The wines of Hermanuspietersfontein are overall performing really well under the careful expertise of winemaker, Wilhelm Pienaar. When people sensed that I am hinting towards the wines of Hermanuspietersfontein, they were all thinking “Kaalvoet Meisie”, the popular Sauvignon Blanc. But I had them with something close enough, yet far removed: “Kat met die houtbeen”, a wooded Sauvignon Blanc. Normally when you use “wooded” and “Sauvignon Blanc” together in once sentence, most people find it difficult to hide their expression of disgust. I did not say a word, until the end of the tasting where people only showed broad smiles and nods of approval. What I am trying to say here is that, this is the ideal place to start appreciating wooded Sauvignon Blancs, because it is so beautifully and elegantly made that you would certainly want to have another glass!
The name, “Kat met die houtbeen” (“Cat with the wooden leg”), refers to a cat with a wooden leg that suddenly arrived on the farm and made herself home there, becoming part of the household. In the glass, it has a golden-yellow colour and forthcoming notes of dried apricots and lime on the nose. On the palate, it offers complex flavours of lemon, gooseberries, figs, lime leaf and oriental spices. It has a dry stone minerality finish that is fresh and limey. One sip of this wine makes you long for more.
This is a great wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with food such as chicken, spicy pizza or a cheesy schnitzel. It should be served chilled well and shows beautiful in a smaller white wine glass. The wood on this wine is very well integrated and only adds to the complexity and beautiful notes of the wine, rather than standing out as a feature of the wine. I would highly recommend this wine to anyone to enjoy and it is real value for money!
Producer: Hermanuspietersfontein
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
Vintage: 2021
Origin: Walker Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
Winemaker: Wilhelm Pienaar
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 13%
Average price: R210
Rating: 96/100

Comments