During an educational tour of the cellar, it quickly became apparent that I’m not dealing with a vanilla puppy here.
Embarking onto the shuttle that would take us to Alvi’s Drift Wines (minus my expected +1 because people work on a Friday) the comment from the peanut gallery at the back was “Oh Derick is always alone” and I thought to myself “…but I’m not alone. I’m here with you good people”
To say that I’ve grown accustomed to attending media launches solo is an understatement. Yes sometimes it can be tedious, but not today – the welcome was warm, friendly, kind and inclusive so I felt at ease early on. Besides, as soon as I met the new 221 Sauvignon Blanc, I found my companion for the day (a tacit no-strings-attached affair perhaps, but at first sip, the ice was broken and we became fast friends)
“SPARKLING BRIGHT WITH A PALE STRAW COLOR AND YOUTHFUL, LIME-GREEN EDGE, THIS REMARKABLE WINE BOASTS A FORTHCOMING NOSE WITH INTENSE AROMAS OF FIG LEAF, GOOSEBERRY, AND LEMON ZEST” …who wouldn’t swipe right on that right?
During an educational tour of the cellar, it quickly became apparent that I’m not dealing with a vanilla puppy here. A veritable alchemy of trick and technique is employed: toasted barrels, stainless steel jackets, wood chipping, hand picking , perfect timing, and unknown vapors to temper sugar or acid or multiple other factors (utterly above my head…) I was ready to submit!
Alvi’s Drift 221 Sauvignon Blanc is a deeply intimate kiss. Conjuring up images of spring and early summer, crisp acidity beautifully balanced with ripe-fruit aromas that follow through on the palate, lingering to a fresh, lemony finish. A discipline in the art of winemaking.
During a lunch break, some other family members made their appearance: a stolen glimpse of the Albertus Viljoen Pinot Noir, still unlabeled, unaware of his sensational beauty. A Chenin who entertained us with her youthful curves and light-hearted playfulness. A Pinotage, full of bravado and masculine vigor. The Special Cuvée blend, a full-bodied strong man, dressed in leather with a smiling charm, but totally out of my league… so I settled in for cuddles with the SB and enjoyed the afterglow of a surprisingly satisfying date, making plans to see each other again! I’m cooking – freshly steamed asparagus with burned sage-butter Hollandaise!
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