Almenkerk Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Almenkerk Wine Estate lies high in the cool-climate Elgin Valley, one of South Africa's most reliable regions for Sauvignon Blanc. Elevated vineyards, frequent cloud cover, and cooling ocean influences from the nearby Atlantic slow ripening, preserving acidity and building aromatic detail. Owned by the van Almenkerk family, the estate focuses on single-vineyard expression and careful, hands-on farming. The Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a wind-exposed, gravelly block, encouraging low vigour and concentrated fruit. In the cellar, the approach is deliberate: a mix of tank and barrel fermentation (including a portion of wild ferment), followed by extended lees ageing to build texture without losing freshness. This results in a style that sits between classic crisp Sauvignon and a more layered, gastronomic expression. Colour: Pale straw with a bright, youthful green tint. Nose: Gooseberry and citrus lead, followed by grapefruit zest and blackcurrant leaf. Subtle floral notes of elderflower and hints of oyster shell and wet stone add complexity. Palate: Medium-bodied with a rounded texture from lees ageing. Flavours of lime, white peach and tropical fruit sit alongside a firm mineral core. The acidity is natural and persistent, giving the wine both freshness and structure rather than sharpness. Finish: Long and mouth-watering, with a slightly pithy citrus edge and a saline, mineral lift.