Waterkloof, the conservation-minded wine estate perched high on the slopes of the Schapenberg in the Helderberg Winelands, has released the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc vintage under its acclaimed Circumstance label – the maiden pride of new Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard.

“The wine expresses a steely elegance and great balance which is the result of a healthy vine, farmed traditionally without the use of chemicals to ensure life in the soil just as Mother Nature intended,” shares Nadia who expresses a real love for Waterkloof’s natural winemaking process and commitment to sustainable wine farming ethics.

At Waterkloof there is minimal interference, not just in the vineyards which are grown organically without conventional pesticides and fertilisers, but also in the expertly designed, gravitational cellar where naturally present wild yeast fermentation has carte blanche. Nadia and her team also rely on whole-bunch pressing to extract the best juices in the gentlest way. 

Her first Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc attempt is defined by fortuitous circumstances of soil, altitude and the particular micro-climate of the vineyard, whilst it carries an elegant mineral core and a range of complex flavours, along with great persistence.

Waterkloof’s terroir is heavily influenced by cool sea breezes and ideal soil conditions which allow for slow and longer ripening periods, lending a high natural acidity and remarkably concentrated flavours in the grapes. These cool climatic conditions are especially beneficial to the quality and taste profile of the estate’s Sauvignon blanc – Waterkloof’s signature varietal.

The Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc 2013 which stems from high-altitude vineyard blocks on the south-west facing, low yielding slopes of the Schapenberg, exudes lovely minerality with dominant flavours of stone fruit and fennel on the nose. Exhibitingsophisticated complexity, its rich palate is balanced by firm acidity and a tight mineral finish.

The Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc 2013 is a stellar summer sip to enjoy slightly chilled on its own or served with a simple crab dish or a seafood salad.

The wine retails at R90 per bottle and is available directly from the Waterkloof cellar, or at selected wine outlets and leading fine dining restaurants countrywide.