“Sauvignon Blanc is a focus variety for us, and it is marvelous to make it to the Top 10 with this vintage of the Reserve Collection,” says elated winemaker Lizelle Gerber. “I’m a real stickler when it comes to selection of grapes from the right soils and the right areas for this classic zesty citrus mineral style with good palate weight and purity.“

What a great year it has been for Boschendal white wines!
The success of Boschendal’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc comes hot on the heels of the Veritas Gold Chenin Blanc 2010 also included in the Wine Magazine Top 10 Chenin Blancs of 2011, Top 100 status and a Michaelangelo Gold for the Reserve Collection Chardonnay 2009, as well as an avalanche of accolades for the über-successful Grande Cuvée Brut 2007 Cap Classique.

This 5th annual Sauvignon Blanc Challenge held under the auspices of Sauvignon Blanc Interest Group and sponsored by FNB revealed a definite trend away from the lean green style previously considered highly fashionable, with more recognition being given to fuller riper eloquent wines with balancing acidity.

“Our Reserve Collection is a true classic,” says Marketing Manager Brad Gold. “We pay little credence to fashionable styles and stay true to classic cultivar expression from the individual vineyards and expression of vintage.”

Panel Chairman, Christian Eedes describes Boschendal Reserve Collection 2011 as ‘Blossom on the nose before a complex palate showing a range of flavours from citrus through yellow apple to green melon. Rich and full with tangy acidity.’

Oz Clarke is a celebrated international wine personality and writer who publishes a best selling annual wine guide. Douglas Green is a very proud invclusion in the 2012 edition.

Here's what Oz says:
2009 Shiraz-Viognier, Douglas Green, Western Cape, South Africa,
14% abv The Wine Society, £5.50
I’m continually puzzled as to why we don’t see more examples of ripe, enjoyable, affordable reds from South Africa, so well done the Wine Society for sourcing this one, with its ripe blackberry and black plum fruit, its dab of exotic peach flesh, its trail of smoke and intriguing suggestion of orange scent.

It might have been tricky recognising collegues at DGB Wellington this morning, but what a treat to see the staff join in the Halloween fun. Wellington is well known for their great comeraderie and team spirit, and we can only imagine what Santa has planned!