As a tribute to Duimpie (Francis Carr) Bayly, the late wine industry icon who played a major role in shaping the country’s wine reputation, Distell is releasing a special limited-edition 2021 vintage memorial magnum of South African favourite Chateau Libertas. Only 2800 hand-numbered magnums were produced of the Cabernet Sauvignon|Cinsault blend, released in commemorative wooden boxes.
Duimpie, who sadly passed away in 2021, was one of South Africa’s most distinguished wine personalities. He joined the industry in 1962, and made the Chateau Libertas blend for many years. He called it an honour to carry the mantle.
He was a mentor to many Chateau Libertas winemakers, including the current Bonny van Niekerk, who says: “That’s why creating this once-off assemblage of a Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault blend, has been such a highlight for me. In paying homage to him as a person and for all the professional wisdom he imparted, I could call on the most experienced members of our team, as well as some of the country’s leading opinion formers in wine. What we all share is an abiding affection for Chateau Libertas and, of course, for Duimpie. Joining our in-house blending team were veteran wine critic and industry commentator Michael Fridjhon; editor of Winemag Christian Eedes, and wine communicator Bennie Howard, one of the first Cape Wine Masters. Our wish was to make a wine that while recognisably Chateau Libertas, would be imbued with qualities as focused, deep, and generous as Duimpie himself.”
All proceeds from the sale of the magnums will be going towards an initiative intended to honour the memory of Duimpie. Still in the planning stages, it will encompass the collection, transcription and preservation of knowledge, history, stories and academic inputs involving the country’s wine industry, and will form part of a project of the University of Stellenbosch to restore the historic Welgevallen farm buildings in Stellenbosch.
As a member of the South African wine industry, we respectfully offer you the first chance to purchase the memorial magnums at a special price of R750 per unit (incl. VAT) – only valid from 3 to 11 October, ahead of the public launch on 12 October (Duimpie’s birthday). The special price includes a saving of R150, when using the discount code applicable to the specific wine route of which you form part. Pre-launch orders be placed online via www.vinoteque.co.za. Orders will be consolidated by our team and delivered in bulk to each wine route’s address, from where individual orders by wine route members can be collected.
A short video of the development of the blend
A full video of the development of the blend
We trust that we can count on your support.
Warm wishes
Michael van Deventer
Vinoteque.co.za manager