Savage Thief in the Night 2021

Duncan Savage, previously the winemaker at Cape Point Vineyards, introduced his own label in 2011 with a goal to produce rock-solid, classic and elegant wines. Through his time at Cape Point, Duncan grew to understand maritime vineyards, which led him to source grapes for Savage wines from maritime and high altitude sites around the Western Cape.

“This beautifully pristine Piekenierskloof Grenache, from dry farmed bush vines grown on sandstone soils, underwent spontaneous fermentation with 10 to 20% whole clusters before being basket pressed into neutral foudre for 10 months ageing.

The wine is another beautiful expression of purity with pristine aromatics of pressed rose petals, earthy bramble berries, freshly cut hedgerow, strawberry compote and dried thyme. On the palate, the acids are taut and fresh creating a glassy, linear tension with notes of red liquorice, blood and iron and salty kelp over savoury, sappy red currant and pomegranate fruit nuances. This is a wine with impressive focus and intensity, suave tannins and a crunchy freshness that invigorates the palate and invites one sip after the next. 2021 signals a return to more Rhone-like characters on a wine that will drink well on release and over the next 8 to 10+ years.” – Greg Sherwood MW