Rhône theme
Timed Online Auction, 30 January - 10 February 2025
Rhône - South Africa
About the SessionOver the past decade South African Rhône-style offerings have witnessed an explosion in popularity, led by the Swartland in the 2010s and subsequently spreading across the Cape.
ZAR 7 500
About this Item
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
Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Ex venerable, high-altitude dryland vines in Piekenierskloof, arguably SA’s top terroir for grenache. 2017 intense strawberry & raspberry tones lifted by spice, given form by hallmark feisty grape tannin grip. Ethereal, treads as lightly as 2016 (4.5 stars, 94 pts) but no pushover, has legs for ageing.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 5* (95/100)
'The Soldaat vineyard is located on decomposed granite soils at 805 metres, but this is no light, ethereal rendition of the grape. Grippy and sappy, with 85% whole bunches, no wood, but plenty of tannin and dark fruit. Needs time. 2021-28.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 93/100
'The 2017 Soldaat is pure Grenache from high-altitude sandstone soils at 708 metres, one of the highest elevations for reds in the Cape. It is fermented in concrete, whole-bunch except for 10 to 15% to get the fermentation going. It has a very pure bouquet of voluminous red cherries and crushed strawberry fruit, plus a touch of patisserie in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannin, cranberry and light earthy notes that are expressed on the finish. Very fine, tough there is some reduction, so don't hesitate to give this a decant.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Aug 2018)
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