Paul Cluver Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Paul Cluver farms this white in Elgin, a cool, high and coastal district of the Western Cape South Coast in South Africa. The fruit comes from plots aged between 14 and 25 years on predominantly Bokkeveld shale soils, on south and south east facing slopes at 280 to 480 metres above sea level. Every part of that site keeps the wine fresh: the altitude and the cool sea air slow ripening and hold acidity, the shaded aspects protect the grapes from the harshest sun, and the shale gives a stony, mineral line. The grapes ferment in contact with their skins, which draws more aroma and flavour from the skins and, by binding some of the acidity, softens the wine slightly without losing its cut. Semillon rounds out the leaner Sauvignon, and ageing on the lees adds texture. The colour is pale with green glints. The nose shows elderflower, lemon, green apple and citrus peel with a grassy, herbal lift. The palate is dry and taut, the acidity bright, the finish mineral and long. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees.