Dear Wine Lover   The Raats mission is to consistently produce Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc of outstanding quality from South Africa and to establish these as international benchmarks. While most South African producers try emulate styles from Burgundy, the Rhone and Bordeaux, Bruwer Raats's wines are native to the Loire Valley. The Chenin is made in a richer style with oak contact, while the Cabernet Franc tends more to the opulence of the right bank in Bordeaux. Cheval Blanc, the world's most famous Cabernet Franc, has the silkiest tannins imaginable along with pure fruit and mineral edges allowing decades of maturation. Few producers are able to achieve this outside Bordeaux however UK wine-writer Mathew Jukes has been quoted in comparing the Raats Cabernet Franc 2001 with Cheval Blanc itself!   In the late 90's Cabernet Franc through DNA finger-printing was found to be the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon along with Sauvignon Blanc. It matures a week earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon and is less susceptible to poor vintage conditions. Grape bunches do however have the problem of ripening unevenly, whereby one will find ripe and green berries and bunches on the same vine. This can produce herbaceous flavours and often harsh green tannins.   So how does Bruwer create this silky pure-fruited Cabernet Franc? "Three times the work is needed in the vineyard to produce outstanding Cabernet Franc" assures Raats. Green harvesting or crop thinning is a practice that encourages more consistent ripening. The leave-to-fruit ratio is benefited and under-ripe grapes are also removed. Yield is lost according to how much is thinned, though this can be has much as 30%. This viticultural method has been practiced at Chateau Petrus since 1973, but has only regularly been practiced in South Africa in the last 10 years..   While most New-world wines produce a sweet round finish, the Raats 2005 Cabernet Franc is rich yet slightly austere; more reminiscent of the brooding clarets of St Emillion. Floral on the nose with black fruits covering a tightly knitted, fine-tannin backbone. A superb balance and long finish will allow 5-10 years aging. Only a few barrels of this masterpiece are produced and availability is thus extremely limited. Raats Cabernet Franc 2005 R1,410/6 (1 year cellaring incl) Alcohol: 13.8% RS: 3.3g/l pH: 3.52 TA: 5.7   Recommendations and awards - Sarah Ahmed of WINE&SPIRIT INTERNATIONAL names the best Cabernet Francs from around the world 92/100 (2004) - WINE Magazine Category winner March 2006 4 Stars (2003, 2004) - John Platter 4.5 Stars (2003, 2005)   December 2006   Dear Wine Lover   In our view, the festive season is the best excuse to drink the best wines available or experience with something a little out of the ordinary. We have compiled a list of wines that will be drinking well over this season together with food matching ideas. For a wine lover, there wouldn't be a better gift either. Prices are quoted in Rands per bottle excluding delivery charges...   The Flashy Roederer Cristal Champagne 1999 R2,050 A wine of football players and movie stars. Robert Parker 98/100 and possibly the best vintage ever. Drink as a aperitif with the bottle clearly visible to everyone! Kaapzicht CWG MAGNUM 2001 R450 A bottle to go around the whole table and wow everyone; perhaps even a second glass. This is in its full stride now while still massive and predatory. A barrel selection of the JP 5 star Vision; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot with the Pinotage component matching rich roast duck. Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac 1st Growth 1996 R2,495 Possibly a little embryonic for this Christmas, open on the 24th for a full day's decant. Robert Parker recently scored this 99/100 in a blind tasting and along with 37 other tasters it won overall, beating all other 1st and 2nd growths from 1996 and 1995! Enjoy with simple rare fillet.   The Elegant Chateau Lagrange, St Julien 3rd Growth Bordeaux 1996 R510 St Julien is the epitome of elegance with the finest tannins and softest fruit imaginable. I tasted this against Haut-Brion of the same vintage and its majestic poise trounced the first growth. Enjoy with a carpacio starter and your favourite family member Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon CWG MAGNUM 1999 R500 Etienne Le Riche is the KING-OF-CABERNET. This classic beauty will slowly reveal minerals, cassis and hints of fynbos. En-magnum it is fresh and sturdy while elegant enough for roast chicken. Hidden Valley CWG Pinotage 2001 R105 Made by Jeremy Walker of Grangehurst. This is a serious Pinotage with a Burgundian slant; deep and tertiary with forest floor and red fruits and none of the banana-like characters. This will be great with some hard cheeses to end the meal.   The Exotic Faively, Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Combes aux Moines, Burgundy 1990 R995 Faively is renowned as one of the best producers around Chambertin. His wines are sturdy with still rich and classic. 1990 was the most elegant vintage, high acids and soft sexy fruit. Simplicity is key here, though a wild mushroom dish will bring out the real character. Rustenburg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2001 R145 A single vineyard Chardonnay displaying all citrus, butter and macadamia nuts. This mature Chardonnay displays a touch of minerals and soft texture which will wed any dish with a creamy sauce... La Poderina Brunello de Montalcino, Piedmont Italy 1999 R495 This wine received 4 Stars in December WINE, a good achievement from the ruthless panel. Yes, the tannins are as massive! Though combined with floral notes, juicy fruit, a crevasse of depth and fresh acidity this wine will complement the extreme flavours of wild bird. Glen Carlou Zinfandel CWG 2002 R150 The quirky grape native to California is somewhat of a hyper-active child to handle in judging its ripeness. Big and bold, with turkish delight and cranberries, drink with cured gammon. Nicolas Joly Saverinnes Bergerie, Loire 1995 R645 The best dry Chenins in the Loire are made by the intriguing Nicholas Joly and his bio-dynamic practices. This is more reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc in its tangy nature and richness. The acids on these allow decades of ageing, all the while picking up masses of complexity. A great contrast to a Christmas Turkey.   The Value L'Avenir Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 R60 From one of the better vintages of the early nineties. Old-school South African Cab with leather, museum-type aromas, wild meats and a lovely cherry core. Serve with slow cooked lamb shank. Graham Beck Muscat de Frontignan (500ml) 1997 R135 A fortified Muscat with a lots of richness and a glycerol texture. Serve slightly chilled with your Christmas cake or even the dark chocolate truffles to end the meal.  Gran Castellflorit Cava Brut, Spain NV R55 This Cava displays the earthy flavours of Xarello and Macabeo in the Champagne mold. Fine mousse, refreshing and flavoursome. Fabulous with tapas or on its own. De Toren Z 2004 R95 The right-bank version of the Fusion V in a new-world stance. Rich and ripe with coffee, plums and velvety tannins. The youth adds grip and liveliness which will cut through a juicy black-pepper rump or ribeye steak.   6 December De Trafford en-primeur The premise for buying wine en-primeur (or as futures) is to efficiently supply a market when the demand substantially exceeds the supply. In such cases as the fine wines of Bordeaux, wines are not only sold en-primeur but are also sold on allocation. Even with prices exceeding £3000 a case, this year demand was at an all time high due to the increased market size and perfect vintage conditions. This demand for fine wine around the world will continue to surge, making En-primeur purchase all that more important in the future. Single-vineyard Burgundies and Rhones as well as iconic Penfolds (etc) are all offered each year en-primeur. All are extremely limited in quantity and have tremendous track-records of producing world-class wines each vintage. A microcosm of this effect we believe is slowly beginning in the South African market. Enter de Trafford and the small-scale winemaking cuvees from the Helderberg that continue to impress palates locally and abroad. Our continuous support of de Trafford allows us to sell vintage cuvees as well as offer their most sort after wines (Shiraz and Elevation) en-primeur. This offer coincides with the 2003 Shiraz being named as the only SA wine to be a part of the Top 100 wines of the year by Wine Spectator magazine. The 2001 (R450) vintage was also given the massive 94 points by the authoritive wine monthly. No problem with track-record here, especially with the early 90's Cabernet's still providing fresh drinking and poise! Click here for the complete De Trafford winelist. So why buy these wines en-primeur you may ask, when they will be available on release? The 2005 Shiraz production only allows 30 cases to be available locally and will likely be sold-out prior to release. The Elevation's production is also capped at a couple hundred cases and there is a 20% en-primeur saving. The 2005's at de Trafford have the ability to eclipse the tremendous 2001 and 2003 vintages... 