Silverthorn Jewel Box is a premium Cap Classique from South Africa, crafted in a rich, layered style that the producer says was inspired by famous Champagne houses such as Krug and Bollinger. It is made from 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir from the Robertson area, with the 2019 technical sheet noting careful hand harvesting, gentle whole-bunch pressing, and a low juice recovery to preserve finesse and concentration. The wine is then built for complexity through a mix of stainless-steel and old French oak fermentation, plus reserve Chardonnay aged in old French barrels.
Winemaking and Style
Jewel Box is made in the traditional method and spends extended time on the lees to build character. Silverthorn’s 2019 technical sheet states that the wine spends a minimum of 40 months on the lees, while the producer’s later Tim Atkin write-up for the same wine describes it as having spent 50 months on lees, showing the house’s clear emphasis on long maturation and complexity. The result is a sparkling wine with fine bubbles, richness, structure and a layered finish rather than a simple fruit-forward style.
Tasting Notes
Silverthorn describes the appearance as light straw yellow with elegant fine bubbles. On the nose, expect roasted almonds, marzipan, subtle strawberry and cherry compote, and zesty citrus nuances. The palate is dry, rich and full, with soft toasty creaminess and impressive weight. The producer’s Tim Atkin summary adds further detail, mentioning aromatic spice, wet stone, cream, pistachio and citrus fruit zest, which reinforces the wine’s complex, mature style.
Accolades
Silverthorn notes that Jewel Box “consistently ranks among the very best Cap Classiques,” and in the producer’s 2024 Tim Atkin awards update, the 2019 Jewel Box received a drinking window of 2025–2032. The same note highlights the wine’s layered, youthful and complex profile.
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