{"id":7693,"date":"2016-06-14T13:10:50","date_gmt":"2016-06-14T11:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wfi-global-staging.com\/topwineold\/?p=7693"},"modified":"2021-01-25T17:55:48","modified_gmt":"2021-01-25T15:55:48","slug":"some-of-south-africas-top-end-wine-prices-more-palatable-than-others","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wfi-global-staging.com\/topwineold\/2016\/06\/some-of-south-africas-top-end-wine-prices-more-palatable-than-others\/","title":{"rendered":"Some of South Africa’s top-end wine prices more palatable than others"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Kanonkop_BlackLabel2014(WithBox)<\/a>

Distinctive, iconic, extra special:
Kanonkop Black Label<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

AS WITH most\u00a0things, after a certain point no wine is worth the asking price \u2013\u00a0no matter how good it is. Beyond that, there is another point up to which\u00a0avid wine enthusiasts and collectors might\u00a0splash out or invest, mindful of\u00a0paying a premium but happy to indulge their wonts. Of course, just where these\u00a0points are on the sliding scale can vary immensely according to\u00a0just how serious about wine you are, your spending power\u00a0and the story behind the label, the provenance, the status.<\/p>\n

Sure rarity comes into it, however\u00a0it's not always the main criterion for a big\u00a0ticket item \u2013 it doesn't count at all if there's no demand.\u00a0And whereas sometimes the pricing can be explained in part at least, if not completely justified, sometimes it's too big an ask, sometimes just plain\u00a0ludicrous. Perhaps it is no surprise therefore that the prices of certain\u00a0so-called luxury bottlings have dived rather than spiked\u00a0over the past few\u00a0years.<\/p>\n

That said, for too long South Africa's best wines have been under-valued relative to their counterparts from Europe, America and elsewhere. And regrettably, as the top producers in the Cape strive for more price parity internationally, what they regard as their extra special stuff is becoming affordable only to the very well-heeled on the domestic market where the\u00a0rand is under increasing pressure relative to the dollar, pound, euro, etc.\u00a0The prices below are\u00a0per 750ml bottle from the producer, unless stated otherwise\u00a0\u2013 listing confined\u00a0to recently-released vintages priced at R600 plus.<\/p>\n