2005 Vintage Report: A typical Stellenbosch year until a dash of rain before the harvest made the style be dictated by your picking date with the water delaying ripeness. It allowed the vineyards to be harvested quite late in the season while still well-balanced in alcohol and acid. The yields were however down to around 4 tones per hectare and hence the small quantity available in 2005. Micro-Vinification: The small scale production is accentuated by handpicking into, spontaneous natural fermentation, traditional basket pressing with wines being bottled by hand with no filtration or fining. For some there may be doubt as to deem this traditional school of thought as best, though for the handcrafted wines David and his team strive to perfect, it works magnificently. De Trafford Shiraz 2005 R1440/6 Release June 2007 Up to cult status in the US, the magnitude of this wine amazes one's senses and makes one feel you're actually on La Chapelle itself with its soft seductive aromatics contrasting its powerful broody nature. "2005 is Perfect" says David Trafford, citing it as perhaps better than his 2001 and 2003 favorites. Hints of fynbos, minerals and bramble-fruits in a dense chewy core follow through to a 45 second finish. Drink 2010-2017. De Trafford Elevation 2005 R1620/6 Release April 2008 Elevation refers to the height of the vineyards above sea level. At 400m, there is a considerable difference in climnate to the Stellenbosch valley floor and those that have driven up to De Trafford would have noticed the inclination. The soil is decomposed gravel with vineyards planted at between 5,000 and 7,500 vines per hectare in amongst fynbos. It comprises a barrel selection of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Pitch Black with blackcurrants and cracked black pepper. There's a slight savoury character behind the tight new oak. The wine has guts yet still displays the fine tannins of a classically-styled world-class wine. Backward and extremely long. Drink 2010-2020.   Previous wines offered En-Primeur through Wine Cellar Rudi Shultz Syrah 2003 Released The Foundry (Chris Williams) Pravanne 2004 Mid 2007 Remhoogte Bon Nouvelle 2004 Mid 2007 Sanctum (Mike Dobrovic) Syrah 2004 Mid 2007   November 2006  Wine Spectator Top 100 2006 Dear Wine Lover Last week saw the most influential Wine Monthly in the US, Wine Spectator, announce its Top 10 wines of 2006. It has been quite a controversial campaign; how can one really equate a big tannic Brunello with a light spicy Riesling? Is it all just marketing hype and yet another superfluous competition on the calendar? Well, we welcome their highly credible opinion in unearthing exciting producers, showing new trends in the Global Wine Industry as well as highlighting exceptional vintages hitting the market. 13,000 wines were rated based on score, price, availability as well as their 'Wow factor'. Casanova di Neri's Brunello di Montalcino from Italy took the top spot with their best ever effort from the fabulous 2001 Tuscan vintage. The Top 100 list was released yesterday and France naturally showed very well, especially with the hot Bordeaux and Rhone 2003 currently available. Italy is always well represented on the list and the US maintain a dominant local force with a strong showing. Germany, Chile, Spain and Australia share the rest with the wine-styles tending to the ripe and alcoholic usually applauded by the American critics. While it's difficult to stock this massive list as well as import the duty-and-price-heavy non-EU wines, we can offer a select few already commanding top prices around the world. We are however able to source any of the below wines not currently in stock upon enquiry. De Trafford once again shows its brilliant inroad into the US market with their Shiraz 2003 (94 points) making number 90 spot. The 2001 Shiraz has previously also amassed 94 points in the US Wine Spectator which to date has been the highest score ever achieved by an SA wine. Our continuous support of De Trafford as one of the best producers in SA allows us to offer the 2005 vintage En-Primeur next week. David Trafford believes his 2005 to be almost perfect and with only 30 cases available in SA, there should be a scramble for this top cuvee. Wine Spectator Top 100 wines of 2006: # Wine Score  Price per bottle 1 Casanova di Neri, Brunello di Montalcino 2001 97   2 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington 2003 95   3 Ch Leoville Barton, St Julien 2003 98 R1350 4 Concha Y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor 2003 96   5 Dom de Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape, Reserve 2003 97 R750* 6 Ch Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Sauternes 2003 (375ml) 97 R305* 7 Koste Brown Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2004 96   8 Kongsgaard Chardonnay, Napa 2003 97   9 Brancaia, Toscanana Il Blu 2004 96   10 Two Hands Barossa Shiraz, Bellas Garden 2004 95   17 Ch Leoville Poyferre, St Julien 2003 95 R845 39 Ch Pontet Canet, Pauillac 2003 94 R495 90 De Trafford Shiraz, Stellenbosch 2003 94 R350 91 Ch Cuvee, Gigault Viva, Cotes de Blaye 2003 91 R165 100 M. Chapoutier, St Joseph Les Granits 2003 93 R275 * indicates wines to be landed in March 2007 As mentioned last week we are offering our last lot of bargain wines of a parcel recently acquired. All wines are in good supply and have either been stored at the winery or in our underground Cellars since release.  Wine Vintage Price per case Avontuur Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 R210 Old style Cab with a punch of sweetness at its plateau of maturity.  De Meye Trutina 2000 R330 Rich and powerful Cab-Shiraz blend with superb balance and poise. Gold at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards! Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Merlot 2002 R470 The epitome of the 'New-world style' with earthy edges and generous licks of juicy fruit L'Avenir Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 R360 The maiden vintage of this esteemed estate. Whiffs of mint, leather, cedar and black fruits in a mineral skin. Scali Pinotage 1999 R420 A small cuvee handcrafted into a Rhone style. This is personality-driven Pinotage. Lots of fine tannins, savoury characters and freshness. Stand apart from the crowd Wilhelmshof Mas Nicolas 1999 R720 The 2000 vintage was a JP 5 Star. the 1999 is more classic and compact. Serious enough for another few years of cellaring. Great value... Simonsig Shiraz 1991 R480 1991 was the classiest vintage of the era. Expect this to be tertiary and supple, for those appreciating mature reds. 4 Stars John Platter     Tourelles de Longueville 2000 - £195/case     Pichon Baron is owned by the insurance giant AXA and has to be one of the most lavish Chateaux in the Medoc. The wine's rich and powerful character perhaps fits this image, while its sister Pichon-Contesse Lalande is produced in a more feminine style. The 2000 Pichon Baron, which has been touted as the best vintage ever, will set you back R2000/bottle; we have now sourced the second wine Tourelles de Lougueville for a mere £195/case IB ex-London. It is a compact yet rich style Medoc from younger vines with a touch more Merlot than the Grand Vin. Last year I tasted this against the Grand Vin 2000 and Tourelles 1996. It displayed great claret typicity and reminance of the Grand Vin in a more accessible style that will continue through 2010. We offer the Tourelles by the case or half case to be landed in Cape Town in February at approximately R280/bottle.

