WINES AVAILABLE IN UK STOCK:

• Sauvignon Blanc, Lands End

One of the most exciting aspects of the South Africa scene at the moment is a new found confidence in associating particular grapes with certain regions. In particular, developments in Sauvignon Blanc viticulture have led producers to seek out the cooler regions of the southern areas of the Cape. Pioneers such as Neil Ellis began the march south but there’s only so far you can go and those people producing from the new Cape Agulhas region are literally living on the edge.

At the southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas is an exposed martime influenced region with strong winds and temperatures cooled by the proximity to the sea. The iconic Land’s End lighthouse marks the southernmost point and provides the focus for the eponymous estate. Land’s End Estate has recently been bought by Dave Hidden of Hidden Valley with the aim of producing world class, distinctive Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah and early indications are more than promising.

Land's End Estate produces iconic Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah from an extreme microclimate. The strong maritime influence has ensured that the Sauignon Blanc wine has a tight, intense mineral style coupled with great palate weight and texture. This is a wine that will open up over time and reward a year in bottle before drinking in order for it to show its full potential.   In vineyards where the pruners sometimes have trouble standing up because of the wind, the grapes ripen slowly giving great intensity of flavour and texture. Low yields and careful winemaking further add complexity to make what will become one of the textbook Sauvignons from the Cape.

The 2006 Syrah will be launched in March 2007.

Click on the wine labels for larger versions:

		SAUVIGNON BLANC, LANDS END Concentrated gooseberry, mineral and guava character with a mouthwatering, crisp, tangy finish.

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