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The G. 2010: finally a 'First Growth' fine wine from South African soil
03 May 2012  by 4G Wines
The G. 2010 is unlike any wine you've seen coming out of South Africa. A rare and limited edition wine with an unusual attention to detail, the G. 2010 sets a new benchmark for quality, price and rarity in South Africa, and finally brings to the world a 'First Growth' from the Cape.
Because of an uncompromising ‘quality over quantity’ standard, only 3 410 numbered bottles were produced. Top international wine making expertise (the famous Bordeaux wine consultant, Denis Dubourdieu is on the team), perfect craftsmanship and innovative technologies were combined with the best of South African talent and natural resources. The result is a wine that bridges the gap between the Old and the New World. Power and intensity is matched by an intense freshness, finesse and refinement, a combination rarely tasted before. Deeply integrated tannins provide a lengthy finish, suggesting extraordinary ageing potential that promises to survive many of us.

The G. 2010 represents the coming together of the shared passion of a group of European and South African wine lovers. Their vision for the G. 2010 was to create the best wine to come out of South Africa to date, which meant having a ‘no compromise’ approach to every aspect of creating the wine.

The winemaking team behind G. 2010 combines over 100 years of expertise. The first part of the team is Denis Dubourdieu, the legendary French professor, wine consultant and winemaker who works with famous estates such as Cheval Blanc, Château Yquem, Hermitage La Chapelle and Jaboulet Ainé. Denis has been the godfather to icon wines scoring up to 100 points for years. For him, the G. 2010 was a real ‘heart project’, and with his legendary wine expertise, he is naturally an integral part of the team. The second is Giorgio Dalla Cia, the famous Italian born South African winemaker best known for his work at the Meerlust Estate. He was South Africa's Champion Winemaker in 1980 and producer of the best red blend in the world in 2006. The third and fourth are the local wine makers behind the project - Mia Fischer and Jeanine Faure. These talented young wine makers both graduated from Stellenbosch, and have both gained invaluable international experience working at award-winning wine estates in New Zealand, Australia, California and France.

The G. 2010 is a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and each berry is literally handpicked. Ten to fifteen times more labour than the average goes into creating this wine, with the chosen rows in the twelve vineyards being especially well looked after, almost as if they were part of the family. The result is perfectly described by CEO Philipp G. Axt: “Grapes that almost look like caviar in the barrel. Picture perfect.”

The G. 2010’s packaging reflects the same quality of the wine. Each high quality glass bottle is hand numbered and individually packaged in an exquisitely handcrafted wooden box made from Iroko wood. The label, printed to Gallery-standard in Switzerland using four different printing techniques, features a miniature painting by German artist Sebastian Blinde. It represents the Cape’s natural beauty, with, amongst others, an eagle intertwined with the letter G. Further, when viewed under UV light, a hidden message appears on the label. The corks used are the best available, and still go through 5 stages of selection before ending up in a G. 2010 bottle. The acclaimed Château Yquem is the only other wine producer to have access to these corks. On top of that, each bottle employs 5 visible and invisible security features, ensuring the absolute authenticity of the wines. With so much attention to detail put into this wine, its clear that the G.2010 is not just another high quality wine, but indeed an ‘object of rare luxury’….

But, the wine is not only highly respected in South Africa; it also started collecting top international ratings. In René Gabriel – the well-known Swiss wine critic’s words - “This new and still completely unknown blend has the potential to become an icon and I will award it a well-deserved high rating.” With Gabriel’s rating of 19 out of 20 points, this rare and desirable new South African wine is sure to take the international world of wine by storm. Jeff Leve, the renowned US wine critic, concludes with his comment, “The wine sets a benchmark for quality, price and rarity in South Africa”.

For 4G Wines, there is simply no compromise for quality. Hence, the G. 2010 will remain accessible to only a happy few. Available only through a very exclusive international dealer network and some handpicked 5-star hotels and restaurants in South Africa and abroad, this ‘First Growth of the Cape’ promises a peak of excitement that the most seasoned connoisseurs will enjoy.

For more information on the G. 2010, visit www.peakofexcitement.com.
 