Please reply to this email to order or phone Roland/Jeannette on 021 448 4105.

Vinous regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar team

De Toren Fusion V 2004 Pre-release

The first vintage release of Fusion V 1999 really turned heads in the SA wine industry when Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored it 90 points. De Toren's philosophy to produce the best wine possible with the 5 classic Bordeaux varietals hasn't changed since. The number of classy South African wines in the Fusion's territory have though;  we believe meticulous vineyard and cellar practices coupled with great terroir keeps Fusion V ahead of the pack. Those looking to invest in Fusion V shouldn't veer too far, this is one of the top 5 benchmark investment wines in SA. Quantities have always been low and demand as always is high leaving most struggling for allocation. Earlier vintages which are now at their best are extremely rare, so best buy now and use our cellaring service. Our pre-release offer of R1260/6 includes cellaring until March 2008. This offer will be valid until November 2006 when by Fusion V is released to the trade. 

Other recent notable successes

- Decanter 5 star Fusion V 2002

- Rated best red wine at both Cape Town and Johannesburg's WineX.

2004 vintage

The first outlook of 2004 was bleak. Wine growers complained of uneven ripeness and lack of concentration due to cooler and rainy conditions. 2004 Stellenbosch in bottle is however proving to be an even better vintage than 2003 in most of the top stables. It is less flashy and forward showing a better tannin structure and depth. The little rain pushed the harvest back almost 3 weeks in some wineries.  The outstanding De Toren Z 2004, the merlot dominated blend is also available at R570/6.

2003 Vintage

With a few years in the bottle, 2003 show well early on with opulence and massively concentrated fruit. The cool ripening season produced even yet full ripeness, translating into a silky and powerful wines. A few cases are available of the Fusion V 2003 stunner at R1320/6.

Vinous regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar team                                                                           October 2006

Priorat's finest - Costers de Suirana

Many people wouldn't know that Priorat is the only other DOC (Denominación de Origen Calificada)  in Spain alongside Rioja. The small appellation was declared a DOC in 2001 having being recognized for its consistent outstanding quality. I was recently touring Spain, providing a great opportunity to find out what exactly makes Priorat that exceptional; as well as offer you the best of Priorat here in South Africa!

The drive from Tarragona, just South of Barcelona, takes you west into the mountains that make up part of the Penedes. The terrain is extremely rugged and stroppy with dramatic jaggered rock outcrops. The roads are barely wide enough for one vehicle which makes little difference as cars are fairly sparse. As are the vineyards. They are neatly terraced carving zig-zags in the hillsides on some of the steepest vineyard slopes around. This makes  viticulture extremely difficult and increases the amount of man hours needed per vine ten fold!  The continental climate is shielded by the mountains and although is it hot in summer, the winter gets below freezing every year.

Priorat has enjoyed a revival over the last 15 years and Carles Pastrana of Costers del Suirana led the rejuvenation in the late 80's. He identified parcels of old neglected vines and began planting new ones. The infertile soil produces extremely concentrated grapes in miniscule volumes. The commercial side is thus not an option in Priorat and wines are generally very expensive. The average cost per kilo tends more to 5Euro/KG where as it is under 1euro/kg in Rioja.

There is a divergence in style of Priorat. Most tend to the Parker-lauded high extract high alcohol wines (up to 17% vol) that sell for up to €400/bottle while Costers del Suirana tends more to the Bordeaux style. This can be confirmed by those that attended our Spanish tasting a few weeks ago where the Clos de L'Obac was one of the wines of the evening.

Carles has a more classical approach. Every year the cepage of the de L'Obac is the same, so the production varies in line with the yield of each particular year. He argues "..what is the use of placing a vintage on the label if you are changing the makeup of the wine every year in accordance with the vintage conditions..". This allows every vintage to be expressed with as little interference as possible. Priorat doesn't have huge vintage variation however, it is usually hot and dry during summer.

The llicorella soil plays a major role with the vines on the verge of survival. An underlying clay allows them to survive through the dry summers.

We are extremely excited to offer the entire range of Costers del Suirana, especially at prices lower than anywhere else in the world including the Bodega itself! Below is the entire range sold on a pre-shipment basis arriving February 2007 where by landing costs apply.

