The nose has notes of honeysuckle, white peaches, lemons and crushed stones with a touch of fennel. Medium-bodied with a nice, chalky texture and a fresh and creamy palate. The wine focuses on minerality, salinity and vibrant natural acidity.

This is an innovative blend that captures the most beautiful possible expression of the sandstone-derived soils in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Free by design of excessively dramatic varietal fruit, the focus of the wine is on bright minerality, salinity and vibrant natural acidity, coated by a full and gentle viscosity derived from wild yeasts, and the method of vinification, not from high alcohol. Nearly three decades of family experience have gone into this blend.

Ashbourne Sandstone focuses on a bright, hard minerality, salinity, and vibrant natural acidity, coated by a full and gentle viscosity. 

Located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, on a beautiful property on the eastern border of Hamilton Russell Vineyards, this small Pinotage and Sauvignon blanc based blend specialist has developed a reputation for innovative, highly individual, classically styled and age-worthy blends.

Despite a later bud-break for Sauvignon Blanc, ripening was just over one week earlier in 2023. Later ripening sites were at risk due to the heavy rainfall in February and March, but a careful vineyard selection meant that only the best grapes were brought into the cellar. Harvesting before the late-season rains allowed for a yield that produced vibrant, energetic wines with wonderful natural acidity.

The wine would pair well with seafood snacks, a beetroot or mango salad, or as an aperitif.