Cape Winemakers Guild

Ataraxia Under The Gavel Chardonnay 2020

100% Chardonnay

Sourced from a single (now fully organically grown), cool, south-facing vineyard, this vin de terroir is made in an old, now seldom used, traditional “black” method – fruit that is vigorously, even harshly, worked; juice that is so excessively aerated that it turns a deep ebony colour at the press, followed by a thorough juice pump-over before settling. Spontaneous fermentation occurred in custom-ordered Burgundian barrels and the wine then aged for a further 10 months before being bottled.

Tasting Notes: A pure expression of our “dirt”, this supple wine effortlessly balances fruit intensity with mineral acidity. A touch of “grip” on a lingering finish deftly closes the circle of this stylish wine.

Drink now until at least 2030.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

 Winemaker: Kevin Grant

Beaumont Family Wines Whole Bunch Mourvèdre 2017

100% Mourvèdre

Very simple and straightforward winemaking techniques were used to capture the essence of the grape. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and put into a fruit bin to start a natural fermentation that was 100% whole-bunch fermented. Gentle mixing of the juice to start, followed by regular punch-downs later in the fermentation. Bottled two years after maturation in a third-fill barrel.

Tasting Notes: Classic spicy, plum and dried herbs on the nose follow onto a palate of stewed fruit and spice, with the signature fine-grained tannins you get from Mourvèdre. Extra fine grip from the whole bunches.

Ready for drinking between 2025 and 2030.

This wine is packed in a wooden box

Winemaker: Sebastian Beaumont

Boekenhoutskoof Syrah Auction Reserve 2018

100% Syrah

Only two barrels made. One barrel sourced from a tiny, unique parcel grown on decomposed schist soils on our Porseleinberg vineyard and the other barrel from one of the best old vineyards in Stellenbosch. Spontaneous fermentation in concrete Nico Velo vats, 30% whole cluster and élevaged for 18 months in seasoned French barriques.

Tasting Notes: Complex nose with floral notes abound. Exceptional texture, indicative of its Swartland pedigree. Explosion of white pepper and spicy notes from the maritime-influenced Stellenbosch vineyard.

Drink now and until 2035.

Winemaker: Marc Kent

Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2017

85% Touriga Nacional, 10%Touriga Franca, 3% Souzão, 2% Tinta Barocca

Only the finest Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barocca and Souzão grapes were selected from specific low-yielding vineyards. All the fruit was hand-harvested at optimum ripeness, fermented and fortified in small lagares and barrel-matured in large seasoned oak barrels for 12 months to craft this distinctive full-bodied, complex and structured, dry-styled Cape Vintage Auction Reserve.

Tasting Notes: An inky black wine with hints of ripe apricot, dried peach, a mélange of mulling spice, fynbos, intense plum, black hedgerow fruit and liquorice. A long, lingering aftertaste with firm rich tannins.

Ready for drinking in 2028.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

 Winemaker: Carel Nel

Boplaas Daniel’s Legacy 2017

53% Shiraz, 32% Touriga Franca, 9% Touriga Nacional, 6% Tinta Barocca  

In celebration of Oupa Danie’s folly of mistakenly planting Tinta Barocca in place of Shiraz – after his sojourn to the Swartland in the early 70s in an old Chevy El Camino – which set Boplaas on a path of crafting fine fortifieds and Portuguese table wines in the Cape. Blending the finest barrels of Tinta Barocca, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Shiraz originating from low yielding old vines and traditionally vinified, has created a fulsome, buxomly-fruited and age-worthy auction offering.

Tasting Notes: Bright garnet-red wine, black hedgerow fruits, tart cranberry, ripe plum notes, spice and fynbos. This wine only reveals its true underpinnings with time in the glass and tempts one to return for more.

Drink now until 2027.

Winemaker: Carel Nel

Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah 2019

The grapes were harvested by hand in three stages of ripeness. 50% was fermented whole bunch press. Fermentation was natural in open top fermenters. A portion was matured in concrete tank to keep the freshness, youth and fruit purity. A portion was matured for 14 months in 40% new 400 litre French oak barrels. A special barrel selection was made for the CWG Auction.