This article has been read 3680 times.

facts anon - 03 May 2012
1980 saw diners club wine maker of the year start up, wlater finlayson, not giorgio dalla cia.
the name G peter bishop - 03 May 2012
you do knoe that there is a wine called "G" though this seems to be "G>" The G is made by Chris Joubert. Is it not fancy footwork to imagine this is the First SA First Growth .? On whose opinion? The purist is sllowed to ask the purpose of the Shiraz to raise the midpalate and then to make the wine gawky later. Rather be humble and let the consumer make the opinion than hoist uor own petard.
What is the price? Happy Sithole - 03 May 2012
it seems that 95% of the price goes into packaging and inflated (egos) salaries.
Benchmark without a track record? Wishful thinking by the marketer!
...more facts S. De Wet - 03 May 2012
I know another fact, that the winemaking team Dubourdieu and Della Cia did not make the wine. They are selling only their names, very well paid by the way. Those guys might think we are not informed down here in our industry.
ARROGANCE Barry Voges - 03 May 2012
Wild, uninhibited arrogance is not a good trait.
"Hence, the G. 2010 will remain accessible to only a happy few."..... I already feel happy that I don't want to even taste this arrogance. Shocking!!
Hope you haven't trashed Rene Gabriel's name as well. Surely this isn't a trained SA marketer making these wild statements??
Unique? Kwispedoor - 03 May 2012
Those four cultivars are unique in a blend? No, they're not. I haven't tasted the wine, so I can't knock it - it might very well be pretty good, but marketing like this alienates many wine lovers out there. No mention of where the vineyards are or how old they are - aren't the vineyards more important than name dropping and fancy packaging? This is definitely not a first growth - it's a baby growth, fresh out of the womb with zero track record (a prerequisite for a lofty claim like that).
I guess people with money to burn and friends to keep (by impressing them with bling) will love it. We live in a material world...
G-sis! J. Sommer-Leër - 03 May 2012
is that a wannabe Screaming Eagle on the lable?
well, there'll definitely be some sort of outcry about the wine...
not something our industry needs, or should be about.
HOGWASH Blake Carrington - 03 May 2012
Exactly Kwispedoor. Where are the grapes from? The most important parts of wine are origin and provenance. I agree: First Growth se ma se moer. Not with that label anyway. I smell spoofalated wines, as it should be if you are chasing "up to 100 poiints". But, goog luck Mr G, you are aiming at the right market with the right attitude and kind of side-shows and bling. You'll probably pull it off anyway. Just don't think your dear wine.co.za readers will warm to your bragging-of-posh-story. Just do it. bragging like this just shows your 'onderrok' sticking out from underneath the hem of your dress.
Go for "G"old! Jo van Wijn - 03 May 2012
Why is it that not one comment above "g"rins of anything positive?
I for one would love to "g"ulp up this product, and say 'hell', from guys with this type of experience helping to promote brand South Africa?...anytime!
We should start supporting each other "g"uys and "g"irls.
Perhaps not the most clever 'd'ress release, but at least they have the "G"(ch)utzpah to go straight for wine lovers' "G"spot!
G.? Rating Willem - 03 May 2012
Somehow De Toren Fusion V also got 19 points from Rene Gabriel at R 295.00 per bottle?
G. for South Africa Rene - 03 May 2012
A great wish for South African wines, is that you support the projects which reflects and improves the knowledge. Especially about the outstanding quality there is in the great country.
After spending 2 weeks tasting more than 100 wines, I must say, that quite a few of the wines, can be considered First Growth by any standard in the world. Be proud that PR and money are spend, to ensure that the world (also of luxury) hears this tale.
Go for South African Jo van Wijn - 03 May 2012
Rene for President!
hi Blake C. where are the grapes from: mike - 04 May 2012
I saw some of their grapes in Swartland in January 2011. I have to say this was the finest viticulture I have ever seen in South Africa. But I visited the vineyards this year again before harvest and it was very much standard again, just irrational fruit dropping. Workers told me that they have no viticulturist anymore, so they are back to normal or one step higher...
2300 R for 2010 and 1500 R for 2009 pricewatcher - 04 May 2012
and guess what: they sell the same wine Private Preview 2009 in Europe for less than 60€ and 1500 R in South Africa - according to Dalla Cia George just because the market would be prepared to pay this price. Yes we are third world Mr CEO Axt !
stinky story YEGAS - 04 May 2012
A whole section of packed Private Preview 2009 wooden cases was standing all over the summer in the heat at the distillery of Dalla Cia. I was told that Dalla Cia has got a trial with 4G Wines and the wine was used as a security deposit. Now reading all these comments I simply get the feeling that their PR story isn´t true.
facts please mike - 04 May 2012
who made the wine and where?

