Rhône Theme
Timed Online Auction, 2 - 12 February 2024
Rhône | International & South African offering
About the SessionThe first sale of the 2024 Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction calendar is an exciting Rhône valley and Rhône-style offering and has fast-become one of the most popular at Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auctions.
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About this Item
With a rich history that dates back to 1692, Hartenberg has passed through the legendary families of Finlayson and Gilbey until the late Ken Mackenzie purchased the estate in 1987. Situated in its own self-contained valley on the slopes of the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch, the terroir is renowned for fine quality and ageability. CWG member Carl Schultz has presided as the head winemaker for over 25 years and has produced world class, powerful reds.
The 170-hectare property has a pure water source running through it, and a number of birds and animals which call Hartenberg their home. As such, the owners and staff have accepted responsibility for the conservation of the property through considered and sustainable use of all natural resources. They have various initiatives in place to ensure an environment where nature thrives.
CWG member Carl Schultz has presided as the head winemaker for over 25 years and has produced world class, powerful reds. Previously only released through the CWG, the Gravel Hill Shiraz holds the record for the longest Guild ‘accreditation’.
Critics Ratings
‘‘Showing a round, structured nose, the 2015 Gravel Hill Shiraz opens with complex dark fruit tones of blackberry, cassis, black raspberry and dusty cherry with hints of savory dried herbs and peppercorn medley. Full-bodied, rich and robust on the palate, the tannins ensure this lasts for a decade and a half. The wine unfolds on the mid-palate to show impressive depth and breadth of flavor, with power and a feral finesse to the long-lingering finish. Wow!’ - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 92/100 (Mar 2022)
'It's almost as if the name Gravel Hill tells you what to expect from this intense, tannic, structured Shiraz, which is intense, iodine, violet and incense scented, with notes of meaty reduction, tapenade and considerable grip. Still young, it needs a few more years to show at its best. Drink 2022-32.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 96/100
‘Estate’s delicious & multifaceted flagship from parcel of poor, gravelly soil. 2015 has compact core of dark plum, mulberry & olive tapenade, poised tannin structure, great refinement & savouriness; 19 months oak, 90% new. Built to last at least a decade. Magnums too.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 4.5* (94/100)
'Cool and poised nose of raspberry, bramble and sleek polished oak. Bright and complex palate finishing with tea and orange.' - Decanter World Wine Awards (93/100)
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
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