Sutherland, Viognier Roussanne 2023
An abundance of fresh fruit and floral aromas ranges from fragrant white peach and dried pear to vibrant citrus blossom and spicy jasmine.
A multi-facetted palate zinging with flavour and good acidity: ripe peach and apricot mingle joyously with the creamy character and the nuttiness of almond.
This wine artfully blended to offer vivacity as well as elegance and finesse.
£21.30
Elgin
Viognier, Roussanne
Bone-drySweet
Description
After establishing Thelema Mountain Vineyards as an iconic Stellenbosch wine estate, proprietor Gyles Webb, embarked on a new project in the early 2000’s to develop a range of small-scale, cool-climate wines.
After searching the Cape for the perfect site, he discovered a small apple orchard in the Elgin Valley, and Sutherland Vineyards was born.
Sutherland Vineyards is situated just 9 km off the Atlantic Ocean with altitudes of 140 to 250m above sea level. Due to this proximity, ideal cool climate conditions are created. The resulting wines are more balanced with great depth and complexity of flavour.
TASTING NOTES
An abundance of fresh fruit and floral aromas ranges from fragrant white peach and dried pear to vibrant citrus blossom and spicy jasmine. A multi-facetted palate zinging with flavour and good acidity: ripe peach and apricot mingle joyously with the creamy character and the nuttiness of almond. This wine artfully blended to offer vivacity as well as elegance and finesse.
FOOD PAIRING
French onion soup, peach-glazed pork chops & roasted barramundi fillets
VITICULTURAL PRACTICES
Varietal: 80% Viognier / 20% Roussanne
Root stock: 101-14
Soil type: Bokkeveld Shale & Glenrosa
Age of vines: Planted 2005, 2006
Plant density: 2500 vines/ha
Trellising: 7 wire Perold with moveable foliage wires
Pruning: Spur
Yield: 12 t/ha / 9 t/ha
Irrigation: Supplementary drip
Vintage: Drier conditions limited berry mass and subsequently yields, but also ensured outstanding quality.
Picking date: 14th – 24th of February 2023 /21 February 2023
Grape sugar: 21 – 22°B (Viognier) & 22.5 – 23°B (Roussanne)
Acidity: 6 -7 g/l (Viognier) & 5.3 – 5.6 g/l (Roussanne)
pH at harvest: 3.3 (Viognier) / 3.3 (Roussanne)
WINEMAKING PRACTICES
Yeasts: Lalvin M
Fermentation temp: 15 °C
Method: Alcoholic fermentation in barrel. Aged for 10 months on gross lees with the lees being stirred every fortnight. Fermented and matured in 2nd and 3rd fill barrels.
WINE ANAYSIS
Residual Sugar: 2.1 g/l
pH: 3.33
Total acid: 6.5 g/l
Alcohol: 13 % by volume
Additional information
| Grape | Viognier, Roussanne |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Wine Farm | |
| Alcohol | 13% |
French onion soup, peach-glazed pork chops & roasted barramundi fillets
2 reviews for Sutherland, Viognier Roussanne 2023
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92 points | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2025
“It seems counter-intuitive that two Rhône Valley grapes – Viognier and 20% Roussanne – should work so well in the cool climate of the Elgin Valley, but they do. This is fresh, fragrant and appealing, with scented wood spices, citrus, apricot and pear skin flavours and a hint of subtle reduction. 2026-29”
Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2025 –
96 points | Platter’s Wine Guide 2025
“Delicious symbiosis of Rhone thoroughbreds sees Viognier’s acidity & white peach fruit underpin Rousanne’s elegant minerality & texture. 2023 has delicate honeysuckle scent, impressive weight from 10 months on lees in neutral oak.”
Platter’s Wine Guide 2025 –