R4700\u00a0<\/strong>for G 2013 of 4G Wines, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nRed blend\u00a0from collaboration involving winemaker Mia Fischer, Giorgio Dalla Cia (previously of Meerlust) and Prof Denis Dubourdieu of Bordeaux, France, former consultant for the d'Yquem and Cheval Blanc. ‘G' alluding to ‘First Growth'. Varieties and origin\u00a0not disclosed. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R2875 <\/strong>for Delaire Graff Laurence Graff Reserve 2012, Banghoek, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nBest of estate's award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon with a dash of Petit Verdot. 5 Star rating\u00a0in Platter's<\/em>. Showpiece property with top restaurants, lodge, spa. Proprietor English diamond dealer Laurence Graff. Winemaker Morn\u00e9 Vrey. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R2500\u00a0<\/strong>for\u00a0<\/span>Book XVII 2014 of\u00a0De Toren, Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Red blend conceptualised by De Toren proprietor Emile den Dulk and Gregor Drescher, “German expert in extreme production techniques”. Promise of 40 years maturation\u00a0potential. Varieties not disclosed.\u00a0Lavish packaging. Winemaker: Albie Koch. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R2250<\/strong> for <\/span>The Black Lion 2014 of\u00a0De Toren, Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch<\/span>
\n<\/strong>“The most powerful and luxurious Shiraz ever produced in South Africa”. Grapes from Swartland and Stellenbosch (Helderberg and Polkadraai).\u00a0Conceptualised by proprietor Emile den Dulk and Gregor Drescher of Germany (as per Book XVII). Winemaker: Albie Koch. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R1600 <\/strong>for Avondale Navitas 2008, Paarl<\/strong><\/span>
\nBlend of\u00a0Shiraz, Mourv\u00e8dre, Grenache. Organic. Biodynamic. Fermented and matured in large oak barrels, mostly new. “Navitas means energy… The embodiment of Avondale's unique luminescence…” Winemaker Johnathan Grieve, whose family also owns Vital Health Foods. More<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R1450 <\/strong>for Asara Avalon 2011, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\n“Italian style wine” from vine-dried Pinotage and Shiraz grapes. Dessicated. A twist on Amarone; a Cape Blend with a twist. Estate with 5 Star hotel owned by Markus Rahman, German businessman from Hong Kong with roots in Namibia. Winemaker: Danielle le Roux. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R1450 <\/strong>for Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2014, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nFrom really\u00a0old bush vines. What property owners Johann and Paul Krige with winemaker Abrie Beeslaar consider to be their best wine. Highly rated ‘standard' version (Hall of Fame). Named after hill on which a\u00a0canon was fired to alert farmers of\u00a0supplies arriving at Table Bay. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R1375 <\/strong>for Simonsig The Garland 2008, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nSingle-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes grown on the slopes of the Simonsberg. Matured for 26 months in new French oak. Family-owned-and-managed estate with winemakers Francois Malan (MD) and Johan Malan (cellarmaster). More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R1300\u00a0<\/strong>for Rust en Vrede 1694 Classification 2013, Helderberg, Stellenbosch<\/strong>
\nBlend of single-vineyard Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Estate blend a regular in Top Wine SA Hall of Fame. Farm\u00a0established in 1694 and acquired by the Engelgbrecht family in 1977. Good restaurant. Proprietor Jean Englelbrecht. Cellarmaster Coenie Snyman.\u00a0More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R1200 <\/strong>for Capensis 2013, Western Cape<\/strong><\/span>
\nMeaning ‘from the Cape', Capensis originates\u00a0from old Chardonnay vines in the Stellenbosch, Overberg and Robertson areas. Proprietors: US-based Barbara Banke and Antony Beck (of Graham Beck Wines). Winemaker Graham Weerts. Vineyard manager Rosa Kruger. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R1200 <\/strong>for Vergelegen V 2011, Somerset West<\/strong><\/span>
\nSingle-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, barrel-matured for 21 months and bottle-aged for 24 months prior to release. Established in\u00a0the early 1700s, Vergelegen was bought by Anglo American in 1987. Winemaker Andr\u00e9 van Rensburg. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R1050\u00a0<\/strong>for Mvemve Raats de Compostella 2014, Raats, Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch<\/strong>
\nMeaning ‘The Compillation of Stars', De Compostella is the result of a collaboration involving agribusiness manager Mvemve Raats and winemaker Bruwer Raats. Highly-rated Cab Franc-led Bordeaux-style blend. 24 months in barrel. Promise of 15 years maturation potential. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R1000 <\/strong>for\u00a0Webb Ellis 2010 from Neil Ellis, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nBlend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch and Shiraz from Groenekloof, Darling. 20 months in French oak barrels, 80% new. Proprietor: Neil Ellis, whose wife Stephanie's maiden name is Webb. Winemaker: Warren Ellis. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R980 <\/strong>for Hanneli R 2011 from La Motte, Franschhoek<\/strong><\/span>
\nShiraz-based blend inspired by La Motte owner, Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, whose Shiraz-led Pierneef blend\u00a0is in the Top Wine SA Hall of Fame. Shiraz from Elim and Bot River, Petite Sirah and\u00a0Tempranillo from Franschhoek. Up\u00a0to 40 months\u00a0in wood. Cellarmaster: Edmund Terblanche. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R950 <\/strong>for Dirty Little Secret 2015 of\u00a0Ken Forrester Vineyards, Helderberg, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nFrom THE ambassador for Chenin Blanc in South Africa with the promise of good ageing potential. From old vines on a remote mountainside in the Piekenierskloof outside Citrusdal. Five months in old barrels. “A unique once off.” Also producer of The FMC (Hall of Fame). More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R900 <\/strong>for<\/span> Rijk's 888 Pinotage Gold 2010, Tulbagh<\/span>
\n<\/strong>From one of the Top 10 Pinotage producers, with the ‘standard' version\u00a0a regular in the Top Wine SA Hall of Fame. Specialist producer with three wines in the SA Pinotage Classification. Proprietor Neville Dorrington, previously in leather goods business. Winemaker: Pierre Wahl. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R900 <\/strong>for<\/span> Rust en Vrede Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon\u00a02013, Helderberg, Stellenbosch<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the Cape's oldest wine estates, the farm was established in 1694 and acquired by the Engelgbrecht family in 1977. Good restaurant, outstanding winelist. Proprietor Jean Englelbrecht. Cellarmaster Coenie Snyman. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R900 <\/strong>for Rust en Vrede Single Vineyard Syrah 2013, Helderberg, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nSingle-vineyard Shiraz. One of the Cape's oldest wine estates, the farm was established in 1694 and acquired by the Engelgbrecht family in 1977. Good restaurant, outstanding winelist. Proprietor: Jean Englelbrecht. Cellarmaster: Coenie Snyman.\u00a0More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R900 <\/strong>for Waterford The Jem 2010, Helderberg, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nJem is the name by which friends and family refer to estate proprietor Jeremy Ord, chairman of Dimension Data. The wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend that also includes seven other varieties. 20 months in barrels, 33% new. Ten to 15 years' development potential. Cellarmaster: Kevin Arnold. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R850 <\/strong>for Flagstone Time Manner Place Pinotage Reserve 2012, Somerset West<\/strong><\/span>
