Chateau Libertas 2024
By Christian Eedes, 24 June 2025
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In the case of the 2024 vintage, the “Classic Dry Red Blend” that is Chateau Libertas from producer-wholesaler Heineken is, in fact, not a blend at all but rather 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. How did this come to be, and what are the implications?
According to the winemaking team, the wine is always crafted to over-deliver at its price point and is typically assembled from components available in the cellar that might have originally been destined for more premium brands.
For the 2024 vintage, a surplus of high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon (sourced primarily from Stellenbosch, with additional fruit from the Swartland and Darling) made the decision of what to bottle a straightforward one. This isn’t expected to happen again…
And what of the wine that retails for around R80 a bottle? The nose is enchantingly primary with notes of dark berries, flowers, herbs, tea leaf and a subtle earthy undertone while the palate is full and upright with fresh acidity and properly firm tannins (alc: 13.67%). An absolute banger.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
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Jos | 24 June 2025
From your description I take it will also age rather well?
Christian Eedes | 24 June 2025
Hi Jos, I think it’s got legs.
SJB | 24 June 2025
Hi Christian,
I’m under the impression that some of these mass-market high-volume brands are made in batches, which could result in quality variations by batch and thus result in a bit of a lottery at the point of purchase. What is the risk of that with this wine?
Jos | 24 June 2025
This absolutely happened with the Nederburg The Winemasters Shiraz that won the best wine at the Trophy Wine Show last year. The wine I got was unremarkable.
I checked the fact sheet for the Chateau Libertas 2024 and can’t find the number of cases produced.
Christian Eedes | 24 June 2025
Hi SJB,You are correct that large-volume wines are typically produced in batches, and while the goal is consistency, some variation can occur. It’s also true that producers may sometimes select specific batches for competitions. However, in this instance, the wine was purchased off the shelf at random – and I’m therefore relatively confident that the quality assessed reflects what the average consumer is likely to experience.
Mike Froud of Top Wine SA | 25 June 2025
Please can you tell me where the 2024 Chateau Libertas is on sale, or when it will be released? At the time of writing, it was not available at Ultra Liquors or Pick n Pay or Liquor City, and Picardi was still selling the 2022 vintage.
Christian Eedes | 26 June 2025
Hi Mike, I bought my bottle at Liquor City Claremont – R84.99.
Mike Froud of Top Wine SA | 26 June 2025
When I visited Liquor City Claremont yesterday, two of the staff assured me that they don’t stock Chateau Libertas, let alone the 2024 vintage. Thanks to you, I went back, inspected the shelves and what do you know…
Angela Lloyd | 28 June 2025
The person you should always speak to at Liquor City, Claremont is Ezra, he knows exactly what’s what & where there.
James Bosenberg | 26 June 2025
Wow, this is exceptional for its price and just pretty good in general. Well worth the punt and I might just grab a whole lot more!
Dieter Gugelmann | 29 June 2025
Yes it is true, Ezra at Liquor City in Claremont is an expert. He helped me so many times. By the way Liquor City in Claremont is the best wine shop. You do not find a better one in the winelands with that big selection!