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

'"Our house blend" is how Reenen Borman describes this stylish Syrah, but given the quality of the flagship wine, Epilogue, its quality comes as no surprise. Made with the SH21 and SH99 clones, it's elegant and refined, with floral top notes, silky tannins and red berry intensity. 2020-27' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 94/100

'The wines are made in a similar fashion, both undergoing 20% whole-bunch fermentation, the standard label getting slightly less new oak - 15% compared to 20% on the Epilogue. The nose on the standard label is less brooding with notes of pelargonium, red and black fruit, pepper and spice while the palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity and crunchy tannins. All of a piece and quite charming to drink.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100 (Jan 2020)

'Unmistakable on the nose, the 2017 Syrah opens to savory and spicy aromas of peppered beef jerky. Fruit tones of dusty blackberry, black plum and juicy cherry sway out the glass with elements of dried herbs and dusty purple flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is juicy with a spicy undercurrent, showcasing flavors of Provence Herbs, black raspberry preserves and salami. The wine concludes with a long, lingering finish and subtle tannic grip. Just under 14,000 bottles were filled after the wine spent 14 months in 10% new French barriques.' - Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 90+/100 (May 2021)

'More approachable young than Epilogue, lightly perfumed 2017 had 20% whole bunches in fermentation. Firm, balanced, unobtrusive structure beneath the sweet fruit (there's also a definite savoury element), with admirably restrained oak (15% new) in support.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 4.5* (90/100)