The vineyards for Snakes & Ladders are nestled high on the escarpment of the Cape’s far north Atlantic west coast, a dramatic landscape between the coastal plain and the Olifantsrivier valley. This is a truly wild and pure place, and the wine’s name, “Snakes & Ladders,” reflects the extreme highs and lows of farming in such a challenging climate. Deep red sandy soils and cool Atlantic breezes provide a tempering influence in an otherwise unforgiving environment.
This unique appellation is incomparable for Sauvignon Blanc, where they believe texture, structure, and complexity are key to the wines produced here. They vinify with deep respect for these wild origins. A wild yeast ferment, aging in old French oak barrels, and a light touch in the cellar allow for a very pure expression of this extraordinary terroir.
The nose is intensely complex, with blackcurrant leaf, hay, and marzipan vying with exotic tropical fruit tones. The palate is powerful and poised, showcasing gooseberry and prickly pear brightened by a cutting saline acidity.
Vineyard Age: 26-30 year old vineyards
Soil Type: Decomposed Table Mountain sandstone soils over clay and alluvial deposits