\n“Obsessive selections of selections of selections.” From the producer's of the highly-rated Writer's Block, one of the front-runners in Top Wine SA's\u00a0Pinotage Classification. Brand owners: Accolade. Winemakers: Gerhard Swart and Bruce Jack. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R850 <\/strong>for Creation The Art of Chardonnay 2015, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge<\/strong><\/span>
\n“Inspired by nature and meticulously crafted by cellarmaster Jean-Claude Martin, each single-vineyard wine in this range is the ultimate expression of its terroir and indeed an exquisite and multifaceted artwork in its own right.” Proprietors: Jean-Claude and Carolyn Martin. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R850 <\/strong>for Creation The Art of Pinot Noir 2014, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge<\/strong><\/span>
\n“Inspired by nature and meticulously crafted by cellarmaster Jean-Claude Martin, each single-vineyard wine in this range is the ultimate expression of its terroir and indeed an exquisite and multifaceted artwork in its own right.” Proprietors: Jean-Claude and Carolyn Martin. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R830\u00a0<\/strong>for Anthonij Rupert 2009, Franschhoek<\/strong><\/span>
\nRed blend from grapes grown on two farms, L'Ormarins (Franschhoek) and Rooderust (Darling). Matured in new French oak for 24 months and aged for a further 24 months in bottle before release. Proprietor: businessman Johann Rupert, whose late brother the wine is named after. More<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R826 <\/strong>for Bouchard Finlayson T\u00eate de Cuv\u00e9e Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2012, Hemel-en-Aarde<\/strong><\/span>
\nProperty the home of one of South Africa's best Pinot Noir cellars; Top Wine SA Hall of Fame. T\u00eate de Cuv\u00e9e showcases a selection of top barrels, the best of the best. Proprietors: the Tollman family, also owners of The Travel Corporation (including Red Carnation Hotels), with the estate run by Victoria Tollman and winemaker\u00a0<\/span>Peter Finlayson. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R820 <\/strong>for Saxenburg Shiraz Select 2007, Polkadraai Hills,\u00a0Kuils River
\n<\/strong><\/span>Saxenburg's icon range is a celebration of the finest wines from the best vines on the estate.\u00a0Property's Private Collection Shiraz one of the Top 10 in the country (Top Wine SA Hall of Fame). Owners: Adrian and Birgit B\u00fchrer of Switzerland. Winemaker: Nico van der Merwe. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R795 <\/strong>for Frans K Smit from Spier, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nSpier's “super-blend”, with the flagship wine named in honour of the cellarmaster. Positioned as “a world-class red with a unique story”. Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot) with a touch of Shiraz. Proprietor: Dick Enthoven, also owner of Hollard and Nando's. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R790 <\/strong>for Dalla Cia Teano 2011, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nBlend of red Bordeaux varieties with the Tuscan Sangiovese. Over 24 months in barrel. Worthy of cellaring for a decade\u00a0or more. Proprietors: George (Jnr) and Georgio (Snr) Dalla Cia, former winemaker at Meerlust and with a hand in the 4G project. More here<\/a><\/span>\u00a0and here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R750 <\/strong>for Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet 2011 (500ml), Constantia<\/strong><\/span>
\n“Over 300 years of history in every bottle.” Included on top winelists around the world. Top Wine SA Hall of Fame. Dessert from Muscat de Frontignan. Proprietors: Czech\/US businessman\u00a0Zdenek Bakala and banker Charles Harman (British). Winemaker: Matthew Day. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R750 <\/strong>for M\u00f4reson Magia 2007, Franschhoek<\/strong><\/span>
\nA red wine “over-achiever”, the award-winning Bordeaux-style blend in the family.\u00a0Grapes from Durbanville, Stellenbosch and Paarl. Matured for 24 months in French oak barrels. Proprietor: Richard Friedman. Winemaker: Clayton Reabow. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R750 <\/strong>for Valafont\u00e9 Series C 2013, vineyard in Paarl, cellar in Stellenbosch
\n<\/strong><\/span>Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, some Merlot. SA partner: manager Mike Ratcliffe (Warwick). Californian partners: winemaker Zelma Long (previously of Robert Mondavi Winery), viticulturist Phil Freese (designed and planted first Opus One vineyards). More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R735 <\/strong>for Sadie's Mev Kirsten 2014, Malmesbury, Swartland<\/strong><\/span>
\nProfound expression of Chenin Blanc from Eben Sadie's\u00a0Old Vine Series. Named after Mrs Anna Kirsten, former owner of the vineyard from which the grapes are sourced, who died in 2015 at the age of 90. Distinctive characteristics from vines planted roughly 100 years ago. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R725 <\/strong>for Mullineux Single Terroir Syrah 2013, Riebeek Kasteel, Swartland<\/strong><\/span>
\nGranite Syrah from 19-year-old vines on the Paardeberg. Schist Syrah from 17-year-old vines on the Kasteelberg. Iron Syrah from organically-farmed vines west of Malmesbury – 5 Stars in Platter's<\/em>. Winemakers: Chris and Andrea Mullineux. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R654 <\/strong>for Sadie Columella 2013, Malmesbury, Swartland<\/strong><\/span>
\nSignature\u00a0red wine of The Sadie Family business headed by Eben Sadie \u2013 Palladius being the white wine flagship of the cellar\u00a0in\u00a0the Paardeberg foothills. One of South Africa's best wines from one of South Africa's leading winemakers. Explorative, innovative, adventurous. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R650 <\/strong>for<\/span> Carrol Boyes Pinot Noir Chardonnay Collection M\u00e9thode Cap Classique 2011<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Trophy winner at South Africa's\u00a0Michelangelo Awards. From Barnardt Boyes of Stellenbosch who procure wines from various leading cellars. Neels Barnardt and John Boyes have partnered with designer Carrol Boyes who creates a different label for each vintage. More here<\/a><\/span>\u00a0and here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R650\u00a0<\/strong>for Ernie Els Signature 2012, Helderberg, Stellenbosch<\/strong>
\nCabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-style blend. Aged\u00a0for 20 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. Maturation potential of 15 years plus.\u00a0Highly rated; Top Wine SA Hall of Fame. Proprietor: Ernie Els, professional golfer. Winemaker: Louis Strydom. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R609 <\/strong>for Dalla Cia Pinot Noir 2013, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nPartly fermented in French oak barrels and matured in wood for a further 18 months. Ageing potential up to 10 years. Proprietors: George (Jnr) and Georgio (Snr) Dalla Cia, former winemaker at Meerlust and with a hand in the 4G project. More here<\/a><\/span>\u00a0and here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R600 <\/strong>for Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2014, Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nThere are three ‘Special Releases'\u00a0of Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc: Block A, Block S1 and Block W\u00a0\u2013 the latter Highly Recommended in Platter's<\/em>. Proprietor: Charles Banks (USA), former managing partner of Screaming Eagle Winery (California). Winemaker: Adam Mason. More here<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

