One of the most anticipated releases of the year is here, and the wines are nothing short of inspiring. Duncan’s pursuit of purity and vinosity shines through and, in our opinion, the Savage White 2024 is the best he’s ever made.
A wine of power and precision, the 2024 White is a classic Sauv-Sem blend. It shows blackcurrant notes and a saline undertow, with white florals, river pebbles and bright apricots. The palate is long, ever so slightly grippy, and the Sémillon comes in at the back, adding breadth and depth.
From a Cinsault vineyard in Darling, the Follow the Line has serious structure in 2024 and we’re loving it. This release is brimming with crushed roses, lavender, spice and Turkish delight, and the texture offers an added layer of complexity. A must for any cellar.
Duncan is chuffed that he gets to produce a wine from vineyards in Kuils River. Technically from within the Polkadraai ward, the Red 2023 (100% Syrah) will age beautifully. We relished a bottle of the 2013 over dinner and it was superb! The 2023 is serious, layered and maintains those white pepper aromatics.
These special wines are made for the long haul – if you can resist. With their increased scarcity and incredible quality-to-price ratio, tuck in while you can.
Tasting Notes:
‘71% Sauvignon Blanc, 29% Semillon from Stellenbosch, the Overberg and Villiersdorp. Matured for 12 months in 500-litre barrels (20% new) and concrete eggs before a further two months in stainless steel. Arresting aromatics of white peach, blue and black berries plus a pronounced but not unpleasant flinty reduction. The palate is harmonious without being too clean or overtly fruity – dense, textural, high in acidity with a savoury finish. A dramatic wine. Alc: 14%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
‘94% Cinsault, 6% Syrah from Darling. 50% whole-bunch fermentation; matured for 12 months in foudre and amphora. Heady aromatics of strawberry, raspberry, rose, herbs and white pepper. The palate is vinous – not too light or facile – with pure fruit, bright acidity and powdery tannins, the finish long and dry. Already quite open and accessible. Alc: 13.1%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
‘From decomposed granite in Kuils River. 50% whole-bunch fermentation; matured for 13 months in old 500-litre barrels. Pretty aromatics of red berries, rose, fynbos and white pepper. The palate is light-bodied yet elegant, with lovely fruit expression, snappy acidity and powdery tannins. Alc: 13.4%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
