The Liberator collection of wines is the brainchild of Richard Kelley (AKA Rick), a master of wine and recognised authority on South African wines. Over three decades in the industry, this Cape Crusader has made a lot of friends throughout this great winemaking nation. Every time he visits the Cape, he visits his friends and has a rummage through their cellars, uncovering great wines that don’t quite fit in the winery’s portfolio, are deemed too experimental or are destined to be blended away. Rick’s mission is to seek out and liberate small parcels of wine from great producers, ensuring they reach the table of the most inquisitive and discerning wine customer. Each episode represents a single discovery and precious parcel that is both unique and finite.
2023 The Liberator Episode 45 'Telegram Sam' challenging growing conditions in the Cape in 2023 meant not all Syrah grapes met the mark. Sam Lambson, one of the Cape wine scenes bright young stars and a cool climate Syrah specialist, called on Richard Kelley MW to help him out - the result a Sothern Rhone-esque blend sourced from parcels from De Morgenzon and Miles Mossop, blending his Syrah with Mourvèdre to add mid-palate weight, Cinsault for fragrance, and a touch of Viognier for more fragrance and texture. The result is a carefully crafted, vibrant blend born from both creativity and necessity — a wine that balances freshness, spice, and approachable charm.
