We’ve added another tranche of rare, small-production wines to the Unlikely January Sale, bottles that rarely surface, and even more rarely at these prices.
Among the new arrivals are three wines from New Dawn, the debut label of Rüdger van Wyk, one of South Africa’s most progressive modern winemakers. Since leaving Stark-Condé, van Wyk has focused on precise, site-fluid wines driven by clarity, balance and intent.
These additions share a common thread: limited availability, strong provenance, and producers backing vision over volume. Rare wines, made with purpose, and improbably part of January’s most unlikely sale.
Scroll on. Quantities are tight.
#UnlikelyDryJanuary
New Wines Added
Dry January? Unlikely.
94+ Points – Greg Sherwood MW
“Rudger van Wyk’s maiden red release from his New Dawn project is a tantalising Southern Rhone-style red blend of 58% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 17% Grenache and 5% Cinsault. A vibrant bright cherry red in the glass, the aromatics are incredibly pure and bright showing a crystalline vitality and precision. Incredibly perfumed and lifted, the nose is tightly packed with notes of lavender and white flowers, glacé red cherries, cranberry, and saline hints of black currant. Medium bodied, concentrated and intricately structured, there is a real core of energy to the wine driven by a tangy fresh acidity and tart bright red cherry and red currant fruits with silky soft powdery tannins and long, mouthwatering finish. This wine shows serious winemaking prowess with its weightless intensity, harmonious elegance, and a piercing focused length. Unforced and effortless, this is a cracking new label debut from Rudger that’s worth tracking down. Drink now to 2034+.” – Greg Sherwood MW.Â
92 Points – Greg Sherwood MW
“This more accessible red blend from Rudger van Wyk is made up of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Shiraz, 27% Grenache, 11% Cinsault and 5% Carignan. While youthful and incredibly willing, the aromatics are forward, lifted and generous showing a medley of red berry fruits, sweet red cherry, strawberry compote and creamy raspberry nuances. Texturally supple and very elegant, the vivacious acidity combines with a crunchy red berry fruit intensity to make this wine seriously delicious, with purity of fruit and silky elegance its true highlights. Accessible and juicy, this wine is good to savour on release and over the next 5 to 6 years.” –Â Greg Sherwood MW.Â
91 Points – Greg Sherwood MW
“This white blend is the answer to a question my family’s been asking for years: where’s the wine we can actually afford to drink with dinner? Consider this my apology for all those single-vineyard bottles gathering dust. Chenin, Roussanne, and Verdelho create this ultimate weeknight warrior – a wine that smells expensive but rings up friendly. This blend brings texture and tension to your table without the precious attitude. Native yeast fermentation and three months on the lees give it that creamy, food-hugging quality that makes everything from takeout Thai to Sunday roast chicken sing. Bright acidity keeps it fresh; that kiss of Verdelho adds just enough exotic intrigue to keep things interesting. Chill it down and watch it disappear.” – Rüdger van Wyk.
