Chateau Libertas marked its 80th birthday with a tasting of wines selected from virtually every decade since its launch in 1932. Believed to be South Africa's oldest red blend, Chateau Libertas was created by Dr William Charles Winshaw, an American born and raised medical doctor, adventurer and former Texas Ranger, who had gone into winemaking when he moved to Stellenbosch. Not a year has gone by since its inception, that the wine has not been made and sold. The event was held at The Big Easy restaurant in Stellenbosch, situated in the historic La Gratitude house which was Winshaw's home until his death at 96 years of age in 1968. The wines tasted were presented by some of Chateau's winemakers from the previous century, as well as by veteran wine critic, judge and author, Dave Hughes. Duimpie Bayly presented the 1940 and 1962 vintages. Hughes led the tasting of the 1957 vintage. Wouter Pienaar presented the 1978 and 1994 vintage, and Jan de Waal the 1982. The tasting was followed by a hearty four-course lunch, paired with more recent vintages and presented by current cellar master Deon Boshoff. Chateau Libertas is sold nationally at around R34 a bottle. Photography by Nico Grundlingh of Image Solutions (www.imgsolutions.co.za)