The 32nd Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction set new records this past weekend with total sales exceeding R13,8 million and new record wine prices for red, white, Méthode Cap Classique and Port. It also highlighted wines that are among the Cape’s most highly rated.
The Guild is an association of some of SA’s finest winemakers. Membership, now tallying some 47 individuals, is by invitation only. The wines for its annual auction are made in limited numbers and specifically for the event.
The bulk of the wines (84%) was snatched up by local buyers with 16% bought by foreigners this year. The foreign buyers comprised the most countries ever represented at the auction including the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Denmark, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Dubai, Brazil and the USA.
Although only a few wine enthusiasts ever get to drink the auction wines, a list of the top sellers is a useful guide if you’re after something that is very highly regarded. Interesting to note is that the wines hail from a spread of the Cape’s wine regions. Here are the top 11 producers and their wines, with prices for a case of six 750ml bottles, that were among the biggest sellers in their category:
1. Kanonkop (Stellenbosch)
For the second consecutive year, Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2013 fetched the highest price ever paid for a red wine at the auction with a top bid of R13 400.
2. Jordan (Stellenbosch)
Jordan Chardonnay Auction Selection 2015 set a new auction record for white wine of R9 400
3. Silverthorn Wines (Robertson)
Silverthorn Wines Big Dog II MÈthode Cap Classique 2011 fetched the highest price ever for an MCC at R7 000
4. Boplaas (Calitzdorp)
Boplaas Cape Vintage Auction Reserve 2009 achieved a record high of R7 000
5. Rust en Vrede (Stellenbosch)
Rust en Vrede CWG Auction Estate 2013, R12 600
6. Boekenhoutskloof (Franschhoek)
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Auction Reserve 2014, R11 400
7. Beyerskloof (Stellenbosch)
Traildust Pinotage 2014, R11 000
8. Ataraxia (Hemel-en-Aarde)
Ataraxia Under the Gavel Chardonnay 2015, R7 800
9. Kaapzicht Estate (Stellenbosch)
Kaapzicht Estate Auction Selection 1947 Chenin Blanc 2015, R6 400
10. Paul Cluver (Elgin)
Paul Cluver The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2015, R5 800
11. Beaumont Family Wines (Bot River)
Beaumont Family Wines ìMoerse Moerî Chenin Blanc 2015, R5 400
The auction, conducted by HenrÈ Hablutzel of Hofmeyr Mills Auctioneers for the 19th consecutive year, attracted a total of 152 buyers comprising 125 local and 27 foreign buyers. In total 2 428 cases (6 x 750ml equivalent) were sold at an average price of R5 697 per case and an average price per bottle of R950.
Photography courtesy Clifford Roberts
Lizette Meyer sien Ataraxia