Tasting Notes: Great fruit concentration, violets lavender and spices. The palate has lovely, brambled fruit and ripe berry flavours. Refined, melded tannins are detailed and complex. Great ageing potential.

Ready for drinking from 2023 through to 2028.

This is my Swansong –
“It’s time I was on my way
Thanks to you I’m much obliged
For such a pleasant stay” – (Led Zeppelin)

Thank you to all the Guild members and everyone involved for sharing this ultimate journey with me.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Jacques Borman – Resigned Member

Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir 2019

100% Pinot Noir

The majority of grapes supplied for this cuvée are from the oldest vines on the property, with the average vine age exceeding 22 years. Fermented for 21 days with 30% whole-bunch complement. Matured for fifteen months in new French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: Fresh cranberry and juicy plum aromas weave through savoury exotic spices. Powered by sleek and well-defined tannins, the wine glides elegantly across the length of the palate.

Ready for drinking now but will continue to develop with time.

Winemaker: Peter Finlayson

Cederberg Teen Die Hoog Shiraz 2019

100% Shiraz

Harvested early mornings, destemmed and whole berry sorted, followed by two days of cold soak in stainless steel tank that leads to an intense development in colour. During fermentation, two punch-downs a day of the grape cap with gentle pump-overs every eight hours for extraction. Extended maceration for an additional 12 days before a light pressing. Malolactic fermentation takes place in 225 litre French oak barrels. Barrel maturation for 15 months in a premium selection of only three barrels.

Tasting Notes: Showing intense layers of dark fruit accompanied by sweet spice and violets on the nose. Richly textured palate with complex, velvet tannin and an alluring aftertaste of dark berries and spice.

Ready for drinking from 2024.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: David Nieuwoudt

De Grendel Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 2018

100% Pinot Noir

70% crushed, 30% whole bunch in a stainless steel open fermenter, gently punched-down, pressed with a basket press, malolactic fermentation in barrel, followed by 12 months’ maturation in second and third fill French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: Ruby red Pinot Noir with a bouquet of fynbos, raspberry, and subtle notes of forest floor. Fresh sour cherry flavours are underpinned by nutty morels, finishing with a refined yet long tail.

Ready for drinking in 2024.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Charles Hopkins

De Grendel Wooded Sauvignon Blanc 2020

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Machine harvested and transported for four hours.  Immediately pressed, settled and fermented for 120 days in two French oak barrels (2nd and 3rd), stabilized and bottled.

Tasting Notes: Lemongrass, grapefruit, lemon thyme, and fresh herb flavours. Superb intensity, medium bodied, with oak adding complexity.

Ready for drinking now, until 2024.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Charles Hopkins

Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

55% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec

From 16-year-old virus-free vineyards on Delaire Graff Estate. Cool and slow whole-berry fermentation, with limited punch- downs. Four weeks post-ferment maturation on skins before being basket pressed. Matured in 40% new French 225 litre barrels for 16 months and a further 45 months in bottle.

Tasting Notes: Bright red fruit with subtle oak spice and violets. Firm but delicate tannin structure with crisp fresh red fruit finish.

20 cases of this wine were previously sold on the 2020 Auction.

 Ready for drinking now and for the next 10 years.

 This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Morné Vrey

Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Cabernet Sauvignon – Cabernet Franc 2017

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot

From 17-year-old, virus-free vineyards on Delaire Graff Estate. Cool and slow whole-berry fermentation with limited punch- downs to manage over-extraction. Left on skins in full tank for four weeks before being basket pressed. Wine matured in 50% new 225 litre French oak for 18 months. Bottled November 2018.

Tasting Notes: Bold, ripe red fruit, well-integrated spicy oak. Firm but delicate tannins with rich fruit complexity, showcasing the brilliance of the 2017 vintage.

Ready for drinking now and for the next 10 years.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Morné Vrey

Ernie Els CWG 2018

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault

The grapes were hand-picked in the cool of early morning. Grape bunches were gently destalked and lightly crushed. On the sorting table, all excess stalks and rotten berries were carefully removed by hand. Fermentation took place in small 300 litre open top oak barrels with three weeks’ extended maturation. The wines were punched-down manually five times per day, ensuring maximum colour extraction from the skins. Each variety was separately vinified and blended after 18 months of maturation.

