Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch

Unmistakably Sauvignon in character, with striking gooseberry and citrus aromas and a hint of herbal lemon-grass through to a lifted palate and a delicious, mouth watering finish.

Producer Note

Founded in 1989, multi-award winning Mulderbosch Vineyards is one of South Africa’s foremost wine producers. As advocates to the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) code, they manage their vineyards limiting the use of herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. They use a restrained approach in the cellar to produce distinctive and characterful wines that represent the Stellenbosch terroir. Chenin Blanc is the Cape’s signature variety and they have the largest planting of this variety in the world. In 1996, Mulderbosch was one of the very first producers in the Cape to ferment Chenin Blanc in barriques. The resultant wine garnered an avid following and Mulderbosch has since become synonymous with the variety.

Vineyard

The grapes come from Mulderbosh’s estate vineyard and from the slopes of Simonsberg, the Polkadraai ward and vineyards close to False Bay on the lower slopes of the Helderberg. Some of the vineyards are within four kilometres of False Bay, where the strong influence of the Atlantic Ocean has a cooling effect during the warmest months of the year, encouraging balancing acidity to the concentrated fruit produced in this warm region. There is a strong geological consistency of decomposed granite to all the vineyards; while the soils consist of varying compositions of gravelly clay. The vineyards are trellised and trained to Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP), with moveable foliage wires. Mulderbosch cultivates without herbicides; and de-suckering and leaf thinning is practiced where required in order to ensure optimum light penetration into the canopy to ensure even fruit ripening.

Winemaking

Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc was one of the vanguards of the South African industry in the early 1990’s; it was memorably described by Jancis Robinson as 'the Cloudy Bay of South Africa'. The playing field has evolved significantly since then, and in order to remain distinctive Mulderbosch began ageing their Sauvignon Blanc in neutral 500 litre barrels from the 2016 vintage. 24% of the blend was matured in neutral 500 litre French oak barrels for six months, while the remainder was matured in stainless steel tanks on the fine lees.

Tasting Note

Unmistakably Sauvignon in character, with striking citrus aromas and a hint of herbal lemon-grass on the nose. Green fig flavours on the palate are lifted by natural acidity and balanced by a firm, chalky texture. Delicious with freshly shucked oysters; sardines or mackerel grilled on open coals.

Grape

Sauvignon Blanc 100%