Rhône Theme
Timed Online Auction, 13 - 20 February 2023
Rhône Theme
About the SessionThe first sale of the 2023 Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction calendar is an exciting Rhône valley and Rhône-style offering.
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About this Item
Neil Ellis pioneered the négotiant, or non-estate, concept of sourcing grapes from growers all over the Cape and producing wine from the early 70s and, today, has become a pillar and legend of the local industry. Neil’s vision has always been to ‘make distinctive, refined wines that are expressive of their terrain and rank amongst South Africa’s finest’ and, with more than three decades of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon production under his belt, there are not many who could do it any better.
The Terrain Specific range is an expression of this vision. The mountain vineyards of the ward of Piekenierskloof, sourced from dry land bush vines, are known to produce the best Grenache expressions in the country. The vineyard that Neil sources from was planted in 1964 on their own roots, un-grafted and still completely disease-free.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Alluringly fragrant and expressive 2011 (92 pts) is from low-yield old Piekenierskloof vines. Composed yet intense, shows real presence. Lovely fruit purity woven into a silky and seamless structure. One to savour over the next 4-6 years.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2014, 4.5*
‘Why don’t more people make varietal Grenaches, given that the variety appears to be so well suited to the Cape? This comes from old vines planted in sandy soils and it’s a belter of a wine: scented, silky and refined, with sweet red fruits and dried herbs. Truly the Pinot Noir of the south. Drink 2015-19.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 93/100
‘The mulled cherry and plum fruit is woven with black tea, shiso leaf and white pepper notes, all gliding through a silky finish. Lively, blood orange—edged acidity keeps this fresh despite the extra bottle age.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Sep 2016)
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