Tasting Notes: Luxurious in a word. Attractive oak spices, nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon, offering a warm, inviting entry leading to a smooth, juicy and opulent palate. Deep-textured tannins add gravitas to the finish.

This wine will be ready for drinking in 10 years from vintage.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Louis Strydom

Gottfried Mocke Wine Projects Pinot Noir 2018

100% Pinot Noir

Crafted from two barrels only. Selected from a high altitude parcel from Kaaimansgat and a maritime vineyard in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Grapes were partially destemmed and spontaneously fermented in concrete vats, with a soft pigeage, twice a day. Matured for 14 months in 50% new French barrique.

Tasting Notes: Refined, complex nose offers cherry, red stone fruit and spicy aromas. The wine has exceptional balance and texture with a youthful elegance, suggesting significant ageing potential.

Drink now and until 2030.

Winemaker: Gottfried Mocke

Graham Beck Synergy Chardonnay Pinot Noir Extra Brut 2017

63% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were whole-bunch pressed and only the cuvée fraction used. A small portion of Chardonnay was fermented in Piece Champenoise barrel to promote the creamy texture and complexity. The Pinot Noir adds palate weight and length of flavour. The wine was matured for 48 months on the lees prior to disgorgement.

Tasting Notes: Gentle mineral notes with fresh lime and ripe citrus on the nose. Rich raspberry notes burst on the palate with a creamy and gentle mousse. Elegant, youthful and nice brioche notes showing promise to age.

Ready for drinking from 2021 to 2025.

Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira

Grangehurst Au Revoir 2017

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petit Verdot, 13% Merlot

A classic blend of three of the Bordeaux varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot – sourced from prime Stellenbosch vineyards (Simonsberg and Helderberg). Hand-picked and sorted, fermented in open tanks with the skins being punched down four to six times per day. After an average of 14 days’ skin contact, the wines were drawn off and the skins pressed using traditional wooden basket presses. Matured in French oak barrels for 25 months. HANDCRAFTED – TRADITIONAL – UNHURRIED

Tasting Notes: Dark ruby colour with a garnet edge. Aromas and flavours of black fruits, cassis, violets and cedar. A full-bodied, elegant wine with a long finish.

The final wine in my CIWG/CWG journey – from my first vintage CIWG 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot in 1996 to this CWG 2017 “Au Revoir” blend in 2021.

 Ready for drinking 6 to 20 years from vintage.

 This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Jeremy Walker – Resigned Member

Grangehurst Heritage 2018

87% Pinotage, 13% Roobernet

A wine blended from two “South African kids with French parents” – Pinotage and Roobernet. The grapes were selected from vineyards close to Grangehurst in the Helderberg region of Stellenbosch. Hand-picked and sorted, fermented in open tanks and pressed in traditional wooden basket presses. Aged in French oak barrels for 22 months. HANDCRAFTED – TRADITIONAL – UNHURRIED.

Tasting Notes: Dark ruby/mulberry colour. Aromas and flavours of cherries, plums with subtle oak. Some savoury, earthy, minty notes. An elegant wine with seamless tannins and a lingering finish.

Ready for drinking 5 to 20 years from vintage.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Jeremy Walker – Resigned Member

Groot Constantia CWG Gouverneurs Reserve 2018

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc

The grapes were picked at 24 – 25°Balling, destemmed upon arrival at the cellar and immediately inoculated with selected yeast. During fermentation, the wine was punched-down four times a day in open fermenters. The wine was pressed off the skins after fermentation, and malolactic fermentation was done in barrel and aged for 15 months in 75% new and 25% 2nd and 3rd fill 225 litre French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: The wine shows richness with blueberry and blackberry aromas, a hint of floral perfume and subtle cedarwood flavours. The palate is powerful, and fine tannins promise good ageing potential.

10 cases of this wine were previously sold on the 2020 Auction.

Ready for drinking between 2023 and 2038.

Winemaker: Boela Gerber

Hartenberg CWG Auction Merlot 2018

100% Merlot

The very best single parcel of Merlot growing anywhere on Hartenberg Estate. Clone MO348 is found growing at altitude on a steep-faced slope of clay-rich, fine-grained, loamy soil The vineyard contributes annually to our flagship Bordeaux blend, The Mackenzie. 10% whole berry fermented and malolactic fermentation in new French oak. The vineyards previously garnered the IWSC trophy for world’s best Merlot (2005) and was the 2004 Diners Club winemaker of the year winning wine.

