This year the highly contested competition previously hosted by Wine Magazine, was held under the auspices of the producer organisation known as the Sauvignon Blanc Interest Group (SBIG), with First National Bank as headline sponsor, and saw no less than 169 entrants aiming for Top 10 glory.
Clos Malverne’s prized Sauvignon blanc vineyards lie low in the belly of the Devon Valley outside Stellenbosch and enjoy a cool microclimate owing to precipitation from the dam next to this old block of vines, which winemaker Suzanne Coetzee fondly refers to as ‘Old Mr Reliable’, for consistently producing high quality grapes.
“Our 2011 vintage shows exceptional complexity and bursts with a revitalising spectrum of flavour and ripeness while it embraces a tropical style with more voluptuous, fruitier notes than green and grassy nuances,” explains Suzanne.
The Clos Malverne Sauvignon Blanc 2011 was kept on the lees for a further six months after fermentation which gives this easy drinking summer sip, a creamy and long mouthfeel and great longevity. Flaunting exceptional fruit layers, this tangy dry white reveals sun-kissed flavours of ripe pineapple and litchi, perked up with slivers of asparagus on the palate, lingering with a good, firm finish.
Enjoy the Clos Malverne Sauvignon Blanc 2011 slightly chilled on its own or serve it with tempura prawns on a bed of rocket and coriander, salmon gravlax or your favourite line fish.
Clos Malverne Sauvignon Blanc 2011 is available from R76 per bottle, directly from the cellar or at leading wine outlets nationwide.
Also, don't forget the Clos Malverne Ice Cream and Wine Tasting this summer!
