Young Guns

Online-Only Auction, 17 - 28 November 2022

Young Guns | For the classicists and the geeks alike, an incredible collection
About the Session

What is a Young Gun?

A talented winemaker who pushes the boundaries, breaks the rules and creates cutting-edge wines with personality and energy. Young Guns either work, or have worked for notable estates, but also produce unique wines under their own labels. They are dynamic, working together in pushing the envelope and promoting brand SA. They are the winemakers who should be on your radar as they are making some of the most daring, innovative, and simply delicious wines in SA. They travel and taste extensively, drawing inspiration from the classics through to the more edgy, hip styles and techniques, from the profound and obscure wine regions of the world. And then they apply their own creative interpretations on home soil, often searching for unique vineyard sites, cultivars and old vines. The results are most often small in numbers and high in demand, selling out on release. They are the rising stars, the future icons and ultimately, tomorrow’s investment wines.


Sold for

ZAR 3 283
Lot 39
  • Natte Valleij; Darling Cinsault; 2016; 6 (1 x 6); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 3 000 - 4 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 3 283

About this Item

2016 Darling Cinsault
6 (1 x 6) 750ml

The historic farm of Natte Valleij Wines is set on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg mountain, just outside of Stellenbosch. Bought by the Milner Family in 1969 as a run-down winery that had not produced wine since the 50’s, and today the youngest son, Alexander Milner, now 3rd generation Milner on Natte Valleij, makes the wine. He started in 2005, after graduating as a qualified winemaker from Stellenbosch University, he was determined to return Natte Valleij to an epitome of classic South African wine. His focus is mainly on Cinsault, seeking out old bushvine parcels both in Stellenbosch and further afield.

The father to our national variety, Pinotage, and once stalwart red variety of the industry, Cinsault has since fallen into obscurity. Affectionately still called Hermitage by many old timers, it creates superbly drinkable wines festooned with red fruits, spice and surprising structure to age gracefully. This tribute to our wine-making past was hand crafted from selected parcels of old bush vines spread across the Cape, that have resolutely withstood time and showcases this variety’s essence.

Winemaker's comments:
These bush vines must be the most isolated vineyard we have in our cellar. Planted on a lonely hill surrounded by wheat fields and to many gates to remember, this vineyard stands very alone. Supple and harmonious, with beautiful floral notes that are becoming synonymous with darling Cinsaults. Layering of fruit, textured earthiness and an equally elegant tannic pull.' - Alexander Milner

Provenance

Producer

View all Natte Valleij lots for sale in this auction