The 1861

Volume: 750ml
Vintage: 2018
ABV: 14%

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£15.00

CHARITY WINE · RICHMOND HEAVIES · 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Richmond Heavies, The 1861 is a classic 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot made by former Springbok great Schalk Burger at his Welbedacht Estate in South Africa. The wine brings together two great rugby stories — the heritage of Richmond Rugby Club and the legacy of one of South Africa's most celebrated rugby families — while also giving something back to the game, with sales helping to raise funds for medical services at Richmond Rugby Club. Rich, elegant and beautifully structured, The 1861 is a wine with genuine pedigree, sporting heritage and a purpose beyond the bottle.

A serious wine with a serious rugby story.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep ruby red with rich colour and impressive depth.
Nose: Intensely aromatic, with blackcurrant leaf, black cherry and black plum alongside cedar, graphite, fresh tobacco and subtle smoky spice.
Palate: Rich and beautifully structured, with cool blackberry and cassis, layers of black cherry and a sumptuous, seamless texture, finishing with delicate mocha notes.
Finish: Long, fresh and beautifully persistent, with lingering cassis, dark fruit, cedar and mocha.

Perfect For

Suggested Dishes: Excellent with roast beef, slow-cooked lamb or a beautifully cooked steak, where the Cabernet and Merlot have the richness and structure to stand up to the dish.
Suggested Occasions: A bottle for a proper dinner, a special celebration or an evening when you want to open something with both pedigree and a story to tell.
Suggested Sporting Occasions: Perfect for a rugby dinner, a Richmond Heavies reunion or settling in for a big Test match with a serious red in the glass.

Details

Style: Cape Bordeaux Blend
Country: South Africa
Region: Wellington
Appellation: Wellington
Producer: Schalk Burger & Sons
Vineyard: Welbedacht Wine Estate
Grape Variety: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
Closure: Cork
Drinking Window: Now – approximately 2027/30
Serving Temp: 16–18°C
Decanting Advice: Recommended for 30–60 minutes
Cellaring Potential: 5-8+ years from release

Awards & Medals

Independent Score: 93/100 – Greg Sherwood MW, 2018 vintage.

“This is exactly what I want from a rugby wine — a genuinely serious bottle that happens to have a brilliant story behind it. Rich, smooth and absolutely made for a big rugby dinner.” - Rich A

Greg Sherwood MW — 93/100 He describes it as a classic 50/50 Cape Bordeaux blend with spicy blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar and graphite aromas, followed by an intense but seamless palate of blackberry, cassis and black cherry with a mocha-tinged finish. He scored it 93/100