Tasting Notes: Perfumed, cherry, ripe plums with French oak aromatics. The palate is well-balanced, medium-bodied and displays glorious elegance. Supple, silky tannins linger on the palate, a Bordeaux Right Bank feel.

Ready for drinking between 2023 and 2035.

Winemaker: Carl Schultz

Hartenberg CWG Auction Shiraz 2018

100% Shiraz

As always, this wine is a blend of two high-end single sites at Hartenberg. A single barrel of the flagship Gravel Hill, growing in iron ferricrete soils was blended with two barrels of near neighbour, The Stork Shiraz that grows in deep, clay-rich, ochre-coloured Tukulu soil. The former lends tannin and backbone to the blend, whilst the latter contributes intense berry fruit and a succulence.

Tasting Notes: Bright perfumed violets, spice and herbaceous Karoo aromatics on bouquet. The palate bold, rich on entry, softens to a melded elegance. Tannins velvety, yet typically evident due to stone soil fraction.

Ready for drinking between 2023 and 2040.

Winemaker: Carl Schultz

Jordan Sophia 2018

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

Specially made for the CWG Auction from our best hillside vineyards on Jordan Wine Estate, this wine has been named ‘Sophia’ after the legendary mother of Faith, Hope and Charity. Traditional pump-overs with extended maceration after fermentation ensures a Bordeaux-like texture. 2% Petit Verdot adds a layer of complexity to the nose. Barrel aging for 20 months in 50% new 225 litre French oak barrels has created a classic benchmark wine with an opulent structure and texture to age for many years.

Tasting Notes: Complex, dark chocolate, black cherry and cassis intertwine rich blackberry fruit, hints of vanilla and spice from the integrated French oak. Densely layered ripe tannins add to the opulent fruit.

Well-structured, this wine will reward careful cellaring for many years to come.

This wine is packed in wooden boxes.

Winemaker: Gary Jordan

Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2018

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot

Wine of Origin Simonsberg- Stellenbosch

The different vineyards are planted next to each other on the lowest-lying part of the farm. The grapes are destemmed, sorted, and then fermented in open top “kuipe” for 6 days. After malolactic fermentation in tank, the blend is made, and the wine is then matured in 100% new French oak barrels for 24 months.

Tasting Notes: Very typical floral notes of a young Paul Sauer. The oak is well integrated and adds to the complexity and tension of the wine.  On the finish the wine has a typical, salivating dryness with a long aftertaste.

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar

Kanonkop CWG Pinotage 2018

100% Pinotage

Old, unirrigated bush vines with yields of 3-4 tons/ha were used to make this wine. The grapes were destemmed, sorted, crushed and fermented in open top “kuipe” for four days. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel and spent a total of 20 months in barrel.

Tasting Notes: Deep ruby red colour, with aromas of plums, cedar and sweet spices. The palate is well-structured, with a beautiful balance, and ends with a long dry finish.

Ready for drinking from 2024.

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar

Lismore Estate Vineyards Here Comes The Sun 2020

64% Chenin Blanc, 36% Viognier

Cool climate Chenin Blanc on decomposed granite from Walker Bay, elevated by Elgin Viognier grown on Rose Quartz soils. 15% of the final wine was skin-fermented Chenin Blanc, which enhances the pithy texture and grip of the wine, blended with Chenin and Viognier, each separately whole-bunch pressed. Oxidatively handled at the juice phase, then fermented using only native yeasts and aged in large format barrels for 12 months. 20% new Burgundian oak.

Tasting Notes: Citrus peel and blossoms, jasmine and apricot. A crunchy-textured palate bursting of granadilla, blood orange and lemon curd. A crystalline acidity finishes with intense Tahiti lime.

Ready for drinking now through to 2030.

