The Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc from Steenberg is fermented and aged in large wooden barrels, with 20% new oak being used here. The term Rattlesnake was replaced by "Barrel fermented" from the 2020 vintage, which somehow sounds friendlier.
Both the terroir and the aging process are noticeable in the glass. Elderflower, stone fruit and gooseberry unite in the nose and on the palate. Bite and spiciness form the backbone, while the creamy texture rounds off the overall mouthfeel. The structured but juicy palate reveals flavors such as quince, nasturtium and lime. A lingering herbaceous and mineral finish rounds it all off. It's great to drink young, but this wine also ages in the bottle for five to seven years.
