Collection 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

Sandrone Barbera d’Alba 2016
‘The 2016 Barbera d'Alba is all class. Sumptuous and beautifully layered, the 2016 is a real joy to taste, even at this early stage. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, licorice, tobacco and sweet spice infuse a sumptuous, lush Barbera that hits all the right notes. This is a stellar showing from the Sandrone family. 2019-2024’ - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 92/100 (Aug 2018)

‘Dark, almost impenetrable purple red. On the nose, bitter chocolate, mint, preserved cherries in the aftertaste. Fruity on the palate with supple tannins, then taut and slightly drying in the second section, lingers on the tongue for a long time.’ - falstaff, 90/100 (Mar 2019)

Sandrone Nebbiolo d’Alba Valmaggiore 2016
‘The 2016 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore Sibi et Paucis is fabulous. Deep and layered in the glass, the 2016 captures the energy and classicism of Nebbiolo, specifically its ability to deliver tremendous flavor intensity without excess weight. The 2016 is one of he finest vintages I have ever tasted of the Valmaggiore, maybe the best. Now with a few more years in bottle since its initial release, the 2016 is magnificent. 2021-2031’ - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 95/100 (Nov 2021)

‘About ten producers make wine in the Valmaggiore cru in Roero (many of whom are reviewed here), and these wines get better each year I return to taste them. The 2016 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore is particularly beautiful, thanks to ideal growing conditions during that year. The Sandrone family counts 3.5 hectares in this location. As an alternative to Barolo, this wine presents a soft and graceful side of Nebbiolo with delicate fruit nuances and distinct mineral etchings. Indeed, the wine is almost salty in taste. The sandy soils of Valmaggiore contribute to shaping the wine's lively ruby appearance and those tangy wild berry aromas. This wine is only aged in neutral oak. 2018-2030’ - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Jun 2018