In a poignant tribute to the late wine industry luminary Duimpie (Francis Carr) Bayly, a remarkable limited-edition commemorative magnum of the beloved South African classic, Chateau Libertas, is set to be unveiled. Bayly played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s wine identity and left an indelible mark on the industry before his passing last year.
The revered blend, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, held a special place in Duimpie’s heart throughout his lifetime. Fondly likening Chateau Libertas to a reliable old friend, he fostered a connection with this wine since the 1960s.
His journey into the industry began in 1962, and even as he ascended from winemaking to boardroom responsibilities, investing substantial time in local and international wine organizations to advance and champion the industry, his deep affinity for Chateau Libertas never wavered. Notably, even post-retirement in 2013, he continued his annual tradition of visiting the cellars to provide insights on the current vintage.
Bayly emerged as a mentor to several Chateau Libertas winemakers, including the present Bonny van Niekerk. Describing him as warm, benevolent, and magnanimous, Bonny recalled his role not merely as an advisor, but as a steadfast friend to the blend, much as it is to wine enthusiasts across South Africa. “He generously shared his knowledge and experience while ensuring we remained aligned with the original essence of the wine.”
This essence, conceived in 1932 by Dr. William Charles Winshaw, founder of the Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery (SFW), and his sons Young Bill and Jack, introduced South Africans to a medium-bodied, Cabernet-based, claret-style table wine designed to invigorate digestion.
Reflecting on Duimpie’s multifaceted responsibilities, Bonny elaborated, “Duimpie played an integral role in critical technical committees and organizations, promoting the integrity of South Africa’s wine production and conserving our diverse biodiversity. He was pivotal in establishing the Tabernacle wine library, a treasure trove of thousands of bottles serving as a resource for the local winemaking community. His influence extended to oenology and viticultural societies in the US and Australia, as well as in his home country. However, amidst all these commitments, Chateau Libertas retained its significance.”
Duimpie’s legacy is monumental, and it now falls to those who cherished him to embody the reliability and dedication that defined his relationship with Chateau Libertas. The creation of this special wine carries the sentiment of honoring Dr. Winshaw’s original vision while paying homage to Duimpie’s dedication and the legacy he preserved.
Remarkably, Chateau Libertas has been produced almost every year since its inception in 1932, regardless of challenges like war, drought, pandemics, or shifts in regime. Despite societal and environmental transformations, from colonial ties to republic status to democracy, evolving dining conventions, and changing culinary landscapes, the wine has endured. Today, it continues to delight wine connoisseurs and critics alike, maintaining its unassuming yet captivating allure.
Duimpie’s passing last year created a profound void, both personally and professionally. To honor his remarkable contributions and stay true to his teachings, a group of wine stalwarts were assembled to participate in crafting the memorial magnum of Chateau Libertas. These experts, who share a decades-long acquaintance with the wine, include venerable wine critic and industry commentator Michael Fridjhon, Winemag editor Christian Eedes, and esteemed wine communicator Bennie Howard, a distinguished Cape Wine Master. Bonny remarked, “They resonate deeply with the essence of Chateau Libertas. It has been an honor to collaborate with them.”
In partnership with several members of the Distell team, including Chief Winemaker Andrea Freeborough and Bonny herself, these experts have meticulously curated the blend for the special memorial magnum of the 2021 vintage, which is set to be released in a limited quantity of 2,800 bottles. A smaller batch of 750ml bottles will also be available. These will first be offered at an exclusive price to the industry through various wine route offices, followed by public sales via Vinoteque.co.za starting from October 12th. Furthermore, they will be made available on select auction platforms in the future.
All proceeds from the sales will be dedicated to an initiative designed to commemorate Duimpie’s legacy. While still in the planning phase, this initiative is part of a broader project led by the University of Stellenbosch, aimed at restoring the historical Welgevallen farm buildings in Stellenbosch. The Duimpie memorial center, nestled within a section of the Welgevallen homestead, will encompass the preservation, transcription, and dissemination of knowledge relating to South African winemaking and Duimpie’s enduring influence on the industry.
