Chateau Libertas 2023 vs Roodeberg 2022
By Christian Eedes, 28 June 2024
5
Chateau Libertas was established in 1932 by Dr William Charles Winshaw of Stellenbosch Farmers Winery and Roodeberg in 1949 by Dr Charles Niehaus in 1949. Both have illustrious histories but are now positioned towards the bottom end of the market, Chateau Libertas 2023 selling for R75 a bottle and Roodeberg 2022 for R99 a bottle.
The good news is that they both still offer good quality relative to price. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:
Chateau Libertas 2023
35% Shiraz, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 13% Cinsault. Vinified in stainless steel tank and matured on oak staves. Red and black berries, flowers and fynbos on the nose while the palate is medium-bodied with clean fruit, fresh acidity and powdery tannins, the finish long and dry. Alc: 13.4%.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
Roodeberg 2022
39% Shiraz, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot, 9% Durif and 7% “other”. Matured for 14 months in predominantly French but also American oak. Plum, cassis, oak spice and a little smoky reduction on the nose. The palate is plush with good fruit concentration, bright acidity and soft tannins. It lacks some nuance but it’s not difficult to drink. Alc: 14.56%.
CE’s rating: 89/100.
Check out our South African wine ratings database.
Gareth | 1 July 2024
Sounds like we all agree – we would love to see the iconic colourful old label back – or at least some modern permutation thereof.
Donald Griffiths | 1 July 2024
Served some CL at a 50th birthday party recently. It was quite amusing as many who tried it thought it could be any number of red blends x 2-3 the price. 75 bucks for 91 points is insane. Agree on the label.
Dieter Gugelmann | 30 June 2024
Dear Greg
I completely agree with you. The old label should be used again for the fine wine.
Greg Sherwood | 29 June 2024
Bring back the old Chateau Libertas label! You should start a campaign Christian! This new packaging is soooo dull.
Kwispedoor | 1 July 2024
It still boggles my mind that they would change that iconic label at all, Greg. But to change it to something so utterly mundane…