	Fifty old Garnacha and Cariñena vines are the important components in this wine. It has restrained power within the structure and depth more often found in First-Growths.  Its matured for 14 months in French oak and is bottled unfiltered. Equal parts Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot conclude the blend. Carles believes the 2001 is the best he has made, though Parker gives it a 91 and suggests drinking to 2020.	2001 €27.5/bottle ex-LCB R319/bottle est landed price
	The most intriguing and intense wine I tasted in the whole of Spain. This is classified as a late-harvest, though even with its 100g/l sugar gives a dry and tannic finish. The grapes are fully ripened without botrytis from a single vineyard. Only 75 cases are made of this full-bodied Amorone-like blend. Drink with cheese until 2050. Not yet rated by Parker, the 1995 received a 96!	2002 €41.25/bottle ex-LCB R472 (50cl) est landed price
	A white wine resembling a Montrachet but with less acidity, more fatness and aromatics. Rich and layered, the nutty and smoky notes add oodles of complexity. Definitely more in the old-style mold. Its a blend of Garnacha blanca, Cartuxà, Macabeo and Moscatel de Alexandría. Already soft, it will age well through 2010.	2004 €22.50/bottle ex-LCB R277 est landed price
	This is made as the second wine to the Clos de l'Obac. The characteristics of MISERERE -Mas d'En Bruno- are found in a set of old vine stocks that are more than forty years old, in three main varieties: Garnacha, Tempranillo and the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon in the Priorat. It is rich and full-bodied though still retains the Bordeaux-like restraint. The silky texture will also allow decades of enjoyment!	2002 €22.50/bottle ex-LCB R272 est landed price

WARWICK TRILOGY

News flash - Warwick is proud to receive 95 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine (November 06 issue), one of the US's most influential Wine publications. This is the highest ever score from a South African Wine and the 2004 vintage is perhaps the best Trilogy ever produced.

ANALYSIS pH: 3,57   The wine shows great ripe fruit flavours with hints of chocolate and mocha. A sweet, perfumed luscious nose, which is earthy and provocative.  Ripe prunes, raspberry and blackberry flavours abound. There is a silky soft feel in the mouth with nutty and coffee flavours on the palate. The wine has a very broad palette that lingers. Decanting when young will be beneficial. Alcohol: 14,5% Total Acidity: 5,7g/l Residual Sugar: 1,9g/l Bottling Date: 06 2006 Release date: 08 2006 Soil: Clay, Loam     VARIETALS Cab Sauvignon 56% R810/6 Cab Franc 34% Merlot 10%

Warwick is also proud to have the 2004 Winemaker Guild Auction Blend Red Blend receive 92 points.

Cape Winemakers Guild Auction purchases on your behalf
 

Wine Cellar has thoroughly tasted all wines on offer at this years auction and has come up with our top 11 (the quality of all the wines didn't allow us to find only 10). These wines all show tremendous depth, concentration and ageing potential. The vintages of 2003 and 2004 coupled with skillful wine-making have upped the quality level in 2006. Few wines are over-extracted and over-oaked like auctions of the past. We expect the prices to be high with increased interest driven by a dynamic CWG team. This year there a few odd offerings that are definitely worth a bid. Hartenberg's dry Riesling shows the serious yet tropical style of Riesling and should go for a bargain. Cooler climate Syrah also makes a stage with the Nitida Selection and the Cederberg 'Teen die Hoog', both exhibiting classic edges. Surprisingly there is only 1 Pinotage contrasted with 11 Shiraz lots. This year we also see no Thelema or Boekenhoutskloof. See the full list on the website or phone Roland on 021 448 4105 for a bidding form or enquiries on purchasing.

There are a number of things you need to know about the auction and the bidding:

1. All of the wines are in 6/750ml cases and the bidding will be per case but the smallest lot will be 2 cases so you need to be prepared to take 2 cases unless there is another client wanting the same wine in which case we may be able to get you a single 6-bottle case Bid prices exclude 14% VAT which will be added afterwards.
2. We will add a 10% fee (over the VAT inclusive price) to cover our buying service, payment for your wine (on the day of the auction), invoicing you etc, collection of your wine from the estate and transport to our cellar. Regretfully no Credit cards.

Remember, the maximum bid price you give us is per 6-bottle case excluding VAT and our fee. Other than going to the auction yourself - this is the lowest you are going to pay for these CWG Auction wines. 

Our indicated bid price is based on the average price bid of the 2005 auction as well as the strength of the vintages present. We cannot predict the ‘level of interest’ in this years auction; though we expect the prices to be high with increased interest driven by a dynamic CWG team. So we suggest adding maybe ± 20% to the above prices when you give us a maximum bid price if you want to be reasonably sure a getting what you want. The auction takes place on October 7th 2006!

Roland Peens

‘A magnificent Crozes-Hermitage 2003’

One of the stand-outs in our Rhone 2003 tasting last week was the Chateau Curson, Crozes-Hermitage 2003, so good that the little we had sold immediately.  This wine stood up remarkably against the other wines (most of them hugely rated) in the tasting, including the best of Chapoutier, and the Parker 100-pointer La Pavillon Rouge 2003. 

We can get more which we will ship in our next reefer during February 2007, but we need to secure the parcel now so offer on a pre-shipment ex-London City Bond basis at £105 per 12/75cl case.  If you want less than a case, we can also offer at £9 per bottle.  You will land it in our cellar at a total cost of about R150/btl (including shipping & clearing); more than what we had it priced at before, but we bought that initial parcel ‘en-primeur’ 2 years ago.

Chateau Curson is made by Etienne Pochon, a long-established producer who vinifies his Syrah plot by plot from hillside sites the best of which are separated for 1-year ageing in old oak barriques. The hot and dry 2003 vintage with yields only about half those of a normal vintage did wonders for serious quality-driven  producers in the northern Rhone generally and for Crozes-Hermitage producers in particular; this appellation usually gives rather lacklustre wines (compared to other northern Rhone appellations) but in 2003 gave ripe rich wines with atypical power and concentration more akin to wines from neighbouring Hermitage.

Etienne Pochon has crafted a gorgeous wine here that could be mistaken (and was in the tasting) as coming from a more illustrious appellation. We found it to be opulent and classic with great depth of fruit, and having extremely fine tannins. His Syrahs are surprisingly long-lived; his 1989 Chateau Curson is reported as still being ‘as fresh as a daisy, boasting aromas of violet and luscious flavours of sweet blackcurrant’ and we have a few bottles of his excellent 1999 in our cellar should you wish to sample one of Etienne Pochon’s Syrahs.

To order, please phone Jeannette (Roland is tasting his way through Spain for two weeks!) at (021) 448 4105 or e-mail jeannette@winecellar.co.za.

Please act quickly – by next Wednesday 31 August latest - if you want some of the 10 cases we can secure, and note: we do need payment with your order, we will supply the amount in Rand based on the current exchange rate.

