Wine: Journey’s End Weather Station Sauvignon Blanc

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: W.O. Coastal

Producer: Journey’s End

Grape Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 13.5%

Type: White

Code: 8507

Tasting Note

A pronounced nose with tropical fruit and hints of herbaceous and mineral characteristics. Beautiful kiwifruit, tangy green apple flavour on the palate. A lovely light weighted wine, a round-mouth feel on the mid-palate, with balanced acidity bringing freshness and length to the finish. 

Producer

In 1995 the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire, UK, fell in love with a picturesque wine farm called Journey’s End and restored it to what it is today, now surrounded by 40 hectares of beautiful vineyards.

The Journey’s End vineyards are nestled amongst the Schapenberg hills, where lies 350 million year old decomposed granite soils are one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa. The vineyards benefit from the cooling and cleansing south-easterly wind, known locally as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which comes in from nearby False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Winemaking

The blocks of Sauvignon Blanc that constitute the Weather Station rest at the highest elevation on the farm at around 200m above sea level and are a mere 9 km away from the False Bay coastline. Grapes are handpicked early in the morning to ensure minimal oxidation and preserve delicate fruit flavours. Bunches are hand-sorted, destemmed, and crushed gently. The grapes then undergo eight hours of skin contact to enhance aromatic extraction. After fermentation, the wine is kept in stainless steel tanks for 4 months with weekly lees stirring to add richness and complexity.

Fun Fact

The name "Weather Station" is derived from the first two clones of Sauvignon Blanc that were planted in South Africa in the mid-17th century. These closes were nicknamed 'The Weather Station' as the original plantings were made beside an old weather station which enabled the farms to spot oncoming changes in the weather and thus pick their fruit in its optimum condition.

Food pairing

Ideal with seafood and sushi as well as light summer dishes.

Awards & Accolades

Vivino 3.7

Matthew Jukes “I am a massive fan of Journey’s End and I have written their wines up in my various columns, for years.”