Young Guns
Online-Only Auction, 17 - 28 November 2022
Young Guns | For the classicists and the geeks alike, an incredible collection
About the SessionWhat 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.
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About this Item
Duncan Savage, a trailblazing winemaker, produces some of SA’s most sought-after wines. They are something of a contradiction; ‘savage’ in their essence of minimal intervention winemaking, but utterly sophisticated in their elegance, drinkability and poise. Every year his following grows, with some of these wines reaching a cult-like status. He sources grapes from across the Western Cape winelands and his cellars are based in Salt River.
Critics Ratings
2015
'Released after 2016, 2015 held back for extended oak ageing (30 months) to allow for evolution. Still not short of power and structure in its Syrah-led mix with Touriga, Cinsaut and Grenache, whose sweetly spiced, elegant fruit will easily bide time needed to harmonise. Open fermenters for reds, 50% whole bunches unless noted. Old oak, various sizes. Unfined.' -Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (93 pts)
'Duncan Savage released his softer 2016 ahead of this more ageworthy red and it was definitely the right decision. Syrah-based with Cinsault, Touriga Nacional and Grenache, it’s still quite firm and tight, with a tannic backdrop to figgy, mulberry fruit. 2020-26' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 93/100
2017
'2017 all Syrah (2016 (4.5 stars, 93 pts) and previous Syrah-led blends). Ripe, concentrated; many layers in its spice, soft berry and savoury notes; all balanced, focused by lively ripe tannins, overall freshness. Already appetising, but future rewards. Wholebunch ferment, large-oak matured, none new.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 5* (95 pts)
'The Savage Red is now a varietal Syrah for the first time, having previously been a cuvée of different grapes. Sourced from granite soils and grown biodynamically, it's wonderfully intense, peppery red with real grace, precision and complexity, fresh acidity and just a hint of oak. 2021-27.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 96/100
2018
'All Syrah, 2018 full of joie de vivre; crackles with heady pepper spice, lilies, great energy, concentration in its sweet, supple fruit, zesty tannin trim. Bit leaner than 2017, just as delicious now and with time to go. Stellenbosch vines. Also in magnum. Modest alcohol (13.3%), as most.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2021, 5* (95 pts)
'Weathered granite soils in one of the best spots in Stellenbosch for Syrah supply the grapes for this delicious red, made in a style that nods enthusiastically towards the northern Rhône. White pepper and lavender aromas lead you into a palate that's focused, spicy and intense, with extra structure and complexity from 50% whole bunches. 2023-30.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 95/100
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