Rhône Theme
Timed Online Auction, 2 - 12 February 2024
Rhône | International & South African offering
About the SessionThe first sale of the 2024 Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction calendar is an exciting Rhône valley and Rhône-style offering and has fast-become one of the most popular at Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auctions.
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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.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Bright, dark red. Blueberry and blackberry aromas are lifted by violet, pepper and spices. Juicy, intense and firm if a bit youthfully inky and closed; not yet showing much complexity but has the spine and freshness to evolve in bottle. Finishes with firm but fine, building tannins and spicy perfume. Nicely balanced Shiraz with subtle sweetness and no hard edges. Turns a bit dusty with aeration.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous (Apr 2017)
‘This is not quite as exciting as the top Shirazes from Hartenberg, but it is considerably cheaper. The oak is a little intrusive perhaps, but this has attractive blueberry and blackberry fruit and a sprinkling of pepper spice. 2018-22’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 90/100
'More savoury, fresh meat & iodine, black pepper nuances. Dry, fine tannins & svelte-textured richness all in harmony with 25% new oak. 2014 aged longer (20 months), also more intense & long lived than Doorkeeper.' - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4*