Savage Follow The Line 2024

Savage Follow The Line is made by Duncan Savage of Savage Wines from a 43-year-old dry-farmed bush-vine vineyard in Darling. The vines grow on decomposed granite on a south-facing slope exposed to the cooling south-easterly winds from the cold Atlantic Ocean. This combination of old vines, granitic soils and maritime influence gives the wine its characteristic freshness, aromatic purity and finely textured structure. Savage Wines is known for working with distinctive vineyards across the Western Cape and taking a restrained approach in the cellar. For Follow The Line 2024, the grapes were meticulously sorted before a spontaneous fermentation using 50% whole bunches, followed by around two weeks on the skins. After gentle basket pressing, the wine spent 12 months in older foudre and amphora. The aim is to preserve the purity of the Cinsault and the character of the Darling vineyard rather than overlaying it with prominent oak.

Colour: Bright ruby red with a youthful purple hue.
Nose: Aromatic and expressive, with strawberry, raspberry and red cherry leading into rose petals, violets, lavender and subtle white pepper. Fresh herbs and a gentle earthy, mineral character add complexity.
Palate: Medium-bodied and beautifully textured, with pure red-fruit flavours supported by bright acidity and fine, powdery tannins. The granitic soils give the wine a distinctive freshness and subtle mineral character, while the small proportion of Syrah adds a little extra spice and depth. It has the delicacy associated with Cinsault, but enough structure to make it a serious food wine.
Finish: Long, dry and savoury, with lingering strawberry, cherry, floral and pepper notes.