2022 Silverthorn - Blanc de Blanc Cap Classique Green Man Robertson (750ml)

Silverthorn Wines sits on the banks of the Breede River near Bonnievale, on a small farm Karen Loubser's father, Joachim Rieck, bought in 1976. Karen and her husband John took over in 1999, renaming the property Silverthorn after the region's silvery-thorned acacia trees, and in 2004 made the then-unusual decision to focus the estate entirely on Méthode Cap Classique. John, a veteran of Steenberg's cellar and a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild, left that post in 2017 to devote himself fully to the family label, which the couple still run and host together.

The Green Man is a Blanc de Blancs made entirely from Chardonnay grown on the estate's ancient shale and limestone soils, remnants of a seabed some 400 million years old. Grapes for the 2022 vintage were picked by hand in the cool early hours of late January, then whole-bunch pressed at a low yield to keep the juice free of harsh tannins. The wine underwent traditional bottle fermentation and spent an extended period aging on its lees before disgorgement, building richness and a fine, persistent mousse.

Pale green-gold in the glass, it offers baked apple, acacia blossom, and brioche on the nose, with a mineral edge and a whisper of roasted almond. The palate is elegant and dry, with fine bubbles and a long, nutty finish. Serve it with fresh oysters or a goat cheese crostini.