Peter Veldsman & Dirkie Christowitz Private Collection
Live Virtual Auction, 15 May 2022
Session 1
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Dating back to 1822, Deetlefs is the second oldest family owned wine estate in South Africa. It is situated at the foot of the Du Toitskloof Mountains in the Breedekloof Valley, in the small town of Rawsonville and is run by the seventh generation, Kobus Deetlefs. Deetlefs produces three different ranges of wine including Deetlefs Familie, Deetlefs Estate and Stonecross, and a large portion of their production is sold abroad.
Back in 1974, two winemakers from Breedekloof entered into a friendly wager. One claimed it was impossible to mature a Muscat d’Alexandrie for any length of time. The other winemaker believed otherwise. His name was Philippus Petrus Deetlefs.
To prove his theory, he filled a third of a tank with Hanepoot lees, and the remaining two thirds with Hanepoot wine, and in closing the tank, he began a new chapter in the Deetlefs story. Fifteen years later, in 1989, the tank was opened. Inside was a unique and sublimely flavoured wine. Today, this Muscat d’Alexandrie is deemed one of the world’s rarest wines, as the small volume of this very special batch is decreasing. In honour of Philippus Deetlefs’ legacy, only one small batch of Muscat d’Alexandrie will be made every twenty five years.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Superb old Muscat, a rarity; individual and exotic, to drink by the thimbleful at the end of a fine dinner. To date the 1974, next release in 2025!’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2007, 4*
‘Right up there among the most expensive wines in South Africa at R25,000 per half bottle, this is an incredible piece of history, aged in bottle and old barrels. Mid-way between a Madeira and a Sherry in style, this has notes of molasses, walnuts, figs and quince supported by amazing freshness. What a wine! 2018-30.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 96/100
Other lots that might interest you
