Saurwein | 10 years!

Elgin & Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley WOs

Chi means “life force” and Chi stands for CHIUTA (an African rain god). The Saurwein Chi Riesling is a floral and fruity style of off-dry Riesling made from grapes sourced from the following cooler climate regions of South Africa: 60% Casey’s Ridge Vineyard in Elgin, grown on loamy and rocky red slate soils (Riesling clone WR1 10F; planted 2011); 20% Dal Farm, Elgin, grown on alternating rocky, red slate (Riesling clone 110; planted 2007); 20% De Bos Farm, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley grown on decomposed Bokkeveld Shale and Sandstone (Riesling clones 110 & 239 AB; planted 2011).

2025 was a dream vintage: long, cool ripening resulting in the desired yellow grapes and immense aromatics. Keywords for this vintage: fresh, fruity, textured – delicious!

Grapes were hand-picked, cooled, hand-sorted, destemmed and pressed oxidatively. Spontaneous fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, which lasted about 5 weeks until optimal residual sugar balance was achieved.

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:

Floral perfume, pear, peach, apple and spice on the nose while the palate has good fruit weight and a seductive sweetness, the acidity well integrated, the finish gently savoury.

Elandskloof WO

KAAIMANSGAT VINEYARD, VILLIERSDORP

Nom stands for nombulelo (gratitude in “Xhosa”) and Nomkhubulwane (a forgotten African goddess of agriculture). Situated at 700m altitude, the vineyard is a place where gratitude is instilled and tales appear. This extreme vineyard site has a shale origin with a significant portion of granite in the topsoil and clay throughout. I believe this gives breadth and power to the Nom. It lies at 700 m above sea level and is surrounded by tall mountains, making for a unique terroir ideal for the optimal ripening for Pinot Noir, in this case clones 115, 667 & 777. The vineyard was planted in 2008.

18 barrels produced.

Grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, cold-soaked, leading to spontaneous fermentation. The tannins are optimal after a relatively long post-fermentation maceration and then aging in 228-liter French oak barrels (new and older) for 10 months.

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:

Expressive aromatics of orange, musk, red cherry and white pepper. The palate is opulent – saturated with ripe fruit, just enough acidity and smooth tannins. A wine of presence and generosity.

Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge WO

PLACE OF THE GODS FARM, WALKER BAY

Om symbolises the concept of universal creation. This word is also synonymous with peace. The vineyard is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge region (Heaven and Earth), a beautiful and peaceful place close to my heart. May this wine carryforward the peace that its place of creation inspires.

This dryland vineyard is situated just 12 km from the sea and lies at 300 m above sea level, in what can be described as perfect Pinot Noir terroir! The soils are granite origin with a significant portion of clay in the subsoil. The clones are 115 and 667, planted in 2006.

15 barrels produced.

Grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, cold-soaked, leading to spontaneous fermentation. The tannins are optimal after a relatively long post-fermentation maceration and then aging in 228-liter French oak barrels (new and older) for 10 months.

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:

Black cherry, some leafiness, earth, spice and a touch of reduction on the nose. Great definition and structure – clean fruit, vibrant acidity and firm tannins, making for a long and nicely austere finish. Finely judged and intellectually engaging rather than immediately seductive.

95/100.

5% Discount + Free Delivery

In celebration of 10 years of Saurwein, we’ve put together a mixed case with her latest vintages of:

‘Chi’ Riesling 2025
‘Om’ Pinot Noir 2024
‘Nom’ Pinot Noir 2024

And included some older vintages,
‘Chi’ Riesling 2024
‘Om’ Pinot Noir 2022
‘Om’ Pinot Noir 2023

The 2025 ‘Chi’ sees the inclusion of a third vineyard of Riesling from Elgin.

Taste the difference 20% makes between the two vintages, according to Jessica the 2024 ‘Chi’:
“Fragrant citrus blossom, yellow flowers and citrus, white pear, ginger, flint”
The ‘Om’ 2022 according to Jessica: 
“Red berries, fresh hibiscus, fruit-coated, velvety tannin, crisp acidity, medium-bodied. I love this wine, as it has depth and intensity beyond the initial fruit and is poised and oh so age-worthy too!”
The ‘Om’ 2023 according to Jessica:
“The wine is red fruited with lots of red berries, spices and some “fynbos” (wild herb character), fruit-coated and fine tannin and a crisp acidity. I love this wine, as it has depth and intensity beyond theinitial fruit and holds great aging potential. With time more savoury umami characters charm the drinker. A vintage to stock up on!”