Saga Vineyards, Klein Karoo (Walker Bay, South Africa) “Patatsblanc” 2023 ($27, Vine Street)

Saga is a new project founded by a group of industry friends with a shared passion for wine and adventure. Patatsblanc comes from a vineyard site discovered by Butch Alheit of Alheit Vineyards in Walker Bay. Butch had been working to discover unirrigated bush vine Chenin Blanc and stumbled upon the former Patatsfontein potato farm outside Montagu in the western reaches of the Klein Karoo region. After one successful vintage, logistical challenges prevented him from continuing to work with the vineyard. In an interesting twist of fate, the vineyard was passed into the hands of the team at Saga. This 2023 blend of Colombard and Chenin Blanc is a substantial wine with plenty of personality. The palate has a rich weight and texture, layered with minerality. It showcases citrus and saline notes, with the Colombard adding hints of peach and pear to the mix.
92 Miranda Franco