Cape Heritage and The Loire
Timed Online Auction, 1 - 12 August 2024
Cape Heritage - Red Wines
About the SessionThe Cape Heritage Red Wine Session features 25 lots from The Tabernacle – the famous underground cellar in Stellenbosch that houses some of South Africa’s most spectacular vinous historical treasures. All the lots from The Tabernacle have been recorked; each bottle was opened for inspection, under the protection of an argon gas blanket, and Strauss & Co fine wine specialist Higgo Jacobs along with Amorim tasted and assessed each wine. The wines were topped up with wine from the same vintage, recorked and resealed, all under the supervision of a technical team from Amorim Corks.
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
This wine has been checked and re-corked by Amorim cork under supervision of auction curator Higgo Jacobs, assuring provenance, quality and long life. Seal codes IN-373939, zx-271245, NF-483571 can be traced on Amorim Recorking Directory
In the 1970s regulations for South African wine were lax, and many wines that were labelled as Cabernet Sauvignon also included a generous, sometimes even dominant proportion of Cinsault. The variety Cinsault was widely planted and high-yielding, helping estates to stretch their so-called Cabernets. However, winemaker Brözel often insisted that this wine was indeed 100% Cabernet. It was fermented to full dryness.
Provenance
The Tabernacle - Stellenbosch
Critics Ratings
'Medium red colour with a slight brownish edge. A wonderful array of flavours meets you on the nose. It starts with dried fruit with a touch of sweetness – that Nederburg hallmark – followed by some spice, nuttiness and toffee. The wine opens up beautifully on the palate with more of the same flavours. The freshness of the wine is remarkable. It finishes with an attractive dryness and a touch of acidity that adds to the complexity. A long lingering and silky-smooth aftertaste. In such good shape after 50 years!' - Bennie Howard CWM (Mar 2024)
'This wine has been hailed as one of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons produced in the latter part of the 20th century. It was only sold at the Nederburg Auction over a period of 25 years, and the first batch was first sold when it was 8 years old in 1982. The wine was a bit cloudy on the colour, but it did not affect the nose or palate. The nose had good Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics, and has evolved into rich Christmas cake fruit and spice, slight nuttiness and a great balance between the fruit and tannins. The elegant tannin structure adds a great dimension to the wine that is in perfect harmony. This bolder Cabernet Sauvignon from the fuller 1974 vintage ends rich and creamy on the palate and just lingers on.' - Bennie Howard CWM (Mar 2023)
'Undoubtedly a shining gem. Bright red fruit, tomato leaf, mint, pepper. Generous, sweet red berries at the core, laced by a superb acidity. Graciously matured medium bodied, elegant Cab with finesse and staying power.' - Higgo Jacobs (2019)
'Many wines from this era and vintage show a slightly Porty character… This 1974, however, is utterly composed, fresh and deeply complex. The nose reminded me of an aged Hermitage… So elegant and pure, with red berries, a hint of toast, nuts and exotic spice. The palate was astonishingly refined, deep and elegant.’ - Roland Peens (2015)
‘Maroon, with great depth, only now bricking at the edge. Almost Porty in its ripeness and texture, yet surprisingly elegant on the finish.' - Michael Fridjhon (2014)
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