The Tabernacle
Live Virtual Auction, 10 July 2022
Session 1
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Believed to be South Africa’s oldest red blend, Chateau Libertas was established by Dr William Charles Winshaw in 1932 to introduce a lightly wooded dry red blend. It has been produced every year since. A unique blend of Cinsaut, Cabernet Sauvignon and later Pinotage, vintages such as 1940, 57 and 61 are remarkably composed and revered today, especially in 750ml bottle.
This wine has been checked and re-corked by Amorim cork under supervision of auction curator Higgo Jacobs, assuring provenance, quality and long life. Seal codes nH-893050, fz-949782, VX-305121 can be traced on Amorim Recorking Directory
Provenance
The Distell Tabernacle - Stellenbosch
Critics Ratings
‘Red berries, herbs, spice and some rose-like perfume on the nose. The palate is light-bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Still very much alive but an inherently modest wine that’s a little short of detail.’ - Christian Eedes, 91/100 (Apr 2022)
‘This is a profound textured Cape classic blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cinsaut. Fantastically perfumed and fragrant, there is such complexity of pomegranate and red cherry spice. The palate too is amazingly youthful, vibrant and intense. So harmonious with a beautifully plush, concentrated depth of fruit bursting with cherry confit, and sun kissed cranberries. I’d love to have some of this in my cellar!’ - Greg Sherwood MW, A Fine Wine Safari, 96/100 (Apr 2017)
‘Famed name in Cape reds. Medium-bodied dry red blend of Cabernet, Cinsaut and Pinotage (with latter well sublimated) from Coastal region. One of the personal favourites of Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery (SFW) chief Ronnie Melck; consequently in recent vintages being lavished with much more attention in cellar. On a quality-price basis, great value.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 1985
‘Old-style Cape red aromas (large old vats), pleasantly rounded and ready to drink. Some previous vintages, eg. 1982, fuller and worth maturing for a few years. Improvement began in 1979 when the Cabernet content was upped, from mainly Cinsaut. A limited annual release in claret magnums started with the 1979, most recent magnum release was 1982.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 1989