Cape Winemakers Guild

Ataraxia Under The Gavel Chardonnay 2023

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

This single vineyard Chardonnay, crafted entirely from organically farmed grapes, is once again made using the almost forgotten Burgundian “black” winemaking technique. It was fermented spontaneously in custom-ordered Burgundian barrels, and without allowing the secondary malolactic fermentation to occur, thus lending an arrestingly vibrant weight to the palate. The absence of bâtonnage adds focus and precision. It was bottled after 11 months of maturation.

Tasting Notes: An extraordinarily individual and accurate interpretation of Ataraxia’s “dirt”, this sublime wine effortlessly balances fruit intensity with minerally acidity. A wine of pedigree and style.

Ready for drinking now until at least 2030

Winemaker: Kevin Grant

Bartho Eksteen Wine Estate Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc – Wooded 2020

100% Sauvignon Blanc
Wine of Origin Cape South Coast

Top wine judges and writers have provided outstanding feedback on this wine. Jancis Robinson MW praised it as fresher than Pessac-Léognan and awarded it her highest score for a white wine from Hemel-en-Aarde. Tim Atkin MW recognized Bartho Eksteen as one of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc winemakers. Dr. Winifred Bowman CWM noted that while it nods towards Pessac-Léognan, it possesses a unique Cape character, calling it a true winner. This wine holds the distinction of being the highest-priced and most acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc in CWG Auction history and regularly earns 5-star ratings from Platter’s and 95+ scores from Tim Atkin MW.

Tasting Notes: A symphony of soft oak and exceptional Sauvignon flavours, focussed with superb intensity. Really excellent wine with great agreeability. Fresher than Pessac-Léognan, promising years of drinking pleasure.

If you can put away some bottles for a couple of years, you can delay the pleasure and have it back with interest for anything up to 10 years after harvest.

Winemaker: Bartho Eksteen

Bartho Eksteen Wine Estate Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc – Wooded 2023

100% Sauvignon Blanc
Wine of Origin Cape South Coast

Top wine judges and writers have provided outstanding feedback on this wine. Jancis Robinson MW praised it as fresher than Pessac-Léognan and awarded it her highest score for a white wine from Hemel-en-Aarde. Tim Atkin MW recognized Bartho Eksteen as one of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc winemakers. Dr. Winifred Bowman CWM noted that while it nods towards Pessac-Léognan, it possesses a unique Cape character, calling it a true winner. This wine holds the distinction of being the highest-priced and most acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc in CWG Auction history and regularly earns 5-star ratings from Platter’s and 95+ scores from Tim Atkin MW.

Tasting Notes: A symphony of soft oak and exceptional Sauvignon flavours, focussed with superb intensity. Really excellent wine with great agreeability. Fresher than Pessac-Léognan, promising years of drinking pleasure.

If you can put away some bottles for a couple of years, you can delay the pleasure and have it back with interest for anything up to 10 years after harvest.

Winemaker: Bartho Eksteen

Beaumont Family Wines GG’s Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2023

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Bot River

GG’s Vineyard, planted in 1974, is the oldest Chenin vineyard on the farm. The name “GG’s” derives from three different sources: the previous owners, Govender and Geffen, who started making wines on the farm in the 1940s, and as a playful nod to the German GG classification. This vineyard is a key component, contributing 50%, to our Hope Marguerite wine.

Tasting Notes: First release as a single vineyard wine! The exceptional purity in this wine is what fascinated me most. Fresh leafy spice on the nose, crunchy green apple fruit and intensely focussed palate!

Ready for drinking in 10 to 15 years.

Winemaker: Sebastian Beaumont

Boschkloof CWG Epilogue Syrah 2022

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

35% whole-bunch fermented and aged in concrete. 65% destemmed and aged in a single second-fill French oak barrel.

Tasting Notes: A wine that delivers perfumed fruit aromatics and violets. The palate is slightly textured and elegant, with intense flavours of raspberry, black pepper and oriental spices. A wine that lingers. Ready for drinking from 2026 to 2030

Winemaker: Reenen Borman

Cederberg CWG Auction Chenin Blanc 2023

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Cederberg

This wine is produced from the 23-year-old Five Generation Chenin Blanc block and shows remarkable winemaking finesse. Naturally fermented in concrete egg and aged on its fine lees for 10 months.

Tasting Notes: This wine boasts a palest yellow colour with brilliant luminosity and a perfumed nose that reveals heady white blossoms, summer-ripe pears, crushed pineapple, and a defined citrus lime edge. On the palate, the wine is chiselled with pure fruit and a sense of weightlessness, unveiling additional notes of preserved ginger and crushed green peppercorns. This intriguing wine is celebrated for its purity and linearity, concluding with a succulent, savoury lemon/lime cleansing finish. While it shows beautifully now, it will reward those with patience for many years to come. To fully appreciate its complex aromas, be mindful not to serve it too cold and use a larger glass.

