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Bloemendal is one of the biggest estates in Durbanville. It covers more than 240ha, and almost 130ha are currently under vine. But for all the potential, it is not unfair to say that when Andri Hanekom came on board as cellarmaster in 2017, with the goal building a formidable Durbanville brand, he was essentially starting from zero.

That’s not to say there weren’t assets waiting to be exploited! Their Suiderterras Vineyard is the oldest Sauvignon Blanc Bushvine in the country, planted in supremely convenient Oakleaf soils – a combination of loam, clay and sand, which for various reasons (discussed elsewhere) is superbly suited to dryland farming.

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Then there is also their rather choice site. Bloemendal’s the aforementioned old vine Savvy Bee block, along with a Semillon block planted in 1996 at the top of the Kanonberg, sit between 300m and 400m ASL, and enjoy delightfully cool southern aspects. The culmination of all these elements, combined Hanekom’s winemaking vision, are two white wines that regularly set the pace in expressing what the Durbanville Wine Route has to offer. The first wine is the multi-award-winning Bloemendal Suiderterras wooded Sauvignon Blanc, from the bush vines planted in 1983, and the second is our wine of the day; the Bloemendal Kanonberg White Bordeaux Blend (2017).

If you have yet to sign up for your Monthly HanDrinksSolo Wine Subscription then you’ll won’t be able to sip along as we unpack what makes rthis wine so special, but as a gesture of kindness, I’ve left my tasting notes and a few technical specs:

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👃🏼 A lovely open nose of lime, lemongrass, white citrus, asparagus, and flint, complicated by smoky brulee notes, lime cordial, and delightful tertiary developments of beeswax and lanolin.

👄 The palate carries an extremely rare level of power and persistence. The concentration of flint, and savoury asparagus notes, alongside sweeter dried apricot and orange elements, are rivalled only by the mind-bending fresh lime acidity. All this is wrapped up by a supremely textured, tart, white grapefruit and lemon rind finish.