Prestigious Family Wineries
Live Virtual Auction, 23 July 2023
Prestigious family wineries | Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Raats Family Wines and Savage Wines
About this Item
Duncan Savage, a trailblazing winemaker, produces some of SA’s most sought-after wines. They are something of a contradiction; ‘savage’ in their essence of minimal intervention winemaking, but utterly sophisticated in their elegance, drinkability and poise. Every year his following grows, with some of these wines reaching a cult-like status. He sources grapes from across the Western Cape winelands and his cellars are based in Salt River.
The Follow the Line red from Duncan Savage has almost certainly become one of the most highly respected old vine Cinsault reds in South Africa. The fruit comes from 40-year-old dry farmed bush vines in Darling, grown on decomposed granite soils.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘An exciting new release under the Savage label, this blends Cinsault and Syrah from Darling with Grenache from Piekenierskloof. It’s a perfumed, low alcohol style that’s closer to Beaujolais or Burgundy than the Rhône. Pepper spice, red fruits and a crisp ethereal finish. Drink: 2015-20’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 93/100
‘Alluring, with a black tea note leading the way for silky cherry, raspberry and blood orange fruit flavors. Lingering dried anise, incense and bergamot notes line the finish. Elegant, but sneakily deep and long. Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2020.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Apr 2016)
‘The 2014 Follow The Line (named because the farmer told Duncan Savage to follow the telephone poles to find the vineyard that he leases out - hence the label) is a blend of 58% Cinsault, 21% Grenache and 21% Syrah. Including a lot of whole cluster grapes picked at around 12.5% to 13% potential alcohol, it has a lovely, pure and transparent nose with cranberry leaf, rose petals and a touch of rooibos. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, precise and taut, somehow effortless and refined, with an engaging bitter cherry note on the finish that urges you to take another sip.’ - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 92/100
‘Delicately delicious cinsault, grenache & syrah from Villiersdorp area, 2014 is seriously conceived & impressive. Heavy oak spice needs time to settle, but underlying fullness & subtle fruit will prevail. Beautifully poised, with creamy texture. Only wine here with new wood, 25%.’ – Platter's SA Wine Guide 2016, 4.5*
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