Winemaker: Samantha O’Keefe

Luddite The Lone Stranger Mark II 2018

50% Mataro, 40% Shiraz, 10% Grenache Noir

All the components were fermented in small open bins. The Mourvèdre (Mataro) was destalked and fermented with two punch-downs per day. The Shiraz was destalked and 40% of the stalks were added back into the bin to add extra freshness. The Grenache portion was whole-bunch carbonic macerated for the first two thirds of fermentation after which we jumped in and foot crushed the remaining whole berries. All the components were matured in barrel for two years before being blended together and bottled.

Appearance: Bright red/purple.
Nose: Bright red fruit upfront, spicy, peppery with lingering dark fruit.
Palate: Spicy, dark fruit on entry, fresh mid-palate with vibrant tannins balancing the fruit.

21 cases of this wine were previously sold on the 2020 Auction.

Drink now and for up to 15 years.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Niels Verburg

Miles Mossop Wines Maximilian 2018

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

The grapes originate from decomposed shale soils in the Bottelary area of Stellenbosch. A bottling of only two barrels of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the cellar. Fermented naturally in a small, upright wooden fermenter. Matured in small French oak barrels, 50% new, for 22 months. Bottled without fining or filtration. A true expression of the variety and the region.

Tasting Notes: Dark, heady notes of cassis, cedar and black berry fruits. Full and structured on the palate with great intensity. Leading to a textured mid-palate of sweet berry fruits and a dry savoury finish.

Will drink well in 5 years, improving for a further 10 years.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Miles Mossop

Miles Mossop Wines Saskia-Jo 2018

65% Chenin Blanc, 25% Clairette Blanche, 10% Grenache Blanc

The three bush-vine vineyards used to make this wine are all situated on the northern slopes of the Paardeberg mountain in the Swartland, growing in decomposed granite soils. The fruit was whole-bunch pressed together and the juice co-fermented naturally in a 700 litre concrete egg, where it matured for a total of 11 months before being bottled without fining and filtration. Only a small amount of SO2 was added in the making of this wine, giving a true expression of the sites and the region.

Tasting Notes: Stunning perfume of citrus blossom underpinned by stone fruit and orange preserve notes. The flavours are full and rich, yet the mid-palate is focused and clean;  leading to a dry, almost pithy finish.

21 cases of this wine were previously sold on the 2020 Auction.

Ready for drinking now, but will improve with maturation for a further 7 years.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Miles Mossop

Neil Ellis Wines Amper Bo Tempranillo 2017 (1.5L magnum bottles)

100% Tempranillo

Whole-berry fermentation is initiated in a stainless steel tank. The grapes underwent a series of punch-downs and pump-overs until dry. Malolactic fermentation completed in new and second fill French oak barrels. This wine spent 18 months in 50% new French oak barrels and 50% in second fill.

Tasting Notes: A subtle nose reflecting dark and red cherries, violets, herbs  and tobacco leading into a leathery finish. The palate is dense and complex, packed with dark berries and plum which unfolds with great length, freshness and balance, followed by fine, dry, yet smooth tannins.

Optimal drinking now, and for the next 15 years.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Warren Ellis

Neil Ellis Wines Amper Bo Tempranillo 2017 (750ml bottles)

100% Tempranillo

Whole-berry fermentation is initiated in a stainless steel tank. The grapes underwent a series of punch-downs and pump-overs until dry. Malolactic fermentation completed in new and second fill French oak barrels. This wine spent 18 months in 50% new French oak barrels and 50% in second fill.

Tasting Notes: A subtle nose reflecting dark and red cherries, violets, herbs  and tobacco leading into a leathery finish. The palate is dense and complex, packed with dark berries and plum which unfolds with great length, freshness and balance, followed by fine, dry, yet smooth tannins.

Optimal drinking now, and for the next 15 years.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Warren Ellis

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Sandford Chardonnay 2019

100% Chardonnay

The best quality juice fraction is whole-bunch pressed directly to barrel without prior settling. The fermentation is spontaneous and no sulphur is used in the winemaking, allowing diverse micro-organisms from the grape itself to flourish unrestrained in the fermentation. Matured for 11 months in barrel (40% new) produced in Burgundy and custom made for this vineyard, with a further 5 months élevage in old oak. No fining, coarse filtration or sulphur adjustment was applied before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Elaborate layers of green and ripe lime fruit juxtaposed with white flowers, baking spice, crushed stones and gunflint. The plush and compact texture is prolonged with vitality in the finish.

