2024 Thelema - Sauvignon Blanc Sutherland (750ml)

Thelema Mountain Vineyards was founded in 1983 by Gyles Webb on the slopes of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, and the family-run estate quickly built its reputation on richly structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Searching for a site suited to cooler-climate whites, Webb found a former apple orchard in the Elgin Valley in the early 2000s and established Sutherland Vineyards there, a separate project dedicated to aromatic varieties grown apart from the warmer Stellenbosch home farm.

Sutherland Vineyards sits only nine kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, at altitudes between 140 and 250 meters, where sea breezes keep daytime temperatures moderate and preserve acidity in the grapes. The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc was picked early to capture that freshness, then fermented cool to protect its aromatics before a short rest prior to bottling, a straightforward approach meant to let the Elgin terroir speak clearly.

Pale gold with hints of lime green, the wine opens with lime, ripe gooseberry, and tropical fruit, layered with floral and herbal notes and a touch of bell pepper. The palate is medium-bodied and dry, crisp with mineral tension, finishing long and citrus-driven. Try it with grilled seafood, ceviche, or a goat cheese salad.