Constantia, Sauvignon Blanc & the Season of Spring

Spring in Constantia is a season of renewal. As the vineyards wake from their winter rest, Sauvignon Blanc becomes the perfect expression of this time of year, fresh, zesty, and full of life. At Eagles’ Nest, elevated vineyards and precise winemaking bring this varietal to its finest.

The Vineyards: Elevated Origins

Set high on the slopes of Constantia, our vineyards rise from 100m to 400m above sea level, tucked against rugged mountain terrain. With aspects ranging from North-East to North-West, each block of vines benefits from unique meso- and micro-climates, shaped by cool Atlantic breezes and decomposed granite soils.

This elevation and variation create Sauvignon Blanc with remarkable freshness, minerality, and layers of tropical fruit, wines that carry the unmistakable stamp of Constantia terroir.

The Cellar Master’s Touch

Every bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Reserve reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of Cellar Master, Craig Barnard. Grapes from different blocks are hand-picked and cooled before careful processing. Each vineyard parcel is vinified separately, preserving its distinct character, before Craig blends them together to create a layered, complex wine.

His philosophy is simple: respect the vineyard, let the terroir speak, and craft wines that carry a true sense of place.

Sauvignon Blanc Vineyards 2024

A wine made for easy enjoyment, our Sauvignon Blanc 2024 bursts with tropical aromas of gooseberries, guava, and white pear, with delicate notes of passion fruit and floral perfume that develop in the glass. On the palate, refreshing layers of tropical and juicy yellow fruit are lifted by a zesty, mouthwatering core, the perfect companion for sunny days with family and friends.

Winemaking
The grapes are sourced from three cool-climate coastal sites, carefully selected for their ability to produce world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Hand-harvested and transported under cold conditions to the cellar, each parcel was whole-bunch pressed and vinified separately. After fermentation, the components were blended and matured on the lees for nine months to gain depth and harmony, before bottling in November 2023.

Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2023

Only the third Constantia-origin Sauvignon Blanc Reserve from Eagles’ Nest, this wine reflects the very best of our elevated vineyards and cool maritime climate. It shows a pale golden hue with expressive aromas of tropical fruits, stone fruit, gooseberry, lime, and a hint of fresh-cut grass. Subtle oak ageing adds a touch of nuttiness and spice, enhancing the layered nose. The palate is textured yet fresh, balancing ripe tropical flavours with minerality and a lingering, zesty finish.

Winemaking
Harvested from three vineyard blocks just 10.5km from False Bay, grapes were hand-picked and cooled before gentle whole-bunch pressing. Fermentation was split between seasoned 500L French oak barrels (68%) and stainless steel (32%), using different yeast strains to highlight complexity. After eight months on the lees, the components were blended to create a wine of elegance, freshness, and depth.

Why Sauvignon Blanc for Spring?

Crisp, lively, and layered with flavour, Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate seasonal wine. At Eagles’ Nest, our elevated vineyards and Craig’s skilled hand in the cellar bring you a glass that is as fresh as the Constantia spring itself.

✨ Celebrate spring with Sauvignon Blanc, a taste of our valley in every sip.