Strauss & co - 8 June 2019 (Wine)

59 Jaubert Family Muscat d’Alexandrie 1800 275ml 1 (1 x 1) R45 000 – 55 000 PROVENANCE Producer ITEM NOTES The Jaubert Family Muscat d’Alexandrie 1800 is South Africa’s oldest living wine. Seven generations of the Joubert family have cared for the 100L barrel of Muscat born in 1800. The richly- sweet, solera-style wine is topped every 5 years as the angels take their share, although there have been periods when it was not topped for 25 years. This adds to its unique style and incredible stability, according to current custodian Cobus Joubert. It is topped up using only the best Muscat sourced from Barrydale and has not been fortified in this century. It is Neal Martin’s highest scoring South African wine. ‘It has an iridescent clear amber hue with green tints on the rim. The nose is simply stellar: candied orange peel, toffee, apricot and almond soar from the glass and fix you to the spot. The palate is perfectly balanced and fresher than some South African wines two centuries younger! It has a Sauternes-like viscosity but is not cloying like a Tokaji Essenzia. There is a touch of sherbet at the tip of the tongue and then it fans out towards a kaleidoscope of spice, clove, candied fruits and a touch of honey. One can discern an oxidative tang towards the finish that has a touch of volatility. Very long and intense and yet somehow refined and elegant, this is an ethereal experience. Drink now-2100+.’ Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 99/100