Archived

June Online Wine Sale - Stellenbosch theme

31 May 2021

The mountainous terrain, good rainfall, deep well-drained soils and diversity of terroirs make this a sought-after viticultural area. Along with the historical names, contemporary wineries continue to keep Stellenbosch at the apex of South African wine. Elegant and yet powerful Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay continues to spearhead the region, while Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot and Cinsaut also produce world-class wines.

Highlighted lots:

 Keet First Verse 2011

Chris Keet was winemaker and viticulturist of the iconic Cordoba winery since its inception for 15 years, establishing a cult status for these Cabernet Franc driven blends that have already shown their popularity on previous Strauss fine wine auctions. Chris embarked on a three-year sabbatical after Cordoba closed production, and then he established Keet Wines. From the onset, with the release of the 2009 vintage, the return of the Keet winemaking signature was welcomed by the industry with critical acclaim.

‘Made at Van Biljon winery from fruit purchased across the Stellenbosch region this remarkable Bordeaux blend combines 29% Cabernet Sauvignon with 26% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 13% Petit Verdot. The new oak is kept to 10% here, allowing the precise, elegant, graphite and herbal notes to express themselves. Polished tannins, fresh acidity and ripe, but not over-ripe flavours. Drink: 2014-22’ – Tim Atkin SA Wine Report 2014, 95/100

Delaire Graff Laurence Graff Reserve 2011

Nestled between majestic mountains on the Helshoogte pass, Delaire was established by John and Erica Platter in the early 1980s and is now one of the jewels in the Cape Winelands. Current owner, luxury brand mogul, Laurence Graff, has transformed the ‘vineyards in the clouds’ into a Cape art, hospitality and wine destination bar none. Under the auspice of winemaker Morne Vrey, Delaire Graff has amassed a host of awards and is listed as a ‘first growth’ producer by Tim Atkin MW.

The crown jewel is produced in honour of the proprietor, assembling the very finest from the incredible estate.

2011 has the makings of an icon: complex, layered and individual, yet classic in form and structure. Barrel selection from Cabernet Reserve, with dashes of Malbec and Petit Verdot; produced only in best vintages.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 4.5* 

Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2006

The Black Label was introduced as a limited-edition bottling with this 2006 the first vintage, cementing the team’s confidence in South Africa’s own red variety.

’60-year-old vines. 1 500 bottles made, which sold out in three hours. The complexity is very evident, medicinal, meat. Great craft. Impressive. One to silence the doubters?’ – Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20″.

Mvemve Raats De Compostella 2011

Mvemve Raats, or MR for short, is a collaboration between Bruwer Raats and Mzokhona Mvemve. De Compostella, meaning ‘field of stars’, is their icon with an international reputation for being a stellar Cabernet Franc-driven Bordeaux blend – with all the trophies to prove it. It stands today as the highest rated Bordeaux-styled red wine from South Africa by the Wine Advocate and was lauded by Neal Martin as ‘one of the most memorable wines in the world’. It was also named one of the Top 10 Reds from South Africa for 4 consecutive vintages in US publication Wine Spectator.

‘The 2011 MR de Compostella comes from separately vinified parcels that are assessed blind after 12 months, the highest rated barrels spending another 12 months in wood, a tripartite mixture of new, one and two-year-old oak. It has a seductive bouquet that is beautifully defined: blackberry, raspberry and blueberry fruit wrapped up in judicious new oak and hints of cedar and sandalwood that come through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp red berries, soy and hints of spice. It is perfectly controlled with more finesse on the finish than the twenty odd South African samples I tasted before this. To sum up this wine in two words: world class. Ignore at your own risk.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Oct 2013)

Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah 2015

After nearly 2 decades at La Motte, Jacques Borman established family-owned Boschkloof in 1996 and built a reputation with these quality, structured, long-lived Stellenbosch reds, most notably Syrah, earning him a membership with the Cape Winemakers Guild. Around the turn of the last decade the arrival of his son Reenen onto the scene (also behind the successful Patatsfontein, Kottabos and Sons of Sugarland) saw the bar being raised even further, with many commentators tipping him as one to watch in terms of next generation Cape winemakers.

‘Reenen Borman says this is the “easiest wine to make because the grapes are so good” and what a site this is. Dense, grippy and wonderfully perfumed with layers of Asian spices, subtle whole bunch characters, refined oak and remarkable depth. Now established as one of the Cape’s great Syrahs. Drink 2020-30’ – Tim Atkin SA Wine Report 2017, 97/100