Winemaker: David Nieuwoudt

David & Nadia Veiling Chenin Blanc 2023

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Swartland

The grapes for this wine were hand-picked on multiple dates from four registered single vineyards. Each vineyard is part of the Old Vine Project, with planting dates ranging from 1968 to 1985. After harvesting, the grapes were chilled, hand-sorted, and whole-bunch pressed before undergoing natural fermentation in old French oak barrels for 11 months. These vineyards are dry-land farmed bush vines.

Tasting Notes: Focussed on balance and texture.

Ready for drinking in 4 to 8 years.

Winemaker: David Sadie

David Finlayson Wines “Naja Nivea” Chardonnay 2023

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Grown on terrace vineyards originally hand-cut into the hillside, these vines follow a Burgundy-styled, low, single-wire trellis system. They are organically farmed and dry-land cultivated, resulting in very low yields. The wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation. Fermented and matured for 12 months in a new 300 litre D&J barrel before being bottled.

Tasting Notes: Honeysuckle and fresh bread on the nose yield citrus and vanilla-pod, floral flavours on the palate with a fresh, long aftertaste.

Ready for drinking in 2028.

Winemaker: David Finlayson

De Grendel Wines Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 2022

100% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Ceres Plateau

Nestled atop the Witzenberg range in Ceres at an elevation of 960 meters, these vineyards benefit from South Africa’s exclusive continental climate. The cool nights and warm days of the growing season contribute to a gradual ripening process, yielding fruit with intense flavours. This unique terroir results in a wine with a vibrant profile and a gracefully refined texture on the palate, enhanced by fresh notes and subtle oak influences.

Tasting Notes: Ruby red hue greets the palate with luscious ripe raspberries, complemented by savoury undertones and an essence of mineral-rich, damp forest floor. Its vibrant profile boasts fresh cherry notes.

Ready for drinking in 2027.

Winemaker: Charles Hopkins

De Grendel Wines Wooded Sauvignon Blanc 2023

100% Sauvignon Blanc
Wine of Origin Cape West Coast

This wine, with its pale straw hue, boasts intricate layers that promise to develop both in the glass and over time in the bottle. It represents the culmination of meticulous vineyard care, resulting in extraordinary fruit concentration and intensified flavours. Each vineyard parcel is carefully tended to ensure optimal ripeness and flavour development, with grapes harvested separately to capture their individual characteristics, leading to pristine aromas and a truly unique vineyard selection.

Tasting Notes: Crisp pineapple, fresh apricot, sea kelp and a subtle creamy depth derived from prolonged lees contact and oak influence. It’s a wine of intricate layers, promising development in the glass.

Ready for drinking in 2026.

Winemaker: Charles Hopkins

De Trafford CWG Perspective 2022

56% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This wine is a selection of the two best barrels from our Elevation 393 vineyard, uniquely situated at the intersection of the Helderberg Mountain and Stellenbosch Mountain slopes. The vineyard features relatively narrow rows, 1.8 metres wide, with an above-average vine density of 5 000 vines per hectare, producing exceptionally low yields of less than 1 kg per vine. With no added yeast, acid, or other additives apart from minimal SO2 and left unfiltered, the wine reflects its pure, natural origins.

Tasting Notes: Showing attractive, dense red berry, plum and blackcurrant fruit, tobacco leaf, fynbos and spice complexity. New oak is nicely integrated. Still obviously youthful, with mouth-filling fine tannins.

Ready for drinking from 2026 to 2036.

Winemaker: David Trafford

De Trafford CWG Perspective 2022 (1.5L)

56% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This wine is a selection of the two best barrels from our Elevation 393 vineyard, uniquely situated at the intersection of the Helderberg Mountain and Stellenbosch Mountain slopes. The vineyard features relatively narrow rows, 1.8 metres wide, with an above-average vine density of 5 000 vines per hectare, producing exceptionally low yields of less than 1 kg per vine. With no added yeast, acid, or other additives apart from minimal SO2 and left unfiltered, the wine reflects its pure, natural origins.

Tasting Notes: Showing attractive, dense red berry, plum and blackcurrant fruit, tobacco leaf, fynbos and spice complexity. New oak is nicely integrated. Still obviously youthful, with mouth-filling fine tannins.

Ready for drinking from 2026 to 2036.

Winemaker: David Trafford

Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Banghoek Stellenbosch

This wine comes from a 22-year-old, virus-free vineyard planted with the mother block 169 clone, offering a true expression of the Banghoek Valley.

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

Ready for drinking in 5 to 10 years.

Winemaker: Morné Vrey

Dewaldt Heyns Family