Reyneke Biodynamic Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Reyneke is a leading biodynamic estate in Stellenbosch, in South Africa's Coastal Region, run by Johan Reyneke, an early pioneer of organic and biodynamic farming in the country. This Estate Sauvignon Blanc is grown without synthetic chemicals on cool coastal sites, where sea air moderates the ripening and holds the grape's natural acidity and green, herbaceous aromatics. Rather than the tank-fermented style usual for Sauvignon Blanc, this wine spends nine months in barrel on its lees. The wood is used for texture rather than flavour, and the extended lees contact softens the sharp edges, builds a broader, rounder palate and adds a savoury, faintly nutty depth while keeping the varietal cut intact. The colour is pale straw with a green tint. The nose is bright and slightly exotic, with lime, green apple and elderflower over white flowers, and a subtle blackcurrant-leaf note true to the grape. The palate is dry and fresh, the barrel and lees giving it weight and a fine texture, with a mineral, saline finish. It is more structured than most Sauvignon Blanc and drinks well with food. Serve at 10 to 12C.