Cheers, David Brice

September 2006

Bordeaux 2005 – the last word & a bonne-bouche

 STOP PRESS: See the results and how Pontet-Canet 2003 trumped all in our Judgement of Cape Town here at the Wine Cellar. Also a brilliant second place for De Trafford Cabernet in amongst Parker 97's and 98's!

 A quick update about what is going on since the last releases in early July, a few selected special offers (including some D'Yquem ½’s) and a very attractive bonne-bouche at Euro 65 per case (yes, 12/75cl btls) Bordeaux Superieur, Chateau Jonqueyres 2005 from Cotes de Blaye (see notes below) that will arrive in 2007.  Demand remains unabated (just look at the proliferation of ‘sold-out’ signs on major merchants price lists) and there is NO sign of any price weakening; on the contrary there are clear signs that prices of fine wines are rising and will continue to do so short of a world economic collapse.

 Worth quoting what respected writer Jancis Robinson had to say recently about these Bordeaux 2005 prices: ‘I am hardened to the fact that prices of the top wines have entered another sphere and will remain there as long as wine continues to be a growing interest among the super-rich, and the global economy is in a healthy state. Although the first growth prices seem shocking to us, the amounts involved are so much smaller than those required for other rich people's hobbies such as fine art, boats and horses, and there are so many fortunes out there in countries relatively new to wine, all searching for allocations from the same small vineyards in which selection is increasingly practised that I can't see any reason why prices should come down, I'm afraid - unpalatable as this fact is  - - - and it is already clear that the health of the vines in 2006 is not as perfect as in 2005’

 And these prices are rubbing off on other top wines from top vintages; eg Lafite 1996, a Parker 100 'greatest Lafite ever' and first time in an engraved bottle - perfect blue-chip investment – was £1850/cs in 2000, only £1950 in 2005, had risen to £3900 in July and now is being offered at a whopping £4500 in London! (note: Lafite 2005, only a Parker 93-96,  is £4200/cs now)

 Back to the 2005’s: we are convinced that in 2 years time when the 2005’s are released, you will look back to the current time and say EITHER ‘I’m glad I bought en-primeur’ OR ‘I really should have bought then’. You don’t have to say the latter; we have stock of both top investment quality wines conveniently packaged in 6-btl wooden cases (see our EN-PRIMEUR A BORDEAUX 2005 list on our website www.winecellar.co.za) and more affordable & very drinkable wines (see our corresponding EN-PRIMEUR B list), a number of which we reckon will finally land in Cape Town in 2008 for less than R150/btl.

 Here are some special offers on a few wines where we do have healthy stock – to ensure you do not have to regret not buying – to our mailing list clients only as long as we have stock available. Prices in euro per 12/75cl case or euro per bottle (75cl unless indicated as 37.5cl btls) ex-property now and payable within 30 days of your order. These will all be shipped to Cape Town in mid-2008 and we also give an estimated final landed R/btl cost then (i.e. what you pay now plus shipping, landing and clearing in 2008.)

And we can even offer the famed (or infamous?) Pavie, St Emilion: Jancis 14½, Wine Spectator 95-100 & Parker 98-100 at €225/btl, to land at ± R2390/btl

 Finally our bonne-bouche Chateau Jonqueyres 2005 from Cotes de Blaye at €65/cs or €5.65/btl to land at ± R78/btl during 2^nd half 2007 (a whole year earlier than the rest).  Read what Waitrose MW Susan McCraith says ‘I think this is a great little château, providing fantastic value, a classy label and lots of classic St Emilion-style flavour at a fraction of the price. Situated in the Entre-Deux-Mers region between Bordeaux and Libourne, the estate covers 45 hectares and is planted with 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has voluptuous red fruits and velvety tannins in a medium to full-bodied style. I will definitely be buying a case or two of this for my cellar!’

Don’t miss these,

Cheers, David Brice

ORDERING: either phone Roland at Cape Town 448 4105 or roland@winecellar.co.za

PAYMENT: within 30 days of your order in Rand at a R/€ rate for us to make the appropriate euro payment, but we can make arrangements for payment to be made direct in euro to a Guernsey account if clients so wish. Note that your invoice once paid is your receipt for the relevant wine once released from the property early 2008

September 2006

Dear Wine lover

The extraordinary 2005 En-primeur campaign is all but over and Wine Cellar has secured large stock of the "Best ever vintage" comprising the highest concentration, highest dry extract and highest tannin level ever measured. Looking forward, the advanced viticultural skill and technology in today's cellar makes it unlikely that Bordeaux will see a poor vintage ever again. All vintages from 1994 seem to possess enough balance and concentration for long term cellaring and enjoyment. Great vintages are however still few and far between.

The market of Bordeaux we believe has reached a new era. Relatively strong world markets, the kicking-in of the Asian and North-American premium buyer and the pool of millionaires exponentially growing, demand is at an all time high while supply is always finite. While the rest of Bordeaux struggles to receive their minimum price per tonne (1,5 times that of top SA Cabernet), the Grand and Premier Crus are in seventh heaven. The tops Crus are no more retail items, being traded as investment products on the most unusual stock market in the world. Even though the 2005's may seem overly priced, these in 10 years will seem inexpensive. Holders of blue-chip 1996, 2000, 2003 Bordeaux are already laughing all the way to the bank with portfolio values booming this en-primeur season!

Our 2003s, another Parker lauded vintage, have just landed in our cellar and coupled with very low yields and fairly high prices. Thus 2002 will once again shine through with its immense value.

The winter weather preceding ripening was gloomy, though early summer warmth and slight August rains allowed a highly successful Northern Medoc vintage. The Cabernet Sauvignon gave classic, medium to full-bodied backward wines rated somewhere between 1997 and 1998. The wines possess firm acids, textured tannins and their concentration will allow long term maturation, while the top will have the ability to mature well over the next 20 years. Chateau Leoville Las Cases really shined through in 2002 producing a wine possibly better than the 1st Crus. Their second wine Clos du Marquis is my pick of the vintage, offered below at a reduced price along with a few other more successful wines of 2002. See our website for the full list...

The second label of the 'super second' Cos d'Estournel is the quality of a Grand Cru Classe. Fleshy and deep with black fruits, meat and spice. Drink 2008 to 2013 Parker 89/100 

Classic Pauillac with cedar, black currants and layers of texture and grip. Already accessible, the black fruits and chocolate richness produces a velvety finish. Drink now to 2013.