Ready for drinking now and for the next 10 years.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Gordon Newton Johnson

Paul Cluver Wines The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2020

100% Chardonnay

Grapes are selected from the oldest Chardonnay vineyard on our Estate, planted in 1987, and also the oldest Chardonnay vineyard in the Elgin valley. After careful hand-selection, the grapes were gently whole-bunch pressed, the juice was settled for two days without any settling or fining agents. Thereafter, the juice was transferred to barrel for fermentation without inoculation. The wine aged on its lees in barrel for nine months, 38% new and with minimal lees stirring.

Tasting Notes: An elegant Chardonnay, a wine with great focus and minerality. The nose gives hints of lemon and tangerine, the palate is elegant with great balance, complexity and a long, lingering aftertaste.

This will be the 10th Vintage of The Wagon Trail Chardonnay on Auction.

Ready for drinking now or over the next 5 to 10 years.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Andries Burger

Raats Family Wines Stella Nova Cabernet Franc 2017

100% Cabernet Franc

The Raats Stella Nova Cabernet Franc reflects the lifelong passion Bruwer Raats has for the unique variety – a benchmark for Cabernet Franc.

This is the first Cabernet Franc on the CWG Auction for Raats, hence the name Stella Nova, a new star is born.

Soil type: 100% Decomposed Dolomite Granite.

Tasting Notes: The nose shows lively, dark berry fruit and morello cherries with hints of star anise, ground fennel seeds and cedar. The wine is exceptionally linear and precise, yet lithe and elegant

Ready for drinking in 2026.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Bruwer Raats

Raats Family Wines The Fountain Terroir Specific Chenin Blanc 2020

100% Chenin Blanc

Raats The Fountain Terroir Specific Chenin Blanc is the best barrel of Chenin Blanc that Raats Family Wines produces each year. It is reserved annually for the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction.

Tasting Notes: The wine has an exquisite nose of quince and yellow apple, whilst fragrant spices and honeysuckle give more dimension alongside the mineral intensity of the wine.

Ready for drinking between 2022 and 2027.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Bruwer Raats

Rijk’s CWG Chenin Blanc 2018

100% Chenin Blanc

Grapes from a 14-year-old bush vine vineyard were picked by hand in the cool of the night to capture the true flavours of this diverse variety. The wine was naturally fermented in a new and second fill 300 litre French oak barrel and left for 14 months before racking and bottling. After fermentation, sulphur was only added before spring 2018. This allowed for yeast cell autolysis to take place, preventing any sulphur compounds forming that could lead to reductive characters. No malolactic fermentation took place.

Tasting Notes: Fresh, white peach and gooseberry nose, accompanied by notes of cracked almonds. These aromas carry through on a rich, multi-layered palate with a lingering, yet gentle, aftertaste.

21 cases of this wine were previously sold on the 2020 Auction. 

Winemaker: Pierre Wahl

Rijk’s CWG Pinotage 2017

100% Pinotage

Grapes from a 12-year-old bush vine vineyard were picked by hand in the cool of the night to capture the true flavours of this unique variety. A 48-hour cold maceration period preceded alcoholic fermentation. Pigeage took place three times per day to extract tannin and colour. Skins were gently pressed at 4°Balling. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels. Matured for 22 months in a new and a 2nd fill French oak barrel.

Tasting Notes: Attractive bramble berry aromas, supported by a presence of quality oak spice, along with whiffs of perfume on the nose. These aromas carry through onto a rich and flavour-filled, full-bodied palate.

Ready for drinking from 2022.

Winemaker: Pierre Wahl

Rust en Vrede CWG Auction Estate 2016

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah

The grapes were hand-picked between 12 February and 26 March. The Cabernet Sauvignon was sorted and fully destemmed. The Syrah was partially destemmed. Individual parcel and grape components were vinified separately. Fermentation took place in open-top fermenters and the cap was manually punched-down four times, daily. The maceration period varied between 14 to 24 days, this was followed by barrel maturation in 300 litre and 500 litre French oak barrels for 22 months. Bottled on 7 February 2018.

