Savage White 2019

95+ points, “The unmistakable hallmark brilliance again shines with an outstanding balance and harmony. At once fresh, bright and supremely pure fruited, the 2019 Savage White is all about textural finesse, seamless equilibrium and pinpoint precision.” – Greg Sherwood MW

The Savage White 2019 is crafted using Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Chenin Blanc sourced from Kaaimansgat, Villiersdorp, Piekenierskloof and Stellenbosch. Fermented slowly and then aged for 10 months in old French oak barrels and up-to-the-minute concrete eggs, it’s captivating stuff. Exploding from the glass with a taut, mineral smokiness that suggests a campfire whipped by ocean winds on a beach, it’s hard not to draw comparison with the incredible wines of Pouilly-Fumé. It tastes like Granny Smith apples, underripe peach, creamy lemon meringue pie, grapefruit, pineapple sorbet, apricots, passionfruit, dried herbs, dusty pebbles… oh, we could wax lyrical for hours. But if we do that for too long, it will probably have all been snapped up by Savage Wines’ adoring fans. So, we’ll just conclude that this should not be missed.

Having spent 11 years working at Cape Point Vineyards, a five-star-rated winery according to Platter’s Wine Guide, and having thoroughly mastered maritime and high-altitude winemaking, Duncan Savage fulfilled his dream of creating his very own wines when he released his maiden 2011 Red and 2012 White. The quality of those wines rocketed this young talent into the spotlight, and they’ve been a favourite at Harvey Nichols ever since. After moving into a new urban winery in Salt River, Cape Town, the strength of Savage Wines range has soared, and these cult South African wines often sell out on release.