Made in a way ensuring the personality of site and soil is not over-ridden by the forceful character of the variety, this wine exhibits the typical Southern Right balance of tight "Old World" minerality and length with hints of "New World” texture and body. The 2023 is a wine that favours origin expressive individuality, minerality and palate complexity ahead of simple, pungent varietal aroma. A significant percentage of fruit from iron and clay-rich soil has added a textural and structural component and additional overall complexity to this wine. The sandstone soils have contributed their typical bright, tensile character and a marked, saline minerality. This is Sauvignon blanc as fine wine, not Sauvignon blanc as simply a varietal expression.

Despite slightly later bud-break for Sauvignon blanc, ripening was just over one week earlier in 2023. Later ripening sites were at risk from significant late February and March rains, but careful in-vineyard selection enabled us to bring only the best grapes to the cellar. At 24.18 centigrade for the average maximum temperatures for the 4 “hottest” months (Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar) building up to and during harvest, 2023 was one of our coolest years on record. Burgundy for the equivalent period has an average of 24.66 Centigrade. For those lucky enough to harvest before the substantial late season rains 2023 produced vibrant energetic wines with wonderful natural acidity.

Founded by Anthony Hamilton Russell in 1994, Southern Right is a small Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc specialist located on a strikingly beautiful 448 hectare property in the cool, maritime, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. 

The wines are named after the rare Southern Right whales, which frequent the cool South Atlantic Walker Bay, just three kilometres from the vineyards. In August 2005, when the 448 ha farm on the western border of Hamilton Russell Vineyards became available, Anthony acquired the unique property as a permanent home for Southern Right and the Cellar was completed in time for the 2009 harvest.

Anthony is a firm believer in conservation and manages more than 200 hectares of pristine Cape Mountain Fynbos which forms part of the Estate’s own private nature reserve. With each bottle sold, Southern Right makes a contribution to conservation in the area.

Pairs well with fresh fish dishes or goats cheese tarts and salads.

Wine of the Week, David Williams, The Observer, UK, August 2024