2006 Silverthorn The Green Man Blanc de Blancs Brut 88+ Points

2006 Silverthorn The Green Man Blanc de Blancs Brut 88+ Points

The latest release ( August 2008) shows a vintage label as well as a Wine of Origin Constantia, www.constantiavalley.com

This is made in absolutely tiny quantities +/- 3500 bottles, which I consider as one of the avant garde of bottle fermented or method traditionelle sparkling wine in South Africa.

John Loubser works very traditionally, giving the wine roughly 20 months bottle age on the lees before disgorgement. He also ferments a small proportion of the base wine in barrel, to give a bit of structure.

Fresher and more complex than in previous vintages, minerally driven, light, very fresh on the palate, with profusion of green limes notes. A small proportion of the base wine was wooded, to give weight to an intense crisp structure.

The bubbles are consistent and fine, overall very elegant with very good length well done.

Exceptionally good value by world standard. Buy by the case loads, if you can get hold of.

Great as an aperitif over the festive season, or if you have a proper cellaring facilities, keep it until 2016, for a richer more textured and complex Méthode Cap Classique, enjoy.

Miguel Chan