Duncan Savage White Cape Blend Western Cape 2017

93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): “[$42 list] The 2017 Savage White, which underwent a 6- to 8-month ferment (the longest ever) is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Sémillon and was matured in used barrels for 10 months. It has a very fragrant bouquet of peony, lemon curd and a touch of apricot blossom, very nuanced but compelling. The palate is taut and linear on the entry and quite saline on the mouth, with a slightly Muscat-like finish. Utterly delicious and quite cerebral too. Drink: 2019-2032. (Aug 2018)”

Producer notes: “Handled oxidatively in the cellar, the wine was barrel fermented and aged for 10 months in oak. With more malolactic fermentation seen in 2017 due to very slow ferments, the wine marries weight and intensity with purity, minerality and textural elegance. The nose is very expressive with complex aromatics of freshly baked apple crumble drizzled in honey, orange blossom, tangerine peel, yellow orchard fruits and a delicious passion fruit twist. There is a real clarity and focus, along with a defined core of dusty granitic minerality. The entry on the palate reveals the tart, vibrantly fresh characteristics of the Sauvignon Blanc and the Semillon, that awaken the palate with zesty yellow grapefruit, lanolin, honied white peaches and Granny Smith apple puree notes. Classic highe raltitude vineyard nuances ensure this wine retains incredible intensity, with a fleshy, creamy lemon pie concentration underpinned by a cool, dusty, stony minerality. Powerful without being brutish, linear and focused without being lean. This is another wonderful flagship white blend from the Savage winery that continues the great run of form for this cuvee.”