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
Eben Sadie is South Africa’s most revered winemaker and he arguably kick-started the local fine wine revolution. Over two decades his pursuit for quality in the Swartland has been unparalleled in South Africa and he was voted Winemaker of the Year in 2017 by the International Master of Wine Institute. Eben’s wines were influenced by the Rhône and Spain, with traditional local varieties sourced from pockets of old bush vines and unique terroirs. Long-ageing Columella is often regarded as South Africa’s best red, while Palladius similarly offers an incredible Swartland expression and decades of longevity. The old vine single vineyard series, which was first released in the 2009 vintage, is now firmly the most sought-after release of the year. Mev Kirsten is South Africa’s rarest white wine, produced from a century old Stellenbosch vineyard, while the now legendary Skurfberg received 100 points from Tim Atkin in 2020.
The Piekenierskloof took its name from the piekeniers (foot soldiers) who were located at the top of the pass of the mountain to protect the lifestock in this part of the old Cape Colony from theft, hence this parcel of vines being named Soldaat (Soldier). This pure Grenache on granite soils is often said to have a nose ‘reminiscent of an old Rayas’. Forming part of Sadie’s Old Vine Series, only 350 cases were produced.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Translucent, delicate & utterly expressive 2014 Piekenierskloof grenache. Non-interventionist winemaking allows ethereal pure ripe cherries, cinnamon spice to shine brightly through in hauntingly pale depth & power. Fresh, appetising acidity & silky lightness; long, minerally finish.’ – Platter's SA Wine Guide, 4.5*
‘The 2014 Old Vine Series Soldaat...swear to God...if I was served this blind I would claim it to be a Burgundy Pinot Noir. It has a wonderful definition and transparency, and is extraordinarily pure with an enthralling sous-bois undertow. The palate is taut and linear, very focused, nimble and poised with fine but strict tannin; it is tightly wound with tertiary red berry fruit that segue into a poised finish. This is a serious Grenache from Eben Sadie, one that deserves to be cellared for as long as you can withstand. (Eben thinks it will go into a slumber after a couple of years, so bear that in mind.) Drink 2017-2027.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Nov 2015)
‘Grown at 800 metres, the Grenache from Piekenierskloof is some of the most distinctive in the Cape. Whole bunch spice, fermentation in old cement tanks, supple red fruits and pure, refreshing, high altitude freshness make this one of the best examples of the grape in South Africa. Drink: 2015-21.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 94/100
'Pale brick-red. Strawberry, earth and leather on the nose, with hints of dried spices and dried fruits. Aromatic and precise in the mouth, showing lovely cut and salinity to the bright red fruit and mineral flavors. Finishes with firm but essentially light tannins and subtle lingering perfume. This bone-dry wine may come as a shock to fans of 15+ Grenache fruit bombs from Chateauneuf or the New World but I found it fascinating. Time in bottle will bring stronger truffle and underbrush character. This steep vineyard faces west. Not surprisingly, Sadie, who has made wine in Spain, told me he loves high-altitude Grenache around Madrid. "I like the animal, leathery style that needs altitude," he explained. "Height trims down the fat of the variety."' - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 92/100 (Apr 2015)
'From a Piekenierskloof vineyard, the wine is restrained to the point of delicate. The nose shows wild strawberry, fynbos and spice. The palate meanwhile is light bodied but still remarkably succulent with fresh acidity and crunchy tannins.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100 (Sep 2015)
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