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If you dreamed of owning the most naturally beautiful wine estate in the world, what you would most likely describe is a real-life place called South Hill. It is an exceptional pleasure this month to be taking a look at that dream!
South Hill is exciting for many reasons, but most of all because they have only been making wine for five or six years and it is stunning already.
Also fascinating is that the farm is in the Elgin valley, once thought of only as the best apple producing region in the world, never mind just South Africa. The farm itself gloried as an apple and pear producer under the name of Jan Niemnandsbosch, loosely translated into John Nobody’d Bush, but it was taken over as a wine prospect in 2001. Since 2001 the property has been transformed from a neglected apple and pear producer to an exclusive boutique wine farm with 26ha currently under vine. Along with the vineyard development has been the establishment of a luxury venue and guest house which specialises in weddings.
Located at the south-eastern end of the valley, South Hill benefits from almost perfect climatic conditions. Water is plentiful, but not so much as to bring with it associated disease hazards. Stunning mountain backdrops and gentle hill slope vineyards combine to pretty well take the breath away. Add to all of that some excellent wines, and the promise of much more to come, and you will understand the dream analogy. By the way, South Hill is also breaking new ground in the universe of Black Empowerment. Management of the farming operations is entirely the responsibility of Vuki, one of SA’s most successful BEE companies.
The wine has generous tropical fruit aromas of granadilla and guava on the nose balanced with the distinctive freshness associated with cool climate Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is exceptionally full and round with lots of the tropical fruit following through, whilst finishing refreshingly crisp. Exceptional balance and acid integration have been achieved without the need for any acid additions, one of the many benefits of the cool Elgin weather during the critical ripening period.
Jean’s Thoughts
In Europe you will always associate a region with a varietals (think Chardonnay, think Burgundy). This crispy Sauvignon Blanc is fruity and has a hint of acidity, typical cool climate, typical Elgin. Perhaps it is time to associate great Sauvignon Blanc with Elgin…
Brendon’s Thoughts
It’s vivacious, expressing tropical fruit with a flinty freshness. And if you have the time, there is no better setting to be drinking this wine than at the farm itself (or maybe caveau), but it’s worth the drive. Salute.
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