Saint-Julien 2009

Provenance

The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). 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 Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.

David studied and tasted Bordeaux more than any other region and he purchased en-primeur, or pre-release, for more than 3 decades. He bought the great vintages, loved magnums, and enjoyed the sweet wines of Sauternes. The cellar contains the famous names, but also highly regarded but lesser-known Chateaux and appellations.

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

'Very dark crimson. Savoury nose. Extremely opulent. A real charmer. The fruit almost swamps the considerable tannin. Very dramatic. Enough but not excessive freshness.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Feb 2019)

'The 2009 Gloria is tightly wound on the nose with lifted blackberry, bilberry, brine and crushed stone aromas - very nicely focused with real vigour and vibrancy. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain but assertive tannin that frame the layers of toasty black fruit laced with brown spices and white pepper. There is real personality to this Saint-Julien, very persistent in the mouth although, I would have liked a little more depth on the finish.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100 (Feb 2019)

'One of the best value St-Juliens, this is an estate that was beginning to come in to its own around 2009, and it shows extremely well here. The tannins increase a touch as you head north in the Médoc, filling the glass, but in St-Julien they're always tempered by a blast of freshness and elegance. This is succulent, utterly delicious and pliable, with juicy black fruits. It's pretty much ready to go too, but with tons of life ahead of it. A bloody great wine, one I thoroughly recommend for its quality and value also.' - Jane Anson, Decanter.com, 94/100 (Feb 2019)

'Tasted blind it felt a little aggressive, but the more it remained in my glass the more I can to appreciate it (one yearns for a decanter and more time in situations such as this.) There is still some oak to be resolved here, but this is well defined, more complex than its peers with blackberry, crushed stone, cedar and raspberry jam. The palate is medium-bodied with firm grip on the entry. Masculine, harmonious with good concentration on the finish, this is an extremely fine wine.' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Jan 2013)

'A serious young wine, crammed with plum cake, blackberry preserves, warm fig confiture and blueberry reduction flavors, all laced with briar and sweet, toasty spice notes and backed by a long, tarry finish. Has a rustic edge but lots of stuffing. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2025.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Mar 2012)