The only sauvignon blanc vineyard on this picturesque riverside Franschhoek wine estate was fittingly acclaimed when the Rickety Bridge Sauvignon Blanc 2007 attained a 4-star rating in Decanter's New World Sauvignon Blanc Tasting (published in Decanter's June issue). It was one of only seven sauvignon blancs, of which only two were Cape sauvignons, to receive this high rating.
Decanter, published in England, is one of the leading and most authoritative wine magazines in the world, and was generous in terms of their praise of Rickety Bridge Sauvignon Blanc 2007, introduced to the UK market in April 2008: ‘Complex bouquet. Warm notes of lemon, sherbet, smoke and minerals. Lovely palate with similar flavours that really build. Intense finish.'
Amy Wislocki, Decanter editor, foregrounded the highly competitive market in her covering article, highlighting that the panel remarked on admirable qualities exhibited by New Zealand, South African and Chilean offerings. In terms of the international market and how South Africa fits into the equation, one of the judges, Nick Demurge commented: 'South Africa is a perfect midway point between New Zealand and the Loire'.
When Rickety Bridge Winery underwent a major vineyard overhaul in 1990, sauvignon blanc did not command the demand that it does today. Hence, only one small vineyard block of less than one-and-a-half hectares was set aside for this varietal. The wines have always had a steady thread of minerality and have tended towards the tropical fruits flavour spectrum. Yielding less than 750 six-bottle cases per annum, this wine is invariably sold out before the next vintage is due for release. Later this year Rickety Bridge Winery will be applying to SAWIS (South African Wine Industry Information and Systems) to register this vineyard block as a single vineyard, with a name still to be decided.
Although the Rickety Bridge Sauvignon Blanc 2007 is no longer available for sale, Rickety Bridge are very excited about their recently-released 2008 vintage, which has just been accepted for the Nederburg Auction. The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, retailing at approximately R60 excluding VAT, was made by new winemaker Wynand Grobler, who hails from the highly-regarded estate, Ernie Els Wines.
