Share This Article
Showcasing Constantia’s distinctive terroir and Steenberg’s Sauvignon Blanc expertise.
Steenberg Vineyards Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc 2025 has been named one of the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10, placing the farm’s flagship expression of the cultivar among South Africa’s leading Sauvignon Blancs.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 is the only national competition dedicated exclusively to the cultivar. This year, 159 wines from 95 producers were entered, with the Top 10 selected by an expert judging panel. Black Swan was one of only four unwooded Sauvignon Blancs in the final selection.
“Black Swan reflects our understanding of Sauvignon Blanc and the distinctive character of our vineyards,” says Carryn Wiltshire, Marketing Manager at Steenberg Vineyards. “Being named among the country’s Top 10 is a meaningful endorsement of the care and expertise that go into producing this wine, from the vineyard through to the cellar.”
Steenberg’s winemaking heritage dates to 1682, and its connection to the Constantia Valley continues to shape its approach to Sauvignon Blanc. The farm’s vineyards benefit from the cooling influence of False Bay, decomposed granite soils and a gradual ripening season. Together, these conditions help deliver the freshness, concentration and natural acidity that underpin the farm’s Sauvignon Blancs.
Within this collection, Black Swan is regarded as the purest expression of the estate’s terroir. Made from carefully selected fruit from Steenberg’s finest Sauvignon Blanc vineyards, it reflects the distinctive character of the site and the considered approach behind the wine.
Achieving this expression begins in the vineyard, where Viticulturist Vlok Hanekom and his team work closely with individual vineyard blocks, tailoring canopy management and harvest timing to the needs of the vines. Their approach also incorporates attention to soil health and precision viticulture.
In the cellar, Cellarmaster Elunda Basson builds on that foundation, using slow, cool fermentation to retain the wine’s aromatic precision while adding texture and depth. These elements come together in a Sauvignon Blanc that balances vibrant fruit with layers of complexity.
The 2025 vintage reveals aromas of nasturtium, sugar-snap pea, fresh asparagus and capsicum. On the palate, lemon and hints of dried apricot and mange tout are complemented by a rich texture and a long, balanced finish. Nine months of lees contact contribute depth and structure while preserving the fruit’s purity and the wine’s natural acidity. With its balance and structure, the wine also has the potential to age for five to 15 years.
Sauvignon Blanc is central to Steenberg’s winemaking identity, with its four distinct expressions showcasing different facets of the cultivar. Beyond the farm, Basson’s role as Chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa also reflects her involvement in the wider industry and the continued development of the category.
Black Swan’s place among the 2026 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 adds to the recognition Steenberg has received for its wines, including international accolades for its Merlot 2022. While each wine has its own identity, the common thread is the farm’s connection to its surroundings and the care taken to express that in the glass.
“For us, it always comes back to the vineyard and understanding what makes each site distinctive,” says Carryn Wiltshire. “With Black Swan, that means creating a Sauvignon Blanc that reflects the character of Constantia while staying true to Steenberg’s own style.”