The second wine of Leoville Las Cases, this is the sexiest most silky offering from 2002. It has a high Merlot content adding a feminine fleshy texture. Soft and enticing with typical St Julien opulence! An utter bargain. Drink now to 2012 Parker 90/100

Sometimes an underachiever with its 2nd Cru status, this vintage is however great value. A medium-bodied classical style with fruitcake and undergrowth. The palate finishes with spices and chewy red fruits. Drink 2010 to 2020

This property continually makes one of the best value wines of Bordeaux. The St Estephe terroir shows through in this brut of a wine. It comprises of bold, grippy tannins packed with blackberry fruits and a black pepper finish. Allow another 10 years for maximum enjoyment!

One of the trendiest properties in Bordeaux at the moment. Owner Alfred Tesseron has gone completely organic and since 1994 the wines have leaped in quality. With regular Decanter 5 stars, this wine is made with precision and class giving a finely textured and immaculately balanced wine. It is refreshing and quite floral with rich red fruits. Drink 2010-2017

My favourite commune shines through beautifully here, magically attaining massive levels of elegance and opulence. Tight and floral on the nose, it has sweet red fruits that follow to the palate with refined tannins and softness. The finished is focused and extremely long. Drink from 2012-2022

A bold wine from this classic estate. Sweet fruits and rosemary combines with dark chocolate and mocha on the palate. The solid core and grip produce a persistent long finish. Drink from 2011-2020

Lynch Bages is renowned for its typical claret style with 2002 being no exception. Deep fragrance on the nose with black currants and hints of new oak. It is medium bodied with delicate fruits lining the palate. Drink 2009-2022.

One of the wines of the vintage once again. The core is black with purple edges. Extremely concentrated and tight on the nose following through to a brooding and backward layered fruit finish. The length is astounding. Drink 2015-2025 Parker 90/100

Always described as the feminine of the two Pichon's, it has a higher Merlot content and matured with less new oak. Classy cedar, white pepper and red fruits. A lean and elegant palate opens to a savoury texture. Fabulous. Drink 2015-2030 Parker 94/100.

Considered on the wines of the vintage, extremely tight and closed at the moment. This wine possess cassis, layers of chocolate, and the finest most precision tannins imaginable. The finish last minutes! At almost half the price of the 2003 and 2005, this is great value. Drink 2012-2035 Parker 95/100!

Prices shown in Rand/bottle including VAT, subject to availability. Valid until 31 August 2006 where after normal prices apply.

To order, reply to this email or phone Jeannette or Roland on 021 448 4105

Vinous Regards 

Roland and the Wine Cellar Team

De Toren Z - World Pre-release!

Wine Cellar is offering yet another WORLD PRE-RELEASE from one of South Africa’s illustrious vineyards. With the unquestionable success of the De Toren Fusion V, its new counterpart - De Toren Z - is their answer to the right bank of Bordeaux. The Fusion V recently attained a Decanter 5 stars and was also voted the top wine at WineX 2005. The Fusion V 2003 also won our “Bordeaux vs South Africa” tasting earlier this year up against SA’s and France’s best. The Cabernet-rich Fusion V and Merlot-rich Z are to become De Toren's flagships.   - De Toren Z 2004 - R570/6 Cellaring until March 2007 included   Notes of rose petals, plums and blueberry fruit on the nose. Acidity is firm though well integrated to bring freshness forward in this elegant St Emilion-style blend. The first impression is very much that of a Merlot with well-rounded tannins and delicate  cinnamon notes. Intensity from the Malbec and lead-pencil notes complement the palate, in a pleasing dense finish. Drink 2007-2012

Merlot	34%
Cabernet Sauvignon	27%
Cabernet Franc	19%
Malbec	18%
Petit Verdot	2%
Alcohol:	14%
Residual sugar:	2.5g/l
pH:	3.54
TA(acidity):	6g/l
The Vineyards lie in front of the Manor House on the farm on a southerly slope facing Table Bay, benefiting from cool sea afternoon breezes. This allows a longer ripening period for the grapes, adding complexity to the wine. Planting involved matching soil types and clones in a high density (6,000vines/ha) layout to curb high yields. See www.de-toren.co.za for more information. Wine Cellar views De Toren to be one of the few powerful investment products in South African wine. The De Toren brand has grown tremendously since its 1999 vintage that now commands high prices. With the limited 1,000 cases available in South Africa and the success of similar wines this year, the 'Z' makes for a great investment opportunity, especially at less than R100 per bottle!

Phone Jeannette or Roland on 021 448 4105 or reply to this email to take advantage of this rare offer.

Vinous Regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar Team

July 2006

Granghurst’s immortal classics

Two recent tastings at the Wine Cellar sought to disprove the claim by Michael Fridjhon that SA reds can’t generally age 10 years or more. The tasting line-up included South African greats such as Rustenberg, Thelema, de Trafford and Kanonkop, all stored since release in optimum cellaring conditions (See grape.co.za for the full article). The first tasting was a series of Pinotages from the mid 90’s and the second showed Cabernet Sauvignon based wines from ’86 to ’95. Those that attended will surely disagree with Mr. Fridjhon’s Statement; of the 40 wines tasted from 1986 through to 1997, only a handful were over the hill; most were drinking well at full maturity and a special few had huge potential for further cellaring.

Of our five 'long-term' favourites, three came from the small cellar of Grangehurst in the Helderberg. The wines have never been overtly forward or 'showy' with Jeremy Walker seeming to take the more traditional approach to making wine. Basket presses and open fermentors are not common in today’s wineries, as well as wines with 13% (or lower) alcohol levels and extended barrel aging. The wines are released 4 to 5 years from vintage and after ten years they are still fresh and inviting. What’s even more profound is the backwardness to these wines, all packed with the density and tannin structure for further maturation. We have two offers of these Mid-1990 South African Classics, with the 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot a wine magazine 5 Star and a icon of the past...

These packs are of course extremely limited and rare. Capture a part of South African wine history by placing your order on 021 448 4015 or return this email

Vinous Regards,

Roland

JUNE 2006

Dear Wine Lover

I was once told that Sauvignon Blanc is like crayfish. It is only available during a short season, its fairly rare, expensive and has been involved in some illegal issues in the past. Heading into Winter while awaiting the 2006 releases, the cool climate Sauvignon's from 2005 are entering the market. So why are they only released now? Well, the extra time in the bottle softens and integrates the firmer acidities to unveil the wine's underlying texture and flavours.