..more facts S. De Wet - 03 May 2012
I know another fact, that the winemaking team Dubourdieu and Della Cia did not make the wine. They are selling only their names, very well paid by the way. Those guys might think we are not informed down here in our industry.
scores from major blind tasting on SA wines at Cape Grace Conc - 04 May 2012
It will be funny to see how G. did in real life
Both Professionals and consumers participated to my understanding
Important Project for SA wines Peter - 06 May 2012
I think the project will improve in the future. I tried the wine at the 12 apostles hotel, as I asked for the best South African wine they had on the list, (hence most expensive) and I got the wine served. A very well made wine, so I decided to ask around more and learn about this very secret project! Maybe they should call the wine that much better than a stupid G. which btw is used by many wines around the globe. The project itself is according to the info I could find well financed, they surely put harder work in to the wine than others, but very poorly lead as the CEO only travels in rarely.
Important Project for SA wines Peter - 06 May 2012
But I also got info that the project is improving as a very well respected fine and rare Connoisseur have tasted it, I wonder where and why, but have included it in the prestige project World of First Growth which is one of the most spoken about event series in China. That I am sure will create the success for the project if they keep up the work in the vines to standard. They should just be more open about the project and then we should support it so it can reflect to other wines from here.
Over the top Peter Gebler - 06 May 2012
I do believe South Africa needs several icon wines to attract international attention. With all due respect to Georgio della Cia, there is too much over the top blathering here, and several inaccuracies, some of which have been pointed out by other readers. For instance, Hermitage La Chapelle is a Cru vineyard, not a producer, and Jaboulet Aine has had quite a number of forgettable vintages. On the other hand, if René Gabriel gives the wine 19 out of 20 points, - and he is widely read in the German-speaking part of Europe - that has me interested. A First Growth needs to be decided by an independent body, not a single marketer. Incidentally, the closest thing I have seen recently to an SA icon wine has been the Mvemve-Raats De Compostella 2008 - that too bears watching for icon status
Re over the top Peter - 06 May 2012
I could not agree more, that is why, for me. It is very exiting that the Event series The world of First Growth took the wine up and did events in SA including blind tasting to check it out. A good advice for G. is that they should seek others to speak for their wines and not do provocative faulty press releases. Again my point with poor management.
The wine will speak for itself as it is a good wine by any standard. I would love to know what the result was of the Cape Grace tasting, anyone knows ? Conc do you know?
4G Wines G. NO First Growth at all! HEYWHATSUP - 06 May 2012
Hey come on! Be realistic, please. A production of 3410 bottles has nothing to do with the operation of a First Growth in Bordeaux. Their approach to wine has to be different by all means, in viticulture and in winemaking.
What ever they do with the G. which I haven´t tasted yet, must be here in the Cape a incomparable work to Bordeaux. Their winemaking might be good, but their marketing and communication shows that those guys do not know what they are talking about!
First Growth peter - 06 May 2012
Surely what is done in Cape is not the same as in Bordeaux and never will be.
But the first growth statement is as far as I know, neither protected nor only to be used for wines from Bordeaux. To have ambition and trying to get noticed in the media around the globe, I think it is fine, I do agree though that the management, so far, have been poor from G. Try the wine and have an opinion not based on feelings but what’s in the glass. That is what counts in the end.
Some facts for this interesting discussion tom - 06 May 2012
Hi everybody!
Just to comment on this good debate I think it is worth mentioning the result that James Molesworth from Wine Spectator came up with as the G. 2010 was one of the top scoring red wines from SA with 93 points - only a handful other red wines from SA got the same vote, but none of them out of the difficult vintage 2010! And as far as I can see G. 2010 is the highest rated debut vintage of a SA winery ever - see also the 94 points of Jeff Leve and 94+ of Arcum. I had the opportunity to taste the wine several times with other folks and almost everbody of them was absolutely excited about this stuff! So here is an advice: first try the wine, if you are curious - and then give your comment. We should hope the wine will be a success because it brings a spotlight to SA wines in general. That is true for every top of range SA-Wine if you like to bring the SA wine industry to more success.

So the quality were from their perspective quite good as well.

