Young Guns and New Wave Producers
Timed Online Auction, 17 - 27 November 2023
Young Gun and New Wave Producers
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About this Item
The historic farm of Natte Valleij Wines is set on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg mountain, just outside of Stellenbosch. Bought by the Milner Family in 1969 as a run-down winery that had not produced wine since the 50’s, and today the youngest son, Alexander Milner, now 3rd generation Milner on Natte Valleij, makes the wine. He started in 2005, after graduating as a qualified winemaker from Stellenbosch University, he was determined to return Natte Valleij to an epitome of classic South African wine. His focus is mainly on Cinsault, seeking out old bushvine parcels both in Stellenbosch and further afield.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
‘Like its stablemates, needs decanting to get rid of the initial Cinsault whiffiness, and like its stablemates, once that goes, it is a revelation. Hibiscus, pomegranate, evening roses – smells deeper and more spicy than the Natte Valleij Swartland Cinsault, although with a similar fingerprint. Sharper, bonier, yet somehow with more intensity, as though it was burning up on the inside with a brilliant tension. Full of refracted light – tasting this is like standing on the inside of a ruby. Fragrant right through as if the spine of the wine was carved from rose petals and mica. Long and piercingly fresh.’ – Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Apr 2019)
‘From the nose alone, you know they are doing things right. The 2017 Stellenbosch Cinsault has a red-cherried nose, packed with subtle rose and lilac that mingle with a soft petrichor note of dusty earth just after receiving the first drops of rain. Medium-bodied and full of complexity, the palate is focused and balanced, with depth, power and finesse. The wine lingers on the thoughtfully layered and beautifully precise finish, where the cherries turn just slightly tart, though still showing great structure, and Cinsault's natural spice emerges and blossoms on the back end. I'm impressed—go buy it now! Only 1,200 bottles made.’ – Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 91+/100 (Oct 2019)
‘From a 1974 vineyard planted on granite. Very fragrant – a top note of rose water before red cherry and plum. Light bodied with juicy fruit, lemon-like acidity and some spice to the finish. The most elegant of the foursome. Alcohol: 12%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 90/100 (Mar 2019)