The first vintage of Lady A was made in secret as a present for Ruth Althaus in 1996. Inspired by the famous oaked Sauvignon Blanc of Bordeaux, Lady A has earned a cult status reputation around the globe. It is a wine of astounding fruit purity, superb elegance and complexity. A bright core of citrus fruit is woven with subtle nuances of oak and natural acid drive. Lady A is crafted in small batches from a single hectare plot at Stoney Vineyard. It hails from the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines on the estate dating back to 1991.

A warm, energetic (and record-breaking) vintage is on full song here. A rich, stonefruit-led nose blossoms with white peach, gooseberry, green melon and a gentle, grassy suggestion of hay. Though carrying a little less overt oak influence than usual, its very well integrated, balancing tidily against a voluminous, elegant palate of pineapple, passionfruit and gooseberry. Train-track medium-plus acidity leads into a fine, long finish. Will cellar very, very well (78 years).