Statement from the CEO Philipp G. Axt - 06 May 2012
Dear SA Wine Lovers,
We acknowledge your comments and appreciate that this unauthorized press release may have caused some concern. The official release will be posted on Monday and we hope that you might take the time to review it.
We, and the whole South African wine industry, can be proud that the maiden vintage of G. has been extremely well received by both professionals and consumers in many countries. It’s the quality that counts and the truth is in the glass. The workmanship employed, and the expertise of the team involved, make this wine unique. The aim of G. is to contribute to the global awareness of the developing South African high-end wine market. Let us join forces and continue to support this common goal in an ever more challenging market.
Good to see peter - 06 May 2012
Good to see that G. have friends as well as debaters, and yes Wine Spectator have to be taken into consideration as well.
I do not understand why a press release can come out without approval, again my point with poor management. But I will not let this influence the taste in the glass. Still very curious to hear what the tasting result were, anyone whom can share that light?
Blind Tasting at CAPE GRACE rene - 06 May 2012
The total blind tasting results and comments will be published shortly in FT, Fine and South China morning post.
We were very excited about the event which had participation of both wine professionals, consumers and hotel, restaurant directors.
The overall quality of the wines were very good, and the tasting was merely to get an "honest" opinion on the wines from SA based on several vintages and grape varieties.
There were two lines of scores, an overall score result, which was a mix of all 3 groups of tasters, as well as a pure professional list.
The overall scores provided the following result: TOP 6 wines.

G.2010
MR de Compostella 2009
Tokara 2007 Directors Reserve
Vergelegen V 2007
Epicurion 2006
Waterford Estate The Jem 2007
Approved and updated release out tomorrow Editor - 07 May 2012
Please see tomorrow's newsfeed for the revised and updated press release for this wine.
Missing the Point Kwispedoor - 07 May 2012
The question was never if G is a good wine or not. Nobody can possibly knock the quality of a wine if they haven't tasted it. The argument was basically against the presumptuous and snobbish nature of the press release. Apart from a few other inaccuracies, how can one possibly make even a passing comparison to "First Growth" status with ZERO track record? Were the French First Growths declared as such after their maiden vintage? The South African wineries with arguably legitimate claims to use the words "First Growth" in their press releases with reference to their own wines, like for instance Kanonkop, (a) don't do so themselves and (b) has built up a sterling track record for both consistent ageability and quality.
How will the G 2010 handle 15 years or more in the bottle? If 2013 is a difficult vintage, how will the G's quality be affected and will the wine even be released? Nobody knows - there's ZERO track record!
The G might well be a wonderful wine, but I suspect that mainly journalists, wine writers and gullible rich people will be the only ones to get a taste. I seriously can't see how a knowledgeable wine lover without (literally) money to burn will ever spend R2300 on a single G when he/she could get seven bottles of Kanonkop Paul Sauer (or even more bottles of many other stunningly good wines) for that same hard-earned cash.
Perhaps the marketing should be aimed more exclusively at the American market, where more people with more money worship the 100-point ratings and they have much less general knowledge of what beauties we can produce at fair prices. If G can become successful in America, our industry as a whole will surely benefit.
Bullshit from the CEO- unauthorized press release - reader - 07 May 2012
the same arrogant press release can be be found several times in the web! Each time unauthorized, Mr Axt??? Some comments look like humbling damage control.
Just one proof:
http://thewinelandsmonth.blogspot.com/2012/04/gee-g2010red-blend-is-r2300.html
Poor Management only peter - 07 May 2012
lets hope the wine just need a new CEO. The wine is good maybe it should have been introduced at half the price and build a brand up like all others.
Almost impossible to do this from scratch without track record.
Mr. CEO have to hope for a very high score from Parker.. then the deal is settled
I do wish this happen as the whole industry will benefit and we do need that!
So go for it Mr. G
Ignorant South Africans discuss First Growths and G. THE SWISS - 07 May 2012
Sorry, but this is my feeling here. Who has ever tasted from your side a First Growth ever?
If you want to discuss the comparison, please become first a connoisseur of those wines.
I am proud that a Swiss manager has got the brain to bring someone like Dubourdieu who is responsible for First Growth Wines down to South Africa to make a decent wine with the best winemaker available in the country.You should be grateful to Mr Axt.
The Swiss Also Missing the Point Kwispedoor - 07 May 2012
WTF, "The Swiss"? Is it that difficult to grasp the gripes here? I'm sure there are others here that have tasted a great deal more First Growths than I have, but that's entirely beside the point here. Neither is the fact that you judge us to be ignorant without knowing anything about us. The issues are: NO TRACK RECORD and WHAT ELSE CAN YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY. I'm hoping the caps will help... Maybe "The Swiss" can explain how it's possible to instantly establish a First Growth with a single vintage? I look forward to that explanation.

