cape Point Vineyards sits among the picturesque hills and valleys in Noordhoek; land that was first discovered by the Portuguese navigator, Bartolomeu Diaz, who was swept past the Cape in a violent storm in 1488. The land was subsequently cultivated by the Dutch who landed at the Cape in 1652. Just over a century later, in 1997, Sybrand van der Spuy planted new vines in the same spot. Following extensive soil and climatic analyses, the first Sauvignon Blanc vines were pushing their roots into the soils of their new home against the south-facing slopes of Constantiaberg Mountain. Thus, Cape Point Vineyards was born. In 1998, the establishment of Cape Point Vineyards also prompted the declaration of the new Cape Point Wine of Origin District and is the only winery in this entire district. Sustainably certified by IPW, this magnificent estate, with proximity to two oceans, inspires Head Winemaker Riandri Visser, who produces stunning Sauvignon Blanc Wines of distinction

The estate is positioned on the narrow Cape Peninsula, where the confluence of sea breezes from the cold Atlantic Ocean, less than one mile away, and the southeasterly breezes from False Bay, create ideal conditions for the slow ripening of grapes. The grapes for this wine come from older, trellised vines grown at the top of the mountain, where the significant influence of the sea breezes keep the vineyards cool, promoting a long, slow ripening period. The breezes, along with good canopy management, help to keep the vines healthy and diseases at bay, reducing the need for treatments. When the winds are strong, they also control the vine’s vigour and encourage a second suckering. This location at the top of the mountain means the vines enjoy longer exposure to sunshine, resulting in rich, fruity elements, which are balanced by fruit from the top blocks that fall in the shadow of the Chapman’s Peak Mountain Range. The topography of the Noordhoek amphitheatre is also influential. It was carved from the Silvermine mountain over time, and as a result the soils of the estate vineyards are rich with decomposed granite, limestone and kaolin, imbuing the wines with their signature mineral quality.

The grapes were fermented with selected yeasts, 97% in stainless steel tanks, while 3% was barrel-fermented imparting delicate complexity. The wine spent eight months on its fine lees in tank, prior to release.

A refreshing coastal style, with aromas of white grapefruit and floral fynbos, through to a palate dancing with elegant layers of fruit, steely minerality and a long, vibrant finish.

The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Noordhoek comes from estate fruit matured in stainless steel, aged on the lees for ten months. There’s green apples, citrus peel and kiwi fruit on the nose, and just a little pyrazines here. The palate certainly has more vigor and tension than the regular Sauvignon Blanc. It’s taut and crisp, very malic, with quite a penetrating finish that cries out for some oysters. Very fine. Neal Martin, Vinous