It is known that Sauvignon Blanc is more vulnerable to climatic conditions than Chardonnay for example. Thus the longer and cooler the ripening season the grapes endure, the more flavours and intensity and ultimately length the wine will attain. While a grape matures on the vine it looses acid and gains sugar and flavour precursors. The longer the grapes are able to ripen while maintaining sufficient acidity, the more varietal character the grapes accumulate at full ripeness. Marginal climates where ripening is not always certain is more suited to Sauvignon Blanc and this notion has been exploited in New Zealand to the maximum. Elgin is the coolest wine growing region in the Cape, and perhaps SA's answer to Marlborough (see comparison below).

Oak Valley vineyards were planted in the late 1990's and their wines are now growing in stature. The outstanding quality of the maiden Sauvignon Blanc Mountain Reserve astounded us at Cape Wine 2006. While recently, their Sauvignon Blanc was awarded the regional Trophy at the Decanter International Wine Awards.

The firm acidities and tight mineral characters of both wines allow medium term cellaring; with bottle age brings richness and depth. Included in the offer is 1 years free cellaring.

At the UC Davis wine institute, a professor Winkler devised a method of counting the number of days a region has above 10'c (below which it can't grow) within the growing months. This number though doesn't take into account all ripening factors such as aspect, but does give a good indication of the temperature endured by the vine. The results show heat summation through ripening which then categorizes the region from I to V, with V being the warmest;

Parts Extracted from the publication "Estate Wines of South Africa" by Graham Knox (1982) Published by David Philip

MAY 2006

Attention Fine Wine lover...

It has been our own challenge, but we finally have bought the last allocation of the Rustenberg John X Merriman 2003, the winner of the recent Calyon Bordeaux Challenge Trophy. The event boasts international judges in a serious, lengthy format to seek out the absolute finest the country has to offer.

Stellenbosch 2003

It is my belief that the true potential and glory of this vintage has not been published. 1998 and 2001 were structured, backward and full, but 2003 in my view has the edge; it has ripeness. The cool growing season with an average of 21,34°C between December 2002 to March 2003 (27°C in 2002) and lack of too much rain interference was the key. The ripening of the grape is a balancing act, especially in the hot Mediterranean style climate of ours. Not only do we have a warmer growing season than Bordeaux, but it is far warmer than both California and Coonawarra; the "New-world" Bordeaux leaders. Sugar, acid, phenolics, aroma and colour compounds all peak at different stages throughout our summer. Our sugars reach potential alcohols earlier in the season than those in the northern hemisphere and being closer to the equator we receive higher levels of isolation. The higher levels of photosynthate (sugars produced by photosynthesis) that are produced by the insolation can give over-ripeness while denser canopies can lead to "greenness".  The shorter ripening period and this "over-under" ripe insolation-effect can produce unripe tannins and acids, if not excessive alcohol levels.

When handled to perfection by Adi Badenhort of Rustenberg, the result is optimum ripeness and perhaps the best Bordeaux Blends of this great vintage.

Rustenberg John X Merriman 2003 R720/6 (max 2x6 per person)	The total ripeness and balance makes this wine complete. Deep and rich while St Julien like in its elegance and texture. The mouth feel is round and soft, though it has the firm tannins for maturation. All at an irresistible price! Drink 2007-2013.
	Rustenburg has a proud history of fine red wines, with the "berry-selected" Peter Barlow, their flagship offer. Neil Pendock has named the 2003 Peter Barlow as 1 of the 10 best wine investments in SA. We too agree, the incredible 1999 has appreciated by 77% from Late 2003. It’s a serious wine that requires time in the bottle. Best 2008-2017	Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2003 R1770/6

Vintages available at the Wine Cellar...

Please email or phone 021 448 4105 to order

Vinous regards

Roland

MAY 2006

Dear Wine Lover

A de Toren and Burgundy Partnership brings a Premium Shiraz offer - DDS

The last few years have seen a number of vinous partnerships between South African and French wine producers. De Toren is renowned for their Bordeaux Blend and have now added a Northern-Rhone-styled shiraz to their limited line-up in a partnership with Domaine Bertagna (Clos Vougeot, Clos St. Denis etc) of Burgundy. Den Dulk and Siddle Shiraz, with a production of only 350 cases released internationally, was snapped up ex-cellar and is now extremely limited. A recent sampling at Cape Wine produced much interest, showing incredible intensity and finesse in a classically styled Shiraz. It was touted by Neil Pendock as ‘Something Special’ in the Sunday Times and has been profiled on wine.co.za  and grape.co.za. We are proud to be offering minuscule quantities of this rarity.

R1600/6

DDS Shiraz 2003 1 year cellaring included

Deep blackberry colour and bold intensity. Smokey oak aromas combine with spicy-berry fruits to create a lifted captivating nose. The spice and savoury edges integrate into a grippy yet refined tannin backbone. Bramble fruit explodes on the palate with mouth-coating acidity and complexity, rewarding a long lingering finish. The rewards of cellaring this majestic Shiraz will certainly accrue.

Wine Cellar views De Toren to be one of the few powerful investment products in South African wine. The Fusion V commands great respect; it was the most regarded wine at last years WineX as well as finished second in our recent Bordeaux vs South Africa tasting. The 2003 Fusion V, the best since 1999, is also available in limited quantities at R1110/6

The DDS Team

Mark Siddle (Owner of Domaine Bertagna) France; Emil den Dulk (Owner of De Toren Private Cellar) South Africa; Claire Forrestier (Winemaker at Domaine Bertagna); Albie Koch (Winemaker at De Toren Private Cellar)

Winemaking Trivia

W.O. Stellenbosch on a hill in the “Polkadraai” area.

Density: 2850 vines/ha with low vigour and only 7.5 tons/ha

Biodynamic Farming Practices

Green harvesting a few times during ripening

Gravitation is used to move freshly destemmed berries to tank

Pre-fermentation cold maceration

Vinification with temperature control Open top stainless steel fermentors

Selective yeast from the Rhone

Extraction by manual punch downs

Extended skin maturation after fermentation

Gravitation was used to do all movement of wine up to bottling

Only selected Burgundy barrels used for 12 months maturation.

Phone 021 448 4105 or email Roland to take advantage of this rare offer.

Vinous Regards

Roland

MAY 2006

BORDEAUX 2005 - Hyper everything!

If you can believe all the initial hype around, 2005 is one of the greatest vintages of all time – reds with the power of 2003 and the tannins of 1996, not just in the northern Medoc but throughout the appellations, and for both dry and sweet white in Bordeaux (and, it appears, generally throughout France).

No doubt about the weather; dry conditions throughout the year, warm days without excessive heat, cool nights, good breezes and ideal rainfall. Grapes of exceptional quality and uniformity, sweet, well-coloured, excellent acidity and smooth, fresh tannins. The moderate heat has also contributed to rich fresh and fruity whites. A quick read of Bordeaux merchant Bill Blatch’s vintage report on our website www.winecellar.co.za will confirm this, as did Michel Rolland when he visited the Cape in December last.