With the "G" press release it's all about name dropping and not about where the grapes come from. We all know where the real First Growths' grapes come from, but how many people can name the First Growth winemakers without using Google?
Emotions Rene - 07 May 2012
Hi All
I feel sometimes the discussion get out of hand. The common aim for all of us is to tell the world the story of great potential in the South African soil and terroir. G. is a project which will create attention but also criticism.
But truth is in the bottle and how much people want to pay is an individual assessment
I have been so lucky to taste the G. among a lot of other great SA wines, and the impression is very high standard.
That is for me what matters. SA have potential to have First Growth by any standard.

Arrogance as a concept - visit www.peakofexcitement.com reader - 07 May 2012
this CEO declares his production of wine in our country as the top above all others. I t must be allowed to ask weather any justification can be found for those big words and if the chosen communication will find any approval in our society.
Justification failed so far as the scores are by far too close to average.
And the communication can´t be worse.
G. we had it - what a disapointment P. v. Merve - 08 May 2012
and what a price. This wine was NOT worth its money. I would never pay 2500 ZAR again for any wine of this Swiss company.Yes, the label and the box very nice, but the wine by far too thin and simply sour in the aftertaste. If this is First Growth, I´ll prefer rather more Second Growths or normal wines with honesty.
Dear winemakers:
please put more quality of wine into any average bottle than bottling average wine into a stunning glass, paper and wood selection.
New release published today Editor - 08 May 2012
Please follow this link: http://www.wine.co.za/news/news.aspx?NEWSID=20316&Source=News to view the new press release posted today.
Re: ... G. we had it - what a disapointment Peter - 08 May 2012
Hi Merve

I agree with the packeting and so on, but with the wine, You must surely have had a faulty bottle. I have as said had the wine more than one time, and thin and sour if for sure not some of the worlds I would put on this wine. quite the opposite. its very full and on the sweet side. where did you get the bottle from?
Is there any others who have tasted the wine?
Peter
Re: ... G. we had it - what a disapointment P. v.Merve - 08 May 2012
Dear Peter
normally I do not react on "Hi Merve" .
I got the feeling, rereading your comments in this block, that you are a very close friend of 4G Wines and you support their "propaganda" quite obviously.
You have a problem to accept a dislike of this wine. And No - the bottle was perfect and I am not a fool. My impression was clear and the others around the table (experienced wine drinkers, two winemakers and one Cape Wine Master) had the same feeling of disappointment. There was no jealousy involved, nor prejudices. We all came to the conclusion, G. is a good wine, not superb but definitely overpriced.
Re: ... G. we had it - what a disappointment Peter - 08 May 2012
Dear Merve

I do not know the project besides from what I have been writing here, and I am not sure a friend will talk bad about a management of a project. I personally liked the wine But thanks for you comment I was just interested. I had good info from the 12 apostles hotel.. Luovo a sommelier at One and Only and by asking around.

Peter
G. a real thing or disaster Mark - 11 May 2012
The wine will stand its test tonight served a private dinner at the One and Only with 7 international wines and MR and 9 other South african wines.
I will keep you posted...
another PR event to help G. ? Elena S. - 11 May 2012
Wow - 7 international wine huuuu i am impressed.
And of course all tasters are objective, neutral and real experts to find out that G. is the best wine in SA!
G. a real thing or disaster Mark - 13 May 2012
:-) it is quite funny that all a afraid that there is tricks involved in tasting wines.
A blog is a opinion place where an open, but also direct debate can take place.
To have more than 16 wines at a private tasting (non professional) is not reasonable as we do not spit and the last wines can then seam better than the first ones. But to the tasting the conclusion from us was clear.
G. is overpriced indeed. Not so much compared with the international wines, but clearly in regards to some of the South African wines which provides as much or even more pleasure as the G. High Scores
MR 95 Point average , G. 2010 93 Point. Epicurean 2007 94 Point, Waterford Estate, The Jem 2007 95 Point, Merlust Rubicon 2005 93 Point
International: Chateau Pavie 2003 98 point, Chateau Gloria 2009 96 Point

do not go there maties - 31 May 2012
they burnt some good and willing people in their cellar. Among students it is well known.
You do not go there.
Wine for what Francis - 02 June 2012
To work and respect, a project needs a role and a structure
G. Blend or what ever do not contain either
The wine is average and behaving strangely in the glass for a Bordeaux blend
It's powerful yes, but lacks finesse and balance.
I think they seriously have to pull their act together or they will be out of the business very soon again.


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