2024 Warwick Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc

About Warwick Estate in Stellenbosch

Warwick Estate is a renowned winery in the heart of Stellenbosch. The estate's history dates back to the 18th century, but it wasn't until the 1960s that it truly came to prominence when Stan and Norma Ratcliffe purchased it. Norma Ratcliffe became one of South Africa's first female winemakers and brought the estate international success. Warwick became known for its consistent quality and refined style, with a strong focus on terroir and precision in the cellar.

The estate is situated on the northern slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains, where the soils are rich in granite and clay. This combination produces wines with power, tension, and elegance. The climate in Stellenbosch is Mediterranean, with warm days and cool nights. This difference in temperature gives the grapes their vibrant acidity and aromas. The location between the ocean and the mountains also provides the vineyards with ample ventilation, resulting in healthy grapes and a fresh style. Warwick produces both red and white wines, but is best known for its refined Sauvignon Blancs and powerful Bordeaux blends.

The Warwick Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc 2024

The Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc is one of Warwick's signature wines. Its name honors Professor Black, a local researcher who once worked on the estate and was known for his passion for agriculture and innovation. The grapes for this wine come from old vines grown on the cool eastern slopes of the Simonsberg. Thanks to the high altitude, the grapes retain their freshness, while the sun ensures optimal ripening.

Harvest takes place early in the morning to keep the fruit as cool as possible. The grapes are carefully selected and softly pressed immediately upon arrival. Some of the juice undergoes a brief maceration to extract additional aromas, after which fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a low temperature. This process preserves the pure expression of the Sauvignon Blanc. After fermentation, the wine is aged for several months on the fine yeast cells (sur lie), which adds texture and complexity. The wine is then clear-filtered.

Color, smell and taste

The Warwick Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc 2024 has a bright, pale yellow color with a slight green hue. The nose opens fresh and invitingly with notes of lime, gooseberry, passion fruit, and subtle floral accents. On the palate, the wine is lively and energetic, with clean acidity and a beautiful balance of citrus, tropical fruit, and a light spiciness. The finish is dry, elegant, and refreshingly mineral. This wine combines concentration with precision, making it appealing for both immediate consumption and for aging in the bottle for several years.

Warwick's style and philosophy

Warwick Estate is known for wines that combine finesse and balance with the characteristic power of Stellenbosch. The winemakers strive to express the character of each vineyard through minimal intervention and careful grape selection. The Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc is a striking example: a wine that blends terroir, climate, and modern winemaking in a glass bursting with vibrancy and precision. The 2024 vintage once again demonstrates why Warwick is among South Africa's finest.

Would you like to order Warwick Estate wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Goat cheese and arugula salad – the fresh acidity of the wine enhances the creaminess of the cheese, making it lighter and fresher.
• Oysters with lime and coriander – the minerality of the wine perfectly complements the salty character of the oysters.
• Asparagus with hollandaise sauce – the green character of Sauvignon Blanc complements the delicate flavour of fresh asparagus perfectly.
• Thai shrimp curry with lemongrass – the vibrant acidity and citrus flavors balance the spicy and creamy sauce.
• Pan-fried sea bass with fennel and orange – the fresh fruity notes of the wine enhance the delicate flavour of the fish and the citrus accents in the dish.
• Scallop ceviche – the freshness of the wine makes this dish even more vibrant and allows the pure flavors to truly shine.