Saurwein Mixed Case 2026

A new vintage of Jessica’s much-loved dry Riesling, and one that came from a particularly challenging growing season.

February brought unusually wet conditions and significant disease pressure, with some vineyards losing fruit before it could make it to harvest. Jessica had to adapt, working with different parcels to find the freshness and fruit she wanted for Chi.

The 2026 brings together fruit from Dal Farm in Elgin and De Bos Farm in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Jessica loves the contrast between the two areas: Elgin brings a taut, racy freshness, while the Hemel-en-Aarde fruit gives the wine a little more generosity and aromatic lift.

The result is a particularly bright and energetic Chi, with yellow stone fruit, winter melon, elderflower and jasmine tea. Fresh, floral and beautifully textured.

“Grapes sourced more or less equally from Elgin and Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, with a 10% portion of Crouchen Blanc from Paarl. Saurwein, usually the purist, relates that she was offered “Riesling” only to discover it was what used to be called Cape Riesling, but decided to use it anyway. Spontaneously fermented in stainless-steel tank. Overtly floral and spicy, with lime, green apple and litchi on the nose. Great fruit concentration, punchy acidity and residual sugar adding weight and texture. The finish is dry but not unduly so. 93/100 | Distinctive” - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Nom comes from the remarkable Kaaimansgat vineyard in the Elandskloof Valley, sitting at 700 metres above sea level and surrounded by mountains.

It is the kind of extreme site Jessica is drawn to. High, cool and isolated, with a combination of shale, sandstone and clay that she believes gives Nom its breadth and power. The vineyard was planted in 2008 and has become the source of one of her most distinctive expressions of Pinot Noir.

2025 was a beautiful vintage here, with enough rain to keep the dryland vineyard going and cold nights helping to preserve freshness. Jessica describes it as a lighter Nom, similar to the 2016 and 2020 vintages, delivering “power without the weight.”

Bright cherry and darker fruit meet rose hip, dried orange rind and smoky spice, with fine tannins and a long, savoury finish. Just 12 barrels were made.

“W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, partially new. Elevated aromatics of red cherry, orange peel, musk, fresh herbs and white pepper. The palate is opulent, with pure, bouncy fruit, snappy acidity and powdery tannins, finishing gently savoury. 94/100 | Delicious” - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Something completely new from Jessica Saurwein, and only four barrels made.

The fruit comes from a dryland vineyard on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, planted in 2005 and farmed by Shane Mullis. Jessica has built Saurwein around Pinot Noir and Riesling, but Nebbiolo immediately makes sense in her hands. It has the perfume, freshness and ability to express site that she is always looking for in her wines.

The name Boom comes from the Waboom, or Wagon Tree, an indigenous tree known for its ability to withstand fire. A century-old Waboom grows in the fynbos-covered valley at Jessica’s farm in Stanford.

The 2025 is light to medium-bodied and beautifully savoury, with red and dark berries, rhubarb and fine tannins. Jessica reckons it has a good decade ahead of it.

“NEW. W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Small portion fermented whole-bunch. Maturation as for the Pinot above. Red cherry, orange, spice, tobacco and earth.  Good fruit concentration, high acidity and tightly knit tannins, with an ultra-dry finish. Has a lovely sense of restraint. 93/100 | Serious” - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za