Conditions condusive to the development of botrytis in our Klipkop vineyard over looking the sea 3km to the south, generally results in some botrytis as a result of the late mist which drifts in from the sea most afternoons. Warm dry days resulted in perfect conditions for the development of botrytis in 2007.
The grapes came in at 35 baling with a near perfect analysis, similar to the great Sauternes.
Sauternes are mainly made from Sémillon as the thin skins of these grapes are more prone to botrytis, with smaller amounts of Sauvignon blanc being used as their skins are thicker and don't always develop botrytis.
By and large the producers would prefer to have more Sauvignon blanc in their wines due to the grapes very good natural acidity which balances the sweetness in the wines.
A recent visit to Bordeaux (July 2008) and a number of Sauterne producers including Chateau d'Yquem by Andrew and Rozanne Gunn confirmed this.
Sauvignon is also more delicate, and for this reason we were circumspect in the use of wood and only 50% of the wine was matured in new French barriques so as to retain the freshness, minerality and delicate fruit found in our Sauvignon blanc.
A special, rare wine which won't be made every year but only when conditions are perfect.
The wine promises to have very good ageing potential. | 