R600 <\/strong>for Uva Mira Chardonnay 2014, Helderberg, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nSingle-vineyard wine. Ultimate expression of the terroir. “The heartbeat of Uva Mira.” Nine months in 65% new oak barrels. Highly rated. For the wine collector and connoisseur. Proprietor: Toby Venter, of\u00a0Porsche SA. Winemaker: Christiaan Coetzee. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

R600 <\/strong>for Uva Mira O.T.V. 2013, Helderberg, Stellenbosch<\/strong><\/span>
\nBordeaux-style red blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.\u00a0Eighteen months in 100% new oak barrels. Commemorating the lifework of the owner's father, Ockert Tobias Venter Snr. For the connoisseur. Winemaker: Christiaan Coetzee. More here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

AS WITH most\u00a0things, after a certain point no wine is worth the asking price \u2013\u00a0no matter how good it is. Beyond that, there is another point up to which\u00a0avid wine enthusiasts and collectors might\u00a0splash out or invest, mindful of\u00a0paying a premium but happy to indulge their wonts. Of course, just where these\u00a0points are on the sliding scale can vary immensely<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2217,1825],"tags":[2223,2316,1604,1551,1606,2294,1734,1489,1736,2298,2297,849,1044,2296,774],"class_list":["post-7693","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-2217","category-wine-ratings","tag-2223","tag-best-south-african-wines","tag-cost","tag-flagship","tag-list","tag-luxury","tag-premium","tag-price","tag-r1000","tag-r4000","tag-r600","tag-sa","tag-south-africa","tag-special","tag-wine"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t