Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts, Jewellery and Wine
Online-Only Auction, 15 - 22 February 2021
Wine Rhône Theme
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About this Item
Founded in 1998 by Alex Dale, Radford Dale set about the Cape regions in search of exciting vineyard parcels for their chosen specialist varietals. Since 2009, winemaking and viticulture has been headed up by young-gun Jacques de Klerk. An ambitious winery, Radford Dale are early champions for the potential of Chenin Blanc, Elgin Pinot Noir, Swartland reds, and maritime influenced Stellenbosch Chardonnay. They are the first producer in 20 years to plant Gamay Noir, and their Pinotage expressions are increasingly well received by the international sommelier set. In 2020, they completed work on a small second winery to separate their organic wine production. Stylistically, the wines focus on varietal and site expression, with the team employing a low intervention ethos in the cellar
Heading up winemaking & viticulture is Jacques de Klerk, who joined in 2009 and today sits on the board of Directors. In 2010, the Cape stalwart varietal Cinsault was introduced to Black Rock, steering the wine in the philosophical direction pursued by the winery to this day - in producing wines of site, varietal character & balance.
Black Rock achieved three consecutive 5* ratings at Platters for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 releases, with the 2014 awarded ‘Red Wine of the Year’. Notably, these are the last bottlings to precede the severe drought vintages to impact the Swartland and these old, unirrigated sites.
Critics Ratings
‘Our Red Wine of the Year, this fine 2014 blend is delightful for sheer drinkability. Co-fermented Swartland carignan (37%), shiraz/syrah (35%), cinsaut, mourvèdre, grenache & viognier in which delicate lavender leads to juicy forest fruits & savoury spice.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 5*
‘A kitchen sink Swartland blend of Carignan, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Viognier skins, this is spicy, nuanced and wonderfully aromatic, with white pepper, lavender and rosemary notes and a firm, stony finish. Firmer than the 2013.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 92/100
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