Catherine Marshall

(2013) The apple and pear orchards of the Elgin Valley are now being overtaken by vineyards, as this cool climate area east of Cape Town gains more and more followers for its classy Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir. I have been hugely impressed by the Sauvignons from producers like Iona Estate in the past, but this new name for me has turned in a cracking 2011. There is a tropical, full ripe fruitiness on the nose, but a tugging core of citrus and gooseberry too. In the mouth it is vibrant and zingy, with a flood of fruit that is crunchy and bold, but not at the expensive of texture and a certain dry, savoury, quite mineral quality and enough restraint to make it smoked salmon and - of course - goat's cheese friendly.

A delicate feline note accents the fresh herb, green gooseberry and lemon-rind aromas of this wine. The mouthfeel starts off round, but is quickly lifted by medium acidity to produce a brisk palate with flavors of lemon and tart green berries. The finish is lifted and somewhat sharp, but clean and refreshing.