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Savage 2020s – Purity and vinosity
Savage 2020 releases
Purity and vinosity
There was tangible excitement from Duncan Savage when we tasted these new releases last week. His wines offer exceptional value considering their rarity, rock-star credibility and quality. As he continues his pursuit of purity and vinosity, his wines have become some of our fastest-selling annual releases.
The 2020 Savage White has reverted to its original Cape Bordeaux style (76% Sauvignon Blanc and 24% Sémillon). With white stone fruit, trademark black currant notes and saline undertow, it is a Duncan Savage classic. Following on from the stunning 2018, the 2019 Savage Red has more depth and power without sacrificing any of its vibrancy and poise. 100% Syrah, grown organically in Stellenbosch, it is another high-scoring Polkadraai Syrah of exceptional quality.
As for the improvements in the vineyard, Duncan's eyes sparkle when he speaks about it. 'The increments to be had in the cellar are tiny while they are infinite in the vineyard,' he enthuses. These improvements are most noticeable in the 2020 Never Been Asked To Dance Chenin Blanc, which is exquisitely balanced.
The 2020 Follow The Line Cinsault is wonderfully perfumed, light-footed and delicate. The 50% whole bunch adds tension to counter its exuberance – one for the Cinsault enthusiasts.
There is great definition to the Grenache-based 2020 Thief In The Night. As in the past, the fruit comes from the same Piekenierskloof Grenache vineyard as Eben's Soldaat. The 2020 has a bit more grunt but maintains Duncan's signature purity and his best iteration to date!
The 2020 Are We There Yet? is a 50:50 blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah from Malgas. Tight and inwardly coiled, it offers lots of blue fruit and savoury, Syrah balance. Underscored by powerful, ripe tannins, it will require time in the cellar and is, as Christian Eedes notes, 'perhaps the best resolved vintage to date while remaining as flavourful as ever.'
The 2020 Girl Next Door Syrah is a touch lighter than the 2019 but remains a profound maritime-style Syrah. From a small 0.38-ha vineyard in Kommetjie, it is just as delicious and gorgeous as always. The 2020 Not Tonight Josephine is produced from a Chenin vineyard at 700m above sea level in Piekenierskloof. As a result, the wine has high, natural acidity. Produced in minute quantities, the 2020 joins the growing number of exceptional South African straw wines. Both are available on allocation only.
