Adamastor

Pine bough-roasted mussels.

The summer of 2018 was the driest in 50 years. So much so that we saw most of the wetland vlei areas in the Agulhas Plain dry up completely. It was like living in a strange new world walking over dry, cracked mud in a vlei that is normally the home of the local Hippo pod. The winter started late at the end of May and it was only towards the end of September that we saw the wetlands full of water again. The normal cool, dry, windy Spring conditions that we are so famous for resulted in a small but healthy crop. The rest of the growing season was moderate with a cool, dry January and February. The only significant rain during harvest was towards the middle of March, 55mm, and by then most of our grapes were safely in the cellar.

The Semillon was barrel fermented and matured for 10 months on the lees in 500 litre mostly older French oak barrels.

Innovative wine making techniques - the Sauvignon Blanc component was cold fermented with selected yeast strains in stainless steel tanks.

Strandveld Vineyards lies between Elim and Cape Agulhas, just 9km from the sea, shaped by strong winds, cool temperatures, and a maritime climate. Its unique terroir of coastal conditions and diverse soils gives the wines their distinctive character. Inspired by early explorers, the vineyards were established in 2001 by pioneers drawn to this rugged, promising landscape.