2024 Baleia Winery - Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc (750ml)

Baleia is the only winery on the lower Duiwenhoks River near Vermaaklikheid, a remote stretch of the Cape South Coast close to St Sebastian Bay. The estate takes its name from the Portuguese word for whale, a nod to the bay's role as a nursery for southern right whales, and its labels draw on that same maritime imagery. The winemaking team leans on soil probes and vegetation scanning to fine-tune the vineyard, working from the belief that healthy, carefully managed soil is the foundation of balanced fruit.

The vines grow in pure, solid limestone soil unusually rich in minerals, a rare terroir in South Africa that also supports the endemic Canca fynbos. Rather than chasing the bright, upfront style typical of many New World Sauvignon Blancs, Baleia's approach favors texture and minerality that reflect the site itself. The 2024 vintage benefited from a wet winter and spring, which helped the vines build strong reserves and carried through to a naturally balanced acidity in the finished wine.

The wine pours a pale, greenish gold and opens with elderflower, green fig, and ripe pear, moving into a palate of green lychee, guava, and grapefruit. A distinct chalky minerality and touch of maritime salinity round out the finish. Pair it with fresh oysters, ceviche, or a simple green salad.