Backsberg, Graham Beck shine
2007-10-25
SOUTH AFRICAN Sauvignon Blanc has come of age. Praised locally and abroad, these versatile wines are destined to achieve even greater heights with the launch of the WINE magazine TOPS at SPAR Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 awards to champion the best examples of this grape.
In recent years Sauvignons have shown consistent depth of quality and breadth of styles, prompting the decision to present a Top 10 rather than to seek out a single winner.
Indeed, such was the quality of the Sauvignon Blanc on the tasting bench for the inaugural Top 10 judging that 11 wines were selected – one 4½ Star gem and 10 rated 4 Stars, with those ranked 10 and 11 scored the same.
Winemakers are in agreement that 2007 produced particularly good expressions of the variety and the line-up was dominated by wines from the most recent vintage, supplemented by 2006 where producers choose to release their wines later.
Most of those on the roll of honour reflect the generally accepted view that the grape does best in cool growing conditions, with more than half the winners produced close to the coast.
Local wines in the inaugural WINE magazine TOPS at SPAR Sauvignon Blanc Top 10, are Backsberg John Martin 2007 and Graham Beck Pheasant’s Run 2007. The other wines are Alexanderfontein 2007, Bloemendal Suider Terras 2006, Cape Point 2006 (4½ Stars), De Grendel Koetshuis 2006, Diemersdal Eight Rows 2007, Fleur du Cap Unfiltered 2007, Groote Post Reserve 2007, Nitida 2007 and Springfield Life from Stone 2007.
For wine enthusiasts they represent a wonderful selection of crisp, refreshing, zesty wines to savour in the summer that lies ahead.
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