Tasting Notes: Cassis and black cherry aromas are complemented by cedar and pepper spice. Fresh flavours of red currant and liquorice persist. Chalky tannins balance the juicy mouthfeel and evolve into a firm and dry finish.

Ready for drinking from 2022 to 2026.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Coenie Snyman

Rust en Vrede CWG Auction Estate 2017 (1.5L bottles)

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah

The grapes were handpicked between 6 and 26 March. The Cabernet Sauvignon was sorted and fully destemmed and the Syrah was partially destemmed. Individual parcel and grape components were vinified separately. Fermentation took place in open-top fermenters and the cap was manually punched down four times daily. The maceration period varied between 14 and 30 days, followed by barrel maturation in 300 litre and 500 litre French oak barrels for 22 months. Bottled on 14 February 2019.

Tasting Notes: Cassis and raspberry aromas are complemented by savoury cedar and cinnamon spice. Cassis follows onto the palate along with fresh redcurrant. Chalky tannins balance the juicy, lingering mouthfeel.

Ready for drinking between 2024 and 2029.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Coenie Snyman

Rust en Vrede CWG Auction Estate 2017 (750ml bottles)

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah

The grapes were handpicked between 6 and 26 March. The Cabernet Sauvignon was sorted and fully destemmed and the Syrah was partially destemmed. Individual parcel and grape components were vinified separately. Fermentation took place in open-top fermenters and the cap was manually punched down four times daily. The maceration period varied between 14 and 30 days, followed by barrel maturation in 300 litre and 500 litre French oak barrels for 22 months. Bottled on 14 February 2019.

Tasting Notes: Cassis and raspberry aromas are complemented by savoury cedar and cinnamon spice. Cassis follows onto the palate along with fresh redcurrant. Chalky tannins balance the juicy, lingering mouthfeel.

21 cases of this wine were previously sold on the 2020 Auction.

Ready for drinking between 2024 and 2029.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Coenie Snyman

Saronsberg Die Erf Shiraz 2018

100% Shiraz

The best barrel of Block 27, our Die Erf Shiraz vineyard grown on a mixture of weathered shale soils and broken rock. Hand-picked in the early morning, bunch sorted, destemmed and berry sorted. During fermentation, the skins were mainly punched-down by hand. After extended maturation, the total time on the skins was 22 days. Malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel. Aged for 20 months in a new French Allier oak barrel, the wine was given a fine filtration prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes: The wine has a deep, dark purple colour with prominent ripe plum, dark berry and floral flavours and undertones of spice. The oak is well-balanced with full, firm yet accessible tannin.

Ready for drinking in 2026.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Dewaldt Heyns

Saronsberg Inner Circle 2017

75% Shiraz, 17% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 3% Viognier

This single barrel is the result of blending only the best single-barrel selections available in the cellar destined for our acclaimed Full Circle, arguably South Africa’s most consistently awarded Rhône-style blend. No compromise was made for volume, and only the best of the best was used. Aged for 20 months in new French oak and bottle aged for a year, this wine will bring joy for years to come.

Tasting Notes: Combining the most concentrated fruit from our best vineyards gives us greater complexity, a wine of unparalleled richness and concentrated flavours of fynbos, spice and dark fruit.

Ready for drinking from 2028.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Dewaldt Heyns

Savage Wines Auction Syrah 2019

100% Syrah

Grapes were hand-sorted into a 1.5 ton open top fermenter. 50% whole cluster, manual punch-downs four times per day with regular aeration. Aged for 10 months in a clay amphora before bottling. The wine spent 18 months in bottle prior to the auction.

Tasting Notes: Red and dark fruit, fynbos, grilled herbs and black olive along with a fine line of spice. Tannins are fine-grained but robust, a wine worthy of a few years in the bottle.

Ready to drink now or over the next 10 years.

Winemaker: Duncan Savage

Silverthorn Big Dog VII Méthode Cap Classique 2016

74% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Noir

Made in the traditional Cap Classique Method, both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were whole bunch harvested and pressed. The Chardonnay portion was barrel fermented and aged in old French oak to enhance the complexity and richness, while the Pinot Noir was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks in order to accentuate the berry characters. After blending, the wine was bottle fermented and aged on the lees for 52 months. The wine was aged on the cork for nine months before auction day.

