Provenance

The Coats Family Cellar is arguably the most prestigious fine wine collection ever offered in South Africa. It contains a deep collection of the worlds finest, most sought-after wines, spanning over 150 years. Collected over many decades, the cellar was imported from Ireland to South Africa via reefer. Each bottle within the Coats Family Cellar was authenticated by Michael Egan in August 2022 and given an ID number for tracking.

Michael Egan is a world-expert in fine and rare wines with more than thirty five years of experience. He was the principal expert for the plaintiff in the two major wine counterfeiting trials in Koch v. Eric Greenberg and United States v. Rudy Kurniawan, both of which occurred in 2013.

Along with Michael Egan, the Strauss & Co Fine Wine team have tasted extensively through the cellar and are confident of the wine storage and hence quality. The entire collection is currently stored at Wine Cellar.

Michael Egan Authentication code - 1918

Critics Ratings

‘Medium garnet in color, the 2010 Shiraz Hill of Grace reveals a slightly reticent yet beguiling nose of kirsch, dried mulberries and plum preserves with nuances of star anise, potpourri, cloves, dusty earth and menthol. Medium to full-bodied with youthfully taut, mouth-filling perfumed berry preserves and exotic spice flavors, the fruit is well framed by rounded, polished tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with incredible length. It could still benefit from 2-4 years in bottle before entering its drinking window but is already stunning.’ – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, 99/100 (Jun 2015)

‘Glass-staining ruby. Potent black and blue fruit aromas are brightened by suggestions of vanilla, smoky minerals, incense and candied flowers. Rich but focused and energetic, offering palate-staining cherry liqueur and boysenberry flavors and suave spicecake, licorice and violet pastille qualities. Supple and broad on an endless, gently tannic, incisive finish that leaves behind allspice, mocha and dark fruit preserve notes. This remarkable wine will age effortlessly.’ – Josh Reynolds, Vinous, 97/100 (Sep 2017)

‘Bold, super-complex aromas, roasted meats, essence of black berries, singed sage leaves. Great fruit weight and intensity, but quite poised, glossy tannin. Just a hint of heat hanging off the finish?’ – Max Allen, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Feb 2023)

‘Is this the Yin to Grange's Yang? The wines are completely different, yet almost always destined to be discussed together. The 2010 HoG is aromatic and bright, with raspberry and cranberry fruit notes, hints of mint and a pinch of peppery spice. It's full-bodied, but with elegant, supple tannins that ease gently into a long, crisp finish. Drink now–2030.’ – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast, 96/100 (Aug 2016)

‘Elegant, expressive and wonderfully complex. Bergamot, sandalwood and black walnut liqueur notes add an aromatic complexity to the sleek, polished blackberry flavors. Shows a mix of power and finesse, with an epic finish. Drink now through 2032.’ – MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator, 96/100 (Nov 2016)