Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc 2023

The Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc is one of the many Sauvignon Blancs from Diemersdal, but it stands out – not only by its label – significantly. This is a serious style of Sauvignon Blanc, all in perfect harmony with regards to alcohol, acidity and fruitiness. If you haven’t tried this wine yet, leave everything and go get it as soon as possible. It is, unfortunately, not widely available due to the limited release of the wine. However, the price is very reasonable for the quality you get in this wine.

The beautiful label of this wine resembles the horseshoes that are sometimes found in the vineyards, coming from the horses that used to plough the vineyards in the early days of the estate. When these horseshoes are found, they are taken to the cellar and hung there for good luck. This wine is fermented in 500-litre French oak barrels, with lees contact of 11 months. It is unfiltered.

In the glass, this wine presents with a deep gold colour. It offers warm notes of tropical fruit, citrus, bruised flowers and wood smoke. It delivers well on the palate, with a good acidity, lemon rind, overripe pineapple, gooseberries, quince and a hint of granadilla. The fruit is quickly brought together on the palate, with a fine balance and elegant mouthfeel, followed by a smoky finish and minerality. It lasts long and makes a memorable impression on the palate.

This wine can be enjoyed on its own, or with seafood, roasted chicken or vegetarian food that is low in acidity. It is best served cold but in a glass with a slightly wider rim. It has a superb ageing potential of 10+ years, and I would love to see how this wine develops over time. It is good value for money.

Producer: Diemersdal

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Vintage: 2023

Origin: Durbanville, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Thys Louw

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 13.73%

RS: 1.8g/l

Average price: R370

Rating: 96/100