Excelsior Estate (South Africa) Sauvignon Blanc 2004
To contrast with last week’s fabulous Wither Hills Sauvignon from New Zealand, a South African wine that at half the price can’t manage those fireworks, but that undoubteldy delivers more than half the quality. I was really very impressed by Cape Sauvignon on my recent visit, and this little cracker from the de Wets in the Robertson district delivers a fine, aromatic cut grass, gooseberry and elderflower nose, with succulent passionfruit and fig nuances. On the palate it is generous and full of fruit, with masses of ripe pear and yellow plum fruit, a lip-smacking burst of more goosberry and tart, rhubarb and lemon, and a lovely balancing acidity. Long and focused, this is down to 3.99 if you hurry to Waitrose (ends today) but is well worth it’s regular asking price. £4.99 Waitrose.
