Rounded, creamy and super-concentrated, with an extended finish that makes an explosive, mouthwatering impression. The sensation on the nose is bold but balanced. Tropicals, a little elderflower, interesting hints of citrus, a touch of smokiness from wood extraction. On the palate, a flash of vanilla and bright, integrated acidity. We got to this, as we always do, by picking from two prized parcels in two dryland vineyards that deliver the kind of surprises we like. This is the tale of two very special vineyards - like gold, to me. - Frans K Smit

'Potent creaminess, with a slightly green edge, a little elderflower, tropical and limey citrus tones, followed by a smokiness from the barrel. The mouthwatering after-effect is a stayer. The fruit and the freshness, and the asparagus-loaded flavours of the Sauvignon Blanc component, make this a vintage that’s going to be a memorable one, for me.’

COLOUR: Straw yellow with a light green rim around the edge.

NOSE & PALATE: Potent creaminess, with a slightly green edge, a little elderflower, tropical and limey citrus tones, followed by a smokiness from the barrel. The mouthwatering after-effect is a stayer. The fruit and the freshness, and the asparagus-loaded flavours of the Sauvignon Blanc component, make this a vintage that’s going to be a memorable one, for me.

EAT & DRINK: The white asparagus undertones in this wine goes well with soft scallops in a creamy asparagus sauce, or with a delicate but flavourful risotto. Prawns with a mild chilli bite is also a good call.

VARIETAL: 77% Sauvignon Blanc 23% Sémillon

ORIGIN: Coastal Region (Helderberg and Tygerberg)

PEAK DRINKING: 6 - 7 years after harvest

THE WINE & THE MAKER:  Frans Smit and his team have harnessed 3 centuries of winemaking history, to transform Spier into an internationally acclaimed Stellenbosch wine farm. Crafting blends of distinction, and identifying regional vineyards that are some of the Cape’s best kept secrets His philosophy: ‘Respect what the vineyard hands you.’

‘This vintage will go down as one of our most remarkable on record. The vines were planted between 2000-2003, so we were picking in the prime of the vineyards’ life, at 15-17 years. The wine is 100% Helderberg - what extraordinary terroir! - and without question one of the best years ever, for Helderberg Cabernet Sauvignon. So we upped its dominance in the blend to a hefty 61%, then in the final blend added Cabernet Franc from a younger vintage to stir in freshness and an element of surprise. The balance between sugar and natural acidity is quite something. A big, impressionable mouthfeel and a long, gripping finish. Never known ageing potential like this promises to be.’ - Frans K. Smit, Spier

Product Code : 60518

Country: South Africa

Packing: 75cl