What of the wines? By now the growers will have a very clear idea as to the quality of the vintage and the trade will taste the wines in Bordeaux on 4, 5 & 6 April and pass judgement. Other influential critics will taste independently later in April – including our Vintage Holdings colleague in London. But nothing much will happen until Robert Parker’s THE WINE ADVOCATE appears in the last week of April giving the judgement of the most influential critic of all. Parker has, however, given some useful pointers as to what is coming (when he tasted the ANWILKA in Bordeaux recently) –

‘2005 is very exciting...and particularly at the lower levels....where a plethora of exceptional wines have been produced- - - and it is these wines which are never given a thought by the speculators - - - so I think there will be many splendid 2005 Bordeaux available for very reasonable prices - - - unlike the famous names - - - you can be sure they will be priced in the stratosphere - - - the vintage is that exciting, and demand is already at a frightful fever pitch 4-6 weeks before prices are announced - - - actually, to put it another way, the vintage looks to be historic in terms of what has emerged’

So it appears the stage is set for a frenetic campaign as properties declare their prices during May and into June – very high prices for the high Parker pointers and the fashionable addresses, fuelled by huge demand (with US buyers returning in force). WINE CELLAR will be there and issue reports offering a wide range as the campaign progresses – from the top chateaus down to those unsung properties that can produce great wine in great vintages. We don’t want to burden all our clients with offers as the wines are released, so we shall create a special BORDEAUX 2005 mailing list (as we have previously) for those who elect to receive the offers.

Please either e-mail roland@winecellar.co.za or phone Cape Town 448 4105 if you want to be on this list. We will also keep an active webpage running.....

Cheers

David Brice

4 April 2006

Dear Burgundy lover
 

Just back from Beaune and a visit to the Le Grand Jours de Bourgogne (Grand days in Burgundy). A week long event held every second year showcasing all Burgundy has to offer from Village through to Grand Cru. The venues themselves were a marvel from the Hospice de Beaune, the first hospital in the modern world from the 1300’s to a little Chateau high up the slopes of Volnay.

So we have a few pre shipment offers for the Burgundy lovers out there that I have selected. There has been a fair amount of press about the challenging warmer conditions in Europe and Burgundy is no exception. My overall impression after a couple hundred 2003’s is definitely caution. Those well-traveled wine-makers were able to cope with the ripeness while others produced over-ripe strawberry-bombs with some alcohols tipping 15% and nasty Rhone-like tannin!

2002 is showing itself to being one the greats, having a similarity to the famous 1990. Superb balance, mineral purity and focus. These are scares and our stocks are running low, see the Gagnard and Bouvier below which are standout. 2004 brought some sort of calm to the madness and the wines show excellent classic sweet fruit. A good value vintage. That brings 2005. Most were still sleeping in barrel when I tasted them but their awakening next year will bring much delight. Without the power of 2002, but strewn with bright fruit, fine tannins, elegance and overall brilliant balance. One to watch out for.

Here are a few Pre-shipment offers that we will be landing in the Cellar towards the middle part of the year. Buying pre-shipment by the case will save you 15% or so. Upon landing, shipping, duties and taxes are payable. A Euro case price and approximate Rand landed cost per bottle is listed.

Also, enquire about the recently offered Corton Grand Cru's from Prince Florent de Merode...

Regards,

Roland

31 March 2006

FABULOUS ANWILKA!

This is the caption Robert Parker used on last Monday to commend the maiden release of this exciting blend from Anwilka in Stellenbosch, which he describes as “the finest red wine I have ever had from South Africa…”

No mean (or more powerful) praise for this joint venture between Bruno Prats, former owner of Château Cos-d’Estournel, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, co-proprietor of Château Angélus, and Lowell Jooste, co-owner of Klein Constantia.

The 3,250 cases of the 2005 Anwilka blend of cabernet sauvignon (63%) and shiraz released into the Bordeaux market were snapped up immediately, and we’ve managed to secure a portion of the 250 cases available locally.

We’re releasing the wine to our Wine Cellar clients at the winery price of R175 a bottle, which includes 12 months professional cellaring.

For more info visit www.anwilka.com

For Parker’s comments www.erobertparker.com

Wine Cellar offer:
· R1,050 per case (6x750ml) VAT incl. (R175/bottle)
· Includes professional maturation costs until March 2007
 

Please reply by email or phone Roland / Nicky (021 448 4105) to take advantage of this offer

March 2006

Tel: 021 448 4105

Fax: 086 631 7931

info@wincellar.co.za

www.winecellar.co.za

RUDI SCHULTZ SYRAH 2004
270 bottles reserved for the WINE CELLAR SELECTION

Winemaker Rudi Schultz ships nearly all his small production of this Syrah to an eager US market, where it fetches just under $40 a bottle in the more exclusive wine shops. Wine Spectator ratings of this handcrafted Syrah are always in the 90s (the 2002 making an impressive debut with 93 points), and on offering the 2003 this time last year exclusively to our Wine Cellar clients, it was immediately snapped up.

We welcome Schultz’s refreshingly modest approach to setting his prices, making this Syrah excellent value, especially given its impressive track record.

Source: 100% Syrah from low-yield, dryland Stellenbosch vineyards.

Maturation: After fermentation the wine was matured for 14 months in 50% new , 25% 2nd and 25% 3rd fill 225-ℓ French barriques.

Analysis: Residual sugar 2.0 g/l pH 3.66
Alcohol 14.5% Total acid 5.3 g/l

Wine notes:
Dark plum colour: opaque at core, with a youthfully ruby-pink rim. Complex, dark fruit and crushed peppercorn aromas, with heady whiffs of fresh earth and scrub. Sumptuously textured, richly ripe and juicy plum and blackberry fruit are framed in sleek, integrated tannins. Appealingly balanced acidity carries the flavours to a long, sweet and savoury finish.

Potential: Although drinkable from release, it will develop further complexity with a further few years in bottle.

Wine Cellar offer:
· R750 per case (6x750ml) VAT incl. (R125/btl)
· Professional maturation costs until release July 2007: R25 per case
· Guaranteed buy-back by Wine Cellar on release date: R825 per case (R137/btl)
· Release date: July 2007

Please reply by email or phone Roland or Nicky (021 448 4105) to take advantage of this limited offer.

Kind Regards

The Wine Cellar Team

16 March 2006