The Lady Who Bottled a Century: Congratulations on 100 years!
May de Lencquesaing, founder of Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch, is now celebrating her 100th year on planet earth! She is one year older than David Attenborough, and that is truly amazing! In celebration, Glenelly is releasing a special Lady May 2020 Centenary Label and it’s one you will want to collect for your cellar!
Lady May 2020 Vintage
A special label graces the Lady May 2020 vintage. With the words “Celebrating a Century of Life” and a subtle ‘100’ woven behind the statue emblem. A rare collector’s item for your cellar.
In the cellar:
This wine is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The wine was matured in French oak barrels for a total of 24 months. Initially, the wine spent 12 months ageing as individual components in 30-40% first-fill barrels. Subsequently, after blending, it was returned to 75% first-fill barrels for an additional 12 months.
Tasting notes:
Concentrated aromas of cassis, dark berries, with hints of mocha and cedar wood. The plate has a lovely fruit purity, polished tannins and a long, refined finish.
Buy this wine:
Available for R980 a bottle. Purchase the wine on the Glenelly Website from 14 May 2025.
A Trailblazer in Bordeaux Wine
May de Lencquesaing was born into the heart of Bordeaux’s winemaking tradition, France 1925. In the 1970s, she took ownership of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, one of the most prestigious wine estates in Pauillac.
At a time when the wine industry was dominated by men, May stood out as a female winemaker with exceptional vision. She brought international acclaim to the estate with wines that reflected her hallmark qualities: finesse, balance, and structure.
From Bordeaux to Glenelly, Stellenbosch
While many slow down in their golden years, May de Lencquesaing chose adventure. At the age of 78, she set her sights on the Cape Winelands, where she saw incredible potential in the soils of Stellenbosch.
She purchased Glenelly Estate, a fruit farm on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountain, and transformed it into a modern-day showcase of French elegance fused with South African terroir.
Glenelly quickly gained recognition for its refined red wines, world-class winemaking facilities, and a strong commitment to sustainability. May brought with her centuries of tradition, but also a sense of purpose — to help shape the future of South African wine while uplifting young winemakers and sharing her wisdom.
The Glenelly Glass Museum
May de Lencquesaing’s love for beauty isn’t limited to wine. On Glenelly Estate, she curated the Glenelly Glass Museum, home to one of the largest privately owned glass art collections in the world. It is worth a visit!
Spanning centuries of glassmaking, the collection is a beautiful representation of craftsmanship, fragility, and resilience — a perfect mirror to May’s own life.
The Secrets to Longevity
What’s the secret to living a full and vibrant 100 years? For May, it may lie in the little things: simple meals with seasonal vegetables, the comforting ritual of soup, and perhaps even the occasional indulgence in pêches au vin.
Her relationship with food, much like her winemaking philosophy, is thoughtful and instinctive. Grounded in tradition and guided by intuition, she’s lived a life in tune with nature, embracing discipline, moderation, and meaning in every choice.
A Century of Inspiration
May de Lencquesaing’s 100th birthday isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a milestone for the global wine community. Her fearless spirit, generosity, and unwavering dedication have shaped world-class wines and also the people around her.
True passion never ages!
Happy 100th Birthday, Lady May! What an incredible woman you are and continue to be! Thank you for inspiring us!
Much wine love
Leanne
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