Cape Town, South Africa, February 1659
On the 2nd of February 1659, Jan van Riebeeck, the first Commander of the Cape, noted in his diary: “Fine warm weather… Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.”
Stellenbosch, South Africa, February 2009
On the 2nd of February 2009, three hundred and fifty vintages later, four men share their passion for wine and a vision for the future: a world-class wine from South Africa, combining the best terroirs of the Cape with Old World winemaking expertise. On the ground was Giorgio Dalla Cia, whose knowledge of South African vineyards is legendary. Thrilled by the idea, the late Denis Dubourdieu joined the group: master winemaker to numerous icon wines in Bordeaux, Hermitage and elsewhere.
Our first vintage G. 2010 was released to rave reviews. 2011 and 2012 continue to set a new
standard – on par with and above the greatest wines of the world. 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 regularly break preconceptions in international blind tastings.
The First Growth of the Cape is conquering the globe.
We strive to produce a wine that is very intense and powerful, though displaying detail in flavor to an extent I haven’t yet experienced in South African Wines.”
All our work is targeted to create the best possible wine of the country – the only one that is entitled to carry the “G.” as the First Growth of the Cape. A multi-terroir blend, we pay honor to the personality of every vintage that makes it unique within the G. genealogy.
Our second wine echoes the Grand Vin.
G. 2016 - LE CAPITAINE
The last vintage under the helm of legendary winemaker Denis Dubourdieu in his quest to create the ‘First Growth of the Cape’. Uncompromised quality is the Leitmotiv for this wine that is determined to set new standards – with a strict limitation of 4488 bottles.
G. 2015 - VENETIA'S HEART
Legendary winemaker Denis Dubourdieu teams up again with our residential
South African cellar master to create the ‘First Growth of the Cape’.
Uncompromised quality is the Leitmotiv for this wine that is determined to
set new standards – with a strict limitation of 4538 bottles.
G. 2014 – 67 IMIZUZU
Legendary winemaker Denis Dubourdieu teams up again with our residential
South African cellar master to create the ‘First Growth of the Cape’.
Uncompromised quality is the Leitmotiv for this wine that is determined to
set new standards – with a strict limitation of 5105 bottles.
G. 2013 – WALDWEBEN
Legendary winemaker Denis Dubourdieu teams up again with our residential
South African cellar master to create the ‘First Growth of the Cape’.
Uncompromised quality is the Leitmotiv for this wine that is determined to
set new standards – with a strict limitation of 4488 bottles.
THE ECHO OF G. 2014
THE ECHO OF G. reflects on the new wine crafted by legendary winemaker
Denis Dubourdieu together with our residential South African cellar master.
Second wine to the ‘First Growth of the Cape’, this oeuvre enjoys the same
uncompromised quality as G. – and is ultimately born during blending.
A world class red that is surely the ‘First Growth’ of South Africa and imminently the country’s finest wine.”
One hundred years of winemaking expertise at the highest level. Energy, enthusiasm and vision.
Old World Masterminds
Prof Denis Dubourdieu
The late Denis Dubourdieu is Decanter’s Man of the Year 2016, a Godfather of Icon wines, master winemaker behind the wines of Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem in Bordeaux, and La Chapelle in Hermitage, and professor of oenology at the University of Bordeaux. Denis Dubourdieu has crafted some of the greatest wines of his generation. At 4G, he recognized that rarest of visions, the terroir to make a wine that will stand as an equal to the greatest wines from around the world. It is a challenge that he embraced.
Denis Dubourdieu will be remembered as one of the greatest winemakers of our time, leaving an immense legacy of knowledge and inspiration at 4G. We are deeply grateful to have had the honour of knowing and working together with Denis until his very last moment.
Dr Valérie Lavigne
Valérie Lavigne has worked as an associate with Denis Dubourdieu for more than twenty years. A renowned expert in the science of wine aromas, she is also recognized world-wide for her research on the ageing process of wines. Her work with 4G continually pushes us forward, upward.
South African Passion
Philipp G. Axt
is the Founder and Director of 4G.
An entrepreneur, philosopher, and lover of classical music,
he ties together all ends to realize the vision of a First Growth from the Cape.
He puts painstaking attention to detail, whilst circling the globe to spread the 4G story
as well as standing foot on the ground in our cellar to ensure that the best possible wine of the country is created.
His dedication and uncompromising pursuit of perfection
are adamant to the success of 4G.
Giorgio Dalla Cia
A living legend in South Africa, creator of such wines as Rubicon at Meerlust Estate, Giorgio Dalla Cia has been the Spiritus Rector of 4G. A visionary pioneer in his native land, he combines an unparalleled knowledge of the vineyards and terroirs of the Cape with a drive that permits no obstacles.
Having successfully established G. as one of the most
sought-after wines of the country, he has handed over
the scepter to the next generation.
Artist In Residence
Sebastian Blinde
Trained at the famous Berlin Weissensee School of Art, Sebastian’s work has appeared in exhibitions in Berlin, Zurich, Riga and Hannover. Creative ideas flow effortlessly from his mind. His uncanny eye for the natural world, combined with an endlessly creative application of flawless technique, make his work a perfect match for 4G.
Feedback from leading international wine experts confirms that G. receives recognition for being the First Growth of the Cape.
WEINWISSER
“The 4G Sensation”
“Within this star-studded line-up, the G.
was on eye level with the best Bordeaux
Grands Crus – the outsider clearly topped
the podium. ….an incredibly complex
wine with huge souplesse and unexpected
finesse.”
19.5/20
Weinwisser
Swiss-German Magazine, December 2017
Falstaff
“100 Points put to the Test”
“A dream of a wine … providing reliable future potential.”
“Evidently there is a new cult wine emerging on the international wine market.”
97/100
Peter Moser / Ulrich Sautter
Austrian-German Wine Magazine falstaff
Germain Lehodey
“It is like swallowing silk. This big wine should be able to age beautifully for the next 25 years… This deserves my best ever mark for a South African wine”
97/100
Germain Lehodey
Sommelier
Mosaic at The Orient, Pretoria
John Mariani
“…This is a wonderful wine and the proprietors are doing all of the right things to get it its place among the great growths.”
John Mariani’s Virtual Gourmet Newsletter
FINE Wine Magazine
“The South African Shooting Star”
“Wine experts put 4G in one category with Screaming Eagle and Opus One, the most exclusive Boutique Wineries.”
“…the most promising wine of South Africa.”
FINE – Das Weinmagazin, Germany, June/September 2016
Wine Spectator
“A deft combination of power and freshness, the wine ties for highest-scoring red in this report.”
James Molesworth
Wine Spectator, May 2012
4G Wines (Pty) Ltd
10 Beckham Street, Gardens
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa
4G Wines AG
Sonnenhof 3
8808 Pfäffikon SZ
Switzerland
8808 Pfäffikon SZ
Switzerland
For more information, please email us at: info@4g-wines.com