Saint-Estèphe 2016

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.

David celebrated the variation of vintage but also took advantage of great vintages. Over the last 10 years the 2016s have proven to be one of the greatest modern-day Bordeaux vintages, on par or superior to the likes of 2010, 2009 or 2005. Across Bordeaux, the wines are structured and pure combining exotic notes and sweet fruit. As part of our annual 10-year auction, we showcase 2016 Bordeaux vintage which will delight over many decades, especially in large format. David also bought the highly regarded Italian vintage, which produced exceptional wines in Piedmont and Tuscany especially.

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

‘Wild nose. Impressive, deep hue and a wealth of fresh, violet-like aromas, as well as cassis, graphite and dark cherries. The palate has a very sleek, fine, powerful core of tannins that bring a lot of depth and deliver rich dark-fruit flavor. A classic Meyney. Best since 1961!’ - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 96/100 (Feb 2019)

'The 2016 Meyney has a very deep color. The bouquet is a stunner, delivering intense, mineral-rich black fruit pixelated to the nth degree. This is extremely focused and conveys the energy of a tightly coiled spring. The extremely well-balanced palate offers fine-grained tannins and superb acidity. Very pure and focused, with a harmonious, vibrant finish that lingers in the mouth. You can feel this lingering 45-60 seconds after the wine has exited. Wonderful. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. drink 2026 - 2050.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 95/100 (Jan 2020)

‘Winemaker Anne la Naour and consultant Hubert de Bouard are clearly working very hard on upping the quality of Meyney, which is just starting to push beyond its normal price category. Of the triumvirate of great vintages, for me the 2014 was incredible and punched above its weight, but this is also a very good wine. It's a terroir of clay and gravel that takes a long time to come round, but already we have freshness, colour and spice with big bristling tannins and well placed damson and black cherry fruits. Powerful upfront with a good round mouthfeel, this has depth and solidity, a serious wine. 49% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Petit Verdot. 2024-2040’ - Jane Anson, Decanter, 92/100 (Apr 2017)

'Impressively dark crimson hue. Still relatively closed with just the notion of dark fruit. Palate firm, long and focused, the tannins plentiful but honed. Lots of persistence and drive on the finish. A serious and distinguished wine destined for the long haul. 2026-2046’ - James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com, 17.5+/20 (Jun 2023)

'Solidly built, with a dark and juicy core of currant, plum and blackberry reduction flavors, inlaid with charcoal and smoldering tobacco notes. Offers a pleasant loamy tug through the finish. Gutsy wine. The better of two bottles tasted. Best from 2022 through 2032.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Mar 2019)