TABERNACLE TREASURES UNEARTHED FOR HERITAGE STRAUSS & CO WINE AUCTION
The Tabernacle, the famous underground cellar in Stellenbosch that houses some of South Africa’s rarest and most spectacular vinous treasures, is releasing a handful of historic wines for sale. To be auctioned on 10 July by Strauss & Co, they include three individual bottle lots of the fabled GC Cabernet 1966, with a starting bid of R25 000 per bottle.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein mountains in Paarl, Brookdale Estate produces wines as unexpected as they are enchanting. A true Cinderella story, Brookdale Estate was once overgrown and underused. The Rudd family, originally from the United Kingdom, recognised the potential of the property and acquired the 67-hectare estate in 2015. Their vision was to create a world-class country estate producing fine wines, including interesting blends crafted from varietals that are somewhat ‘unusual’ in South Africa.
A single block of old-vine Chenin Blanc, estimated to be about 36 years old, was saved to become Brookdale’s maiden release in 2017. New vineyards were planted, and the Rudd family set out to further restore the balance of nature on the estate by clearing 27-hectares of alien vegetation. Indigenous vegetation was planted, including 3700 trees, as well as expansive gardens for Manor House resident guests to explore.
As ardent wine connoisseurs, Brookdale Estate is the pinnacle of the Rudd family’s passion. Here, Mediterranean varietals, a unique Paarl terroir and unusual winemaking techniques are brought together under the visionary hand of Tim Rudd, talented young winemaker Kiara Scott and consultant winemaker Duncan Savage.
The summer of 2022 will see the opening of a new Cellar, Wine Tasting Experience and Restaurant on site at Brookdale.
BROOKDALE ESTATE (PAARL)