With Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Youth Day all happening in May and June, family relationships are top of mind. As a result, it was difficult to miss the kinship between two recent vintage releases at La Motte: 2024 Sauvignon Blanc and 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon.

2024 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc

The vineyards on La Motte that contribute 40% of the recently-released 2024 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc literally just survived being washed away in the two major storms that hit the Franschhoek Valley during the second half of 2023. Mercifully, the cold and wet conditions were followed by enough wind to prevent disease and eventually a dry, hot summer that resulted in a healthy, early harvest. Another 40% of the grapes are from Stellenbosch, with 20% from the Cape South Coast. Each Sauvignon Blanc vineyard grows in its own macroclimate and the distinctive fruit from each area make a unique contribution to the character of this wine, while a percentage of Semillon (10% of the contribution from La Motte vineyards) adds to the complexity and maturation potential.

The grapes were harvested at between 18 and 23 degrees Balling to capture natural acids and produce fuller, riper flavours. After fermentation (at 14 °C), the wine was left on the lees to further enhance the complexity before blending and bottling. Alcohol 12.38%, Residual Sugar 3.5g/l, Total Acidity 6.5g/l, pH 3.32.

An elegant wine. Nuances of dried grass add depth to the aromas of gooseberry and lime, while the palate is supple and smooth despite the freshness. With its natural acidity and a fine texture, this wine is refreshing as a glass on its own, but with enough complexity to be a versatile and delightful partner to food. Try it with seafood – grilled fish, crayfish, salads – or with grilled Mediterranean vegetables, spicy Asian flavours or goat’s cheese.

The 2024 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc is available online or from the cellar door at R99 per bottle.

2021 La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon

La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its elegance and exceptional maturation potential. The 2021 vintage promises nothing less with all the grapes originating from vineyards in the Helderberg area of Stellenbosch about 7km from False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. With coastal breezes and a combination of well-drained, weathered granite and shale soil (including some spots of coffeestone gravel), the vineyards are sustainably-farmed.

The grapes were harvested at optimum ripeness, destalked and then fermented twice in stainless steel tanks with pump-overs twice a day. Pressing happened three weeks later and the wine was left to mature in 300-litre French oak barrels (100% second-fill) for 16 months. The various batches were blended, filtered and bottled in October 2022. Total production: 4000 cases (6 x 750 ml). Alcohol 14.14%, Residual Sugar 2.4g/l, Total Acidity 5.9g/l, pH 3.58.

An intricate wine combining intense berry and plum fruit with clove spice and mint, the vintage also shows typical Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics of prominent cigar box and oak-derived toffee in the background. Ample tannins and a full palate with an opulent consistency and persistent finish, indicating exceptional maturation potential. The flavour intensity makes it a natural partner to red meat, beautiful in combination with charred onions and beetroot, irresistible with herbs such as rosemary and thyme.

The 2021 La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon is available online or at the cellar door for R170 per bottle.

• Article sponsored by La Motte.