Cape Heritage, Sweets, Fortifieds and Spirits

Timed Online Auction, 7 - 14 August 2023

Cape Heritage

Sold for

ZAR 11 725
Lot 12
  • Lanzerac; Pinotage; 1959; 1 (1 x 1); 375ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 8 000 - 12 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 11 725

About this Item

1959 Pinotage
1 (1 x 1) 375ml

With its history dating back to 1692, Lanzerac Wine Estate is one of South Africa’s most famous properties. Their signature ‘ten-pin’ shaped bottle from the 60s and 70s is unique and the wines within have stood the test of time. Lanzerac produced the first commercial Pinotage in the world with the 1959.

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 code qx-447299 can be traced on Amorim Recorking Directory

This was the first-ever monovarietal Pinotage bottled and released in South Africa. Nowadays, Pinotage is a staple variety in many parts of the country, even though it is not universally loved. This wine was produced by the huge cooperative Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery (SFW) and was not released until 1961. In the late 1950s, SFW had purchased the trademark of Lanzerac, an estate founded in 1692, and decided to use that label for its pioneering Pinotage.

It went on to win the trophy at the Cape Young Wine Show in 1959.

Provenance

The Distell Tabernacle - Stellenbosch

Critics Ratings

‘Red cherry, some caramel and some varnish on the nose. The palate has good body – juicy fruit, bright acidity and a nicely dry finish. This is holding on well, even if not particularly nuanced.’ - Christian Eedes, 91/100 (Apr 2022)

'The wine carries a now-legendary status and does not disappoint in the glass… Fantastically fine, complex nose of sweet leafy savoury bramble berry fruits, sweet tobacco leaf, black chai tea, dried herbs, earthy wood spice and notes of macerated cherries. All the wonderful tertiary complexity of a very classy, expressive red wine that retains an impressive harmony and poise, textural elegance with pinpoint vibrant acidity, freshness and an all-round air of elder statesman confidence. You know you are in the presence of greatness when you taste this old beauty.’ - Greg Sherwood MW (2018)

‘Very fine and expressive with a hint of green and some notes of tobacco and tea, together with vibrant berry and cherry fruit. Harmonious and expressive with maturity but also freshness. This has aged so nicely with amazing purity considering its vintage. Subtle earthy notes, too. A really beautiful wine.’- Jamie Goode (2018)

View all Lanzerac lots for sale in this auction