Shannon Capall Bán 2018

Shannon Vineyards makes Capall Ban in Elgin, the cool, high ward on the Western Cape south coast, from a Bordeaux pairing of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Elgin is cooled by mountain mist and cold air off the Atlantic, and the long, slow ripening it brings gives white wines their aromatic detail and firm acidity. The soils are weathered shale, poor and free-draining, which curbs vigour and concentrates the fruit. Semillon brings weight, waxy texture and ageing potential, while Sauvignon Blanc adds lift and green, citrus aromatics. The wine spends nine months on its lees in barrel, where the lees contact releases mannoproteins that build a broader, creamier texture and the barrel adds a light toast and slow oxygen exchange. This is the classic white Bordeaux method applied to a cool African site. The wine is pale gold, with a nose of ripe peach and walnut over lemongrass, ripe citrus, ginger and lime blossom, closing on a subtle toasted echo. The palate is textured and dry, with real length and a saline lift. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a large glass.