New vintage Circumstance
Sauvignon Blanc heralds new cellar talent
Waterkloof, the conservation-minded wine estate perched high on
the slopes of the Schapenberg in the Helderberg Winelands, has released the
2013 Sauvignon Blanc vintage under its acclaimed Circumstance label – the
maiden pride ofnew Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard.
“The wine expresses a steely elegance and great balance which is
the result of a healthy vine, farmed traditionally without the use of chemicals
to ensure life in the soil just as Mother Nature intended,” shares
Nadia who expresses a real love for Waterkloof’s natural winemaking
process and commitment to sustainable wine farming ethics.
At Waterkloof there is minimal interference, not just in the
vineyards which are grown organically without conventional pesticides and
fertilisers, but also in the expertly designed, gravitational cellar where
naturally present wild yeast fermentation has carte blanche. Nadia and her team
also rely on whole-bunch pressing to extract the best juices in the gentlest
way.
Her first Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc attempt is defined by
fortuitous circumstances of soil, altitude and the particular micro-climate of
the vineyard, whilst it carries an elegant mineral core and a range of complex
flavours, along with great persistence.
Waterkloof’s terroir is heavily influenced by cool sea breezes
and ideal soil conditions which allow for slow and longer ripening
periods, lending a high natural acidity and remarkably concentrated
flavours in the grapes. These cool climatic conditions are especially
beneficial to the quality and taste profile of the estate’s Sauvignon blanc –
Waterkloof’s signature varietal.
The Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc 2013 which stems from
high-altitude vineyard blocks on the south-west facing, low yielding
slopes of the Schapenberg, exudes lovely minerality with dominant flavours of
stone fruit and fennel on the nose. Exhibiting sophisticated complexity,
its rich palate is balanced by firm acidity and a tight mineral finish.
The Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc 2013 is a stellar summer sip to
enjoy slightly chilled on its own or served with a simple crab dish or a
seafood salad.
