Sauvage La Bri (Wild La Bri) - a play on the term Sabrage (opening a champagne bottle with a Sabre) as well as the French word for wild or untamed, this Blanc de Blancs is 100% Chardonnay from the oldest block on La Bri - planted in 1991. The grapes were hand-picked on 26 January 2015, hand-sorted and whole-bunch pressed before fermentation in 5 old French barrels. After 3 months in barrel the base wine was bottled and crown capped by hand, Liquer de tirage was added and the wine was left to complete its secondary fermentation. Matured sur lie for 68 months in the bottle before disgorgement. No dosage was added. Each bottle is hand numbered and the design on each metal cap reflects a flower on the label. The first 2011 vintage the flower was closed, and it opens slightly with each vintage. Bottled at 11.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: White acacia flowers, orange blossom, creamy brioche notes with hints of buttered toast.

Palate: Pear and lime on entry. Mid-palate has a beautiful elegant weight with a welcomed creaminess.

Finish: Refreshing acidity with a perfect delicate mousse that allows the flavours to shine through. Lingering notes of lemon peel and hints of brioche buns.

Given to the De Villiers family in 1694 as one of the original nine farms given to the Huguenots, La Bri is derived from the French word for shelter. Passing through a number of owners, Robin Hamilton bought the farm in 1997 and General Manager and winemaker Irene Waller, previously winemaker at the Graham Beck Winery in Robertson for 6 years, joined La Bri in 2010.

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