Single-Owner Private Collection of Fine Wines from South Africa, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Italy, Spain and more….
Timed Online Auction, 27 June - 15 July 2024
South Africa - Reds
About this Item
Situated in the Klein Karoo in the town of Calitzdorp, De Krans is perched along the upper reaches of the picturesque Gamka River Valley. Chris Nel built the cellar in 1964 and his sons, brothers Boets and Stroebel Nel, have taken over and still specialise in top-class fortified dessert wines, created using classic port varieties that are ‘declared’ only in outstanding vintages.
The De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve is the ‘crème de la crème’ of port styles and is also the flagship De Krans port-style wine. Similar to the Cape Vintage, it is made from a single vintage, but only the very best grapes are selected, followed by a second selection process whereby only the best ports made from the traditional port varieties are blended in one vat to produce the final product. This port has a very aromatic nose of ripe red berries and cherries, stewed prunes and dark chocolate, and is a dark black colour with a plum red rim. This port-style wine from De Krans has won numerous Platter 5-star ratings, Veritas Double Gold medals and various other accolades in the past 2 decades, including being named the best fortified wine in the South African Wine Report, by British Wine Master Tim Atkin.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
2001:
‘Very tight, this strapping young wine is jam-packed with blackberry, raisin, plum, molasses, espresso and dark chocolate flavors. Long, powerful finish. Heck of a port. Best from 2005 through 2010’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (May 2004)
2002:
‘Great presence from classic port varieties, ‘declared’ only in outstanding vintages. Tinta & Touriga increasingly important in blend (85%+) with souzáo 10%, tinta r. Fortified with unmatured spirit; 16 months 4000L vats. 02 Peter Schulz 2004 award winner; softer tannins, opulent black fruit make this more approachable in infancy than 01, but has structure for decade-plus. Slightly less sugar than pvs (90g/L vs 95), more alc (20% vs 19.5).’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2005, 4.5*
2003:
SA Young Wine Show 2003 - Gold
Platter's SA Wine Guide 2006, 5*
Veritas Awards 2005 - Silver
2004:
‘A Cape flagship, declared only in best yrs. Time-honoured tinta, touriga, souzão (50/38/10) & smidgen tinta r, fortified with unmatured spirit to 20%, balancing 90g RS. Violet/tobacco notes; fruit sweetness integrates seamlessly with alc, tannin for quintessential elegance — but shd still develop ±15 yrs. These typically16 mths in 4 000L vats, 04 given firmer grip/structure from 22 mths in cask. Flawless structure, brooding fruit also marked 03’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2004, 5*
2006:
‘Cape benchmark using classic varieties, matured 20 mths in large oak to preserve fruit. 06 offers choc-prune cake, tealeaf but still brooding. Peppery grip, concentration suggests substance for decade-plus ageing.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2006, 5*
2008:
‘Impressive, delicious & ageworthy Cape benchmark. 2008 from tinta & touriga (60/35), souzão (previous included dash tinta roriz). A triumph of power & concentration; spice box aromas/flavours, precise tannins & fiery tail. 19% alc. Welcome return to form after 2007 (4.5 stars).’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2011, 5*
‘The 2008 Cape Vintage Reserve has a deep, broody bouquet with figs, marmalade, melted tar and a touch of chocolate all with good definition. The palate is well balanced with a firm structure and notes of chewy dark berried fruit interlaced with dried orange peel, cloves and baked cherries. Sweet and succulent on the finish, this deserves several years in bottle. Drink 2015-2025.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 90/100 (Aug 2011)
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