Timed Online Auction, 28 January - 9 February 2026

Provenance

The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Wine Cellar, fine wine merchants. His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Wine Cellar thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.

The Rhône valley was one of David's favoured regions, known for its diverse range of reds and whites. These were quintessential French wines from excellent easy-drinking, to fine, long-term treasures. He enjoyed wines from all the villages from Vaucluse to Vacqueyras, and Cornas to Côte-Rôtie. David focused on top vintages for long-term maturation and lesser vintages for earlier drinking. The highlight perhaps is his deep collection of top Châteauneuf-du-Pape from great vintages like 2010 and 2007.

For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@winecellar.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.

Critics Ratings

'The brilliant 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige (60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the balance almost every other authorized red grape of the appellation) is produced from parcels that average 90 years of age or older. It reveals the essence of Provence in its dense plum/purple color and powerful aromatics of sweet creme de cassis, black cherries, licorice, lavender, pepper, and incense. The wine possesses terrific depth, a blockbuster, opulent, multilayered texture, and a finish that lasts nearly 50 seconds. This sensational Châteauneuf-du-Pape should drink well for 15-20 years.' - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Oct 2009)

'Dark healthy crimson. Heady nose with very rich, sweet fruit, but no excess of alcohol at all. The tannins are very fine too. This is drawing room Châteauneuf! Edge of Earl Grey tea. Great finesse. Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Vaccarèse, aged for 18 months in foudres and demi-muids.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Dec 2008)

'Very silky, with nice deceptive depth to the perfumy crushed plum, toast, pepper and kirsch notes. A hint of shiso leaf extends the mineral- and red fruit-filled finish. Drink now through 2019.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Nov 2009)