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
'Pronounced earthy, sappy, green leaf style with notes of dried herbs, fynbos, sandalwood and leafy red currant tangy berry fruits. The acids are electric, cool and glassy. Just a measured amount of tertiary complexity developing.' - Greg Sherwood MW, 95/100 (Jan 2023)
‘60-year-old Grenache Noir on granite soils. Dry-farmed bushvines at 708 m. Very dry west coast environment. Basket press to very old foudres and concrete tanks, ie no oak influence. Bottling straight off the lees, no fining, no filtration, bottled after 12 months. Only addition ever to wine is 60–70 mg/l SO2. Palish ruby. Smells very stemmy (and then we are told it is 100% whole bunch), a little minty, touch of orange. Beautifully scented. Clear, singing fruit. Lovely bright freshness and silky tannins already. Just a bit too stemmy to score higher.’ – Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Jun 2014)
'Blueberries & violets, hint of Xmas cake, 2012 is seductively perfumed, with the same fruit purity on the palate. Elegant, showcased with minimal trappings, an admirable lesson in thoughtful handling of old Piekenierskloof bushvine grenache.' - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2014, 4.5*
'The 2012 Old Vine Series Soldaat has a distinctive tertiary and undergrowth-scented bouquet with gunflint/firecracker scents developing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle, saline entry that is reminiscent of the sea. The acidity is nicely judged with a generous sprinkle of white pepper on the Chateauneuf-inspired finish. This is complex and cerebral. Gorgeous!’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Oct 2013)
'Distinctive, with bright pine and white pepper notes out front, followed by silky-textured cherry and damson plum fruit. Picks up steam through the finish, with rooibos tea and blood orange hints adding length and cut. Grenache. Drink now through 2018.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Jun 2014)
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