Rijks Private Cellar

Elegance, finesse, complexity and concentration of fruit are the hallmarks of the wines of Rijks Private Cellar. Fine food wines are produced here to satisfy the most sophisticated palates. Pierre Wahl is Diners Club's winemaker of the year 2016.

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CHENIN BLANC (Touch of Oak)202110.95
A beautiful bouquet of lime, grapefruit and Granny Smith Apples. The palate is perfectly balanced with a layered, creamy palate of orange, white peaches and tropical fruit. Excellent ageing potential and superb versatility with a wide variety of dishes complete this irresistible package. The subtle use of oak helps to uplift the fruity characters of this versatile cultivar. 25% of barrel-fermented wine was blended with the tank-fermented portion (75%) to add a wooded dimension.
CHENIN BLANC (Touch of Oak)202212.55
Exuberantly fresh. Explodes with bright, sunny tropical fruit, gains honeyed spiciness from 20% old barrel fermented portion. Fatness & body from 11 months on lees.
Tim Atkin: 89, Platter: 89
CHENIN BLANC PRIVATE CELLAR *202317.80
Elegance, finesse, complexity and concentration of fruit - full bodied. The nose shows attractive aromas of melon, fynbos and delicate floral perfume. These aromas carry through onto a palate that has pure fruit, lively acidity and a pithy finish. Nectarine, orange and a leesy complexity adds interest. Excellent ageing potential and superb versatility with a wide variety of dishes complete this irresistible package. 30% of the wine was cold fermented in tank to retain freshness and fruit, and 70% was fermented in French and Hungarian 300 litre barrels.
CHENIN BLANC RESERVE202324.75
Bright yellow in colour, this beautifully made wine has an attractive bouquet of peach, nectarines and marzipan. The wine is medium bodied with flavours of orange, yellow plum and tangerine on the palate. These flavours are supported by the delicate use of oak which allows them to shine and brings structure to this refined wine. A long finish and lasting aftertaste. This wine was fermented in 40% new, 40% 2nd fill and 20% 3rd fill 300 litre French oak barrels.
CHENIN BLANC 888 GOLD *201978.90
Intense nose of plum and ripe peach accompanied by notes of cracked almonds. These aromas carry through on a rich, multi- layered palate with a lingering, yet gentle, aftertaste. 100% barrel fermented and matured for 16 months in a new and a 2nd fill 300 litre French oak barrel.
PINOTAGE (Touch of Oak)202114.90
This intense dark red coloured wine shows striking aromatics of red berry and black cherries. Floral fragrance and fynbos notes carry through onto a rich, velvety and complex palate. Dense fruit, bright acidity and layers of well rounded tannins. The gentle presence of oak on the nose and palate supports this delicious Pinotage. Matured for 20 months in 20% 2nd fill, 40% 3rd fill, and 40% 4th fill French oak barrels.
Tim Atkin: 91, Platter: 87, Investec: 85
PINOTAGE RESERVE *201737.75
This wine has a multi-layered fruit spectrum, which ranges from ripe red fruit aromas to spicy elegance and a blackberry richness. These expressive aromas carry through onto a rich, creamy palate where it lingers for moments after. The 2016 shows the power of the vintage, without compromising elegance and finesse. Silky, well-integrated and graphite tannins ensure excellent longevity. MLF took place in barrels, after which it was matured for 22 months in 60% new and 40% 2nd fill French oak barrels. This wine was made by blending a strict selection of the finest 20 barrels.
PINOTAGE RESERVE201841.20
Still young for a 2018, this is a stylish, very well-judged Pinotage from 23-year-old vines on Rijk's Tulbagh estate. Intense, textured, layered and very aromatic, it handles its 60% new French oak comfortably, showcasing flavours of plum, bramble and blueberry and finely judged, patrician tannins. Will continue to develop in bottle.
Tim Atkin: 94, Platter: 94, ABSA: Top 20
PINOTAGE 888 GOLD LABEL *201395.00
A dense, full-fruited and powerful wine, the bouquet is loaded with ripe, brambly berry and plum aromas that are hit with complementary notes of black pepper and a touch of cocoa powder. The palate is plush and decadent, with superb balance between the supple yet structured tannins, ample acidity and bold black-fruit flavours. Matured for 22 months in 66% new and 34% 2nd fill French oak barrels. A strict selection of 3 barrels.
SHIRAZ RESERVE *201230.40
Exceptional vibrant deep red colour. Complex nose of white and black pepper spices with bramble and black fruit undertones. Vibrant acid level which carries through onto a multi-layered rich palate that is rounded off by smooth silky tannins. The integration of oak spice and tannin adds real depth and complexity. Matured for 22 months in 40% new and 60% 2nd fill 300 litre French barrels.