Tasting Notes: Big Dog VII is a rich and complex Cap Classique, made without compromising finesse and elegance. The nose has enticing roasted almond and marzipan notes, supported by a succulent creamy palate.

For maximum reward and expression, drink from 2023 onwards.

Winemaker: John Loubser

Simonsig “Die Dop” Chenin Blanc 2019

100% Chenin Blanc

Whole-bunch Chenin from our single, old vine Chenin vineyard, was put into a small tank and allowed to go through an enzymatic fermentation inside the berries. The yeast does not cause the fermentation and the enzymes convert the sugar into alcohol instead. After eight days on the skins, the whole bunches were pressed and finished fermentation in two 400 litre barrels. This is a type of orange wine with a twist. Matured on gross lees in older French oak with regular battonage. Bottled after 20 months.

Tasting Notes: Intriguing nose showing warm spices like whole cloves and all spice followed by lemon blossom perfumes. Vibrant freshness on the palate with subtle tannins and the secondary flavours of skin maceration.

Ready for drinking now, through to 2026.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Johan Malan

Simonsig Heirloom Shiraz 2018

100% Shiraz

Hand-picked Shiraz, French clone SH99 planted on a deep red soil in front of my house. Fermented in an old concrete tank with 22% whole bunches. Gentle pump-overs and délestage was done to extract fruit and colour. Total maceration time was 20 days and the wine was matured in new French oak barriques. Only the best two barrels were selected for the auction.

Tasting Notes: Juicy, ripe plum and mulberries complemented by white pepper and wild herb aromas. Impressive full-bodied structure with enticing wild herb and fynbos Shiraz expression. Lots of maturation potential.

Ready for drinking between 2024 and 2026.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Johan Malan

Spier Frans K Smit CWG Special Edition 2018

52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc

Grapes were hand-picked, destemmed and hand-sorted before fermentation. The wine was naturally fermented in stainless steel, followed by maturation in 225 litre French oak barrels for a period of 20 months.

Tasting Notes: Hints of cigar box notes on the nose followed by berries, a faint sensation of mint and savoury undertones, the wine is complex and dense in structure with a silky mid-palate and a smooth, lengthy finish.

Ready for drinking now or allow to mature for 10 to 12 years.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Frans Smit

Villiera Shooting Star, Cap Classique Brut 2015 (1.5L magnum bottles)

65% Chardonnay, 27% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier

Slightly unripe, healthy fruit was hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed. Only the cuvée (500L/ton) was used, and the Blanc de Noir portion was naturally fermented in tank while the Chardonnay portion was partly fermented in used barrels (25%) and partly in amphora (15%). After malolactic fermentation and blending, the wine was bottled for second fermentation. After five years on the lees, this Cap Classique was riddled and disgorged and a small amount of a multi vintage, barrel-aged dosage was added for perfect balance.

Tasting Notes: Rich, creamy, yeasty nose with lime zest and classic chalkiness on the palate, developing finesse and complexity on the finish. Although crisp and dry, it is well balanced and will intensify with age.

In my swansong year as a producing member of the Guild, I am offering a sublime Cap Classique (our focus category), bottled in magnums to highlight the age-worthy nature of the wine, and to celebrate of the category’s 50th anniversary in South Africa.

Ready for drinking now, through to 2025.

This wine is packed in a wooden box.

Winemaker: Jeff Grier – Resigned Member

Warwick The White Lady Auction Chardonnay 2019

100% Chardonnay

Two Stellenbosch Chardonnay vineyards are used in the production of this beautiful Chardonnay, one on the Simonsberg and one on the Helderberg. Grapes are hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed to extract the juice as gently as possible. The juice is then settled overnight and racked to barrel. Natural fermentation in 228 litre French oak barrels. 33% new, 33% second fill and 34% third fill. After fermentation, the wine was aged a further nine months before filtration and bottling.

Tasting Notes: Green and gold in colour, aromas of stone fruit, citrus, roasted nuts and baked apple. The palate is rich and broad with citrus and apple, rich and lingering with a wonderful persistent aftertaste.

Ready for drinking now, through to 2025.

Winemaker: JD Pretorius