In the world of prestige sparkling wines, time is the ultimate luxury. For the House of Graham Beck, time has been transformed into the centerpiece of a creation that redefines South African refinement. The release of Cuvée Clive X 2015— a Cap Classique aged for ten years on the lees — marks not merely a new vintage, but a statement in craftsmanship, exclusivity, and legacy.
Unveiled at Qunu at The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, the private luncheon was an event in itself. Guests gathered beneath soft lighting and the gentle hum of crystal flutes being filled, as Graham Beck presented its most ambitious creation to date. Every detail, from the intimate setting to the precise timing during Cap Classique Month, reflected the brand’s commitment to luxury, storytelling, and heritage.
A brand built on time and trust
Since 1983, Graham Beck has cultivated a reputation anchored in precision, quality, and international acclaim. From its limestone-rich soils in Robertson to iconic global moments — including Nelson Mandela’s inauguration toast and Barack Obama’s presidential victory celebration — the estate has positioned Cap Classique as a symbol of South African excellence on the world stage.
Today, under Pieter “Mr. Bubbles” Ferreira, Chief Operating Officer, and Cellarmaster Pierre de Klerk, the brand embodies luxury storytelling through every bottle. Ferreira describes Cuvée Clive X as “the purest interpretation of time itself — ten years of silence transformed into a single moment of brilliance.”
Project X: the experiment that became an icon
Cuvée Clive X originated as Project X, an internal initiative to test the limits of South African terroir through extended lees ageing. The 2015 vintage presented near-perfect conditions: balanced climate, optimal ripeness, and soils untouched by the looming drought.
De Klerk notes, “We asked ourselves what would happen if we simply waited. The answer is a wine that scored 96 pointsin the 2025 Tim Atkin MW South Africa Special Report, placing it among the elite of global sparkling wines.”
The vintage that shaped a legend
Crafted entirely from Chardonnay, the final blend draws 82% from Madeba Farm in Robertson and 18% from Darling. Partial fermentation in neutral French oak (65%) and stainless steel (35%) created a foundation for a decade of lees ageing.
The result is visually striking: a golden hue that catches the light, a refined stream of bubbles, and aromas of baked apple, roasted almonds, lemon curd, and subtle minerality. On the palate, Cuvée Clive X delivers texture and structure, with citrus-driven tension harmonized by richness and a finish that lingers elegantly.
It is less a drink than an experience — a sensory expression of time’s quiet power.
Luxury as heritage
Cuvée Clive X now tops the Icon Collection, Graham Beck’s most prestigious tier, symbolizing the estate’s mastery in combining innovation with heritage. The presentation at The Saxon reinforced this positioning: a luxury experience that intertwines fine dining, historic storytelling, and collectible prestige.
This release will be available in extremely limited quantities through the Graham Beck online store, select fine wine merchants, and the Robertson tasting room, establishing it as an exclusive collectible for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Tasting notes sidebar
Appearance: Brilliant golden hue with delicate, continuous bubbles
Nose: Ripe citrus, white peaches, baked apple, roasted almond, subtle oyster shell minerality
Palate: Juicy apple and pear, quince jelly, hints of citrus, balanced by fine acidity, velvety mousse
Finish: Long, poised, and memorable
Pairing suggestions: Rich seafood, truffle risotto, hazelnut chocolate desserts
A statement in branding and belief
Graham Beck has embraced the countercultural luxury strategy: slow mastery. A decade-long commitment to a single vintage reframes the conversation about South African sparkling wine — not just as a product, but as a collectible, a global contender, and a luxury experience.
Cuvée Clive X represents more than effervescence; it is the discipline of restraint, the celebration of patience, and proof that true luxury cannot be rushed.
Footnote: All images featured in this article are courtesy of The Sandton Times and are not owned by the publisher.
