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Downes Family Sauvignon Blanc 2020
88 points Wine Advocate
90 Pts John Platter
Technical Notes
Enter a refreshing odyssey of flavor with Downes Family Sauvignon Blanc 2020, a wine that encapsulates the energetic spirit and sublime terroir of South Africa’s iconic wine regions. With this bottle, you engage with a legacy of wine crafting, experiencing a blend of tradition, passion, and the unique taste of South African vineyards.
Located in the Western Cape’s picturesque valleys, the Downes Family vineyards thrive under a benevolent sun and the cooling influence of nearby oceans. This perfect amalgamation of conditions gifts our Sauvignon Blanc grapes with the vibrant flavors and aromas that define this captivating bottle.
The Downes Family Sauvignon Blanc 2020 is a reflection of our commitment to creating wines that are not just enjoyable but also speak volumes about our terroir and the dedicated hands that crafted them.
Styling
The focus of this wine is based on a vineyard component arising from low yielding Table Mountain Sandstone soils. Using neutral yeasts, Shannon Sauvignon Blanc expresses very distinctive and concentrated primary fruit aromas of asparagus, citrus, and some capsicum in a minerally and flinty style. The clay/shale soils however, provide the Sauvignon Blanc with flavors on the riper side of the fruit spectrum and with more structure for a broader palate. The blending in of naturally fermented Sauvignon Blanc, matured on the lees, provides a fuller mouth feel and adds to the complexity of the wine. This wine was vinified in a style that enhances
the aging potential of Sauvignon Blanc.
Technical Notes
- Grape Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Vineyard Location: Situated in the premium wine regions of the Western Cape, South Africa
- Vineyard Management: Emphasis on sustainability and environmentally conscious viticulture, with manual interventions kept at a minimum to allow the grapes to express their true terroir.
- Harvesting: The grapes are harvested by hand in the early morning hours to preserve their freshness and aromatic integrity.
- Fermentation: Using temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, the fermentation process is managed to retain the variety’s crisp acidity and dynamic range of flavors.
- Aging Process: The wine is aged briefly on its lees, enhancing the body and complexity without compromising its vibrant character.
- Alcohol Content: Approximately 13% – 13.5%
- Bottling: Conducted at the estate to ensure that the wine maintains its quality and character from the vineyard to your glass.
