Strauss & co - 8 June 2019 (Wine)

132 Veenwouden Classic 1998 750ml 6 (1 x 6) R5 500 – 6 500 PROVENANCE Private Client ITEM NOTES Veenwouden, owned by the Van der Walt family, is a boutique winery situated on the northern side of Paarl. The first vineyards were planted in 1989 and by the mid-1990s, Veenwouden became a cult red in South Africa. The Classic is renowned for its elegance and fine ageing protentional. ‘Golf pro turned winemaker Marcel vd Walt cards a hole-in-one with this dramatic, dark-hued 1998, like its teammate, championship winning material – powerful, more muscular than the Merlot (thanks to strength of cab, 50% of blend with 36%merlot, 12% cab f, 2% Malbec). So, more patience required here (though no lesser reward): 9-12 yrs probably, 3-4 recommended for present authoritative tannins to unleash sumptuous underlying fruit. Current linear theme continued with taut lead pencils, cassis and dusty spice. Expensive new Nevers cooperage, also part of regime, adds final polish to Bdx- like aura.’ Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2001, 5 stars