Rhône theme
Online-Only Auction, 14 - 21 February 2022
Rhône theme
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
With a rich history that dates back to 1692, Hartenberg has passed through the legendary families of Finlayson and Gilbey until the late Ken Mackenzie purchased the estate in 1987. Situated in its own self-contained valley on the slopes of the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch, the terroir is renowned for fine quality and ageability. CWG member Carl Schultz has presided as the head winemaker for over 25 years and has produced world class, powerful reds.
The 170-hectare property has a pure water source running through it, and a number of birds and animals which call Hartenberg their home. As such, the owners and staff have accepted responsibility for the conservation of the property through considered and sustainable use of all natural resources. They have various initiatives in place to ensure an environment where nature thrives.
This Shiraz from clay soils was made in honour of Ken Mackenzie, who preferred Shiraz over all reds. Tall and thin, with long legs, he served as a Spitfire pilot in WW2 and was affectionately known as the ‘Stork’.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
Hartenberg The Stork 2004
‘Memorialises late Ken Mackenzie (nicknamed ‘Stork’ for his height & thin legs!), who loved the estate’s shiraz. This version is from vyds with clay soils, to give a contrasting style to Gravel Hill. Awesome depth & concentration in 04 (»); nothing skinny here: opulent liquorice toned plums, black cherries; velvety texture, irresistibly delicious, but don’t underestimate underlying structure, ageability. All new Fr oak, 18 mths. Only 550 cs. Generous 03 deeply rich, easily accommodates hefty 15.5% alc. All keepers, 7+ yrs.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 5*
‘This is maturing, but still shows good depth and flesh, with roasted sage, coffee, plum and dark currant notes gliding through the nicely polished, well-toasted finish.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 90/100 (2009)
Hartenberg The Stork 2005
‘From clay soils, more accessible than Gravel Hill. Gorgeous 05 no sharp edges: pepper-dusted cranberries, exuberant red fruits reined in by polished tannins, deliciously smooth & opulent. New Fr oak, 19 mths. 04 as irresistible.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 5*
‘Maturing, but still very fresh, with a delicious core of damson plum, fig and boysenberry fruit laced with tangy iron and spice hints. The long finish lets a charred mesquite note check in. There's nice mouthfeel as well. Shiraz.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Apr 2010)
Hartenberg The Stork 2006
Mint and sage up front, followed by crushed plum, grilled herb, tobacco and iron notes that all mesh through the toast-tinged finish. Shows excellent range and length.’ Wine Spectator, 91/100
Hartenberg The Stork 2007
‘Most immediate of the shiraz ‘Royal Flush’, from clay soils. 2007 ‘big’ in all respects; ripe red pimento fruits, sturdy oak vanilla (26 mths new Fr) & opulent 15.4% alc in a Zin-lookalike package. 2006 elegant after gorgeous 2005 (5 stars).’ – Platter's SA Wine Guide, 4.5*
‘Sourced from terra rossa soils on southeast slopes, 2007 The Stork was raised for 27 months entirely in French oak. It has a decadent, almost ostentatious bouquet of macerated dark cherries, creme de cassis, plum and glycerine. The palate is full-bodied with silky smooth, seamless tannins and layers of luscious red fruits. The alcohol at 15.54% is well controlled although it lends the finish warmth rather than precision. For hedonists, this is the perfect Shiraz! Drink 2012-2018.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 91/100 (Aug 2011)
‘Ripe and focused, with a beam of crushed damson plum, linzer torte, loganberry and succulent black cherry fruit, laced with licorice and spice on the rock-solid finish. Shiraz.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 90/100 (Jun 2011)
Hartenberg The Stork 2008
‘From heavier clay soil, & a marked contrast to Gravel Hill: this an Aussie-style extrovert, with upfront vanilla-oak, open almost gulpable texture - though pimento-toned 2008 is shade more elegant, less opulent than previous, reflecting vintage.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 4.5*
‘Mature, with mint, sage and bay leaf notes emerging from the core of crushed plum, steeped boysenberry and blackberry fruit. A hefty dose of melted licorice hangs on the finish.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Jun 2013)
Hartenberg The Stork 2009‘An Aussie-style extrovert from heavier clay soil, in marked contrast to Gravel Hill: 2009 is open - almost gulpable - but pimento-toned spice regiments the boisterous berry fruit & vanilla-oak (2 years all-new barrels) to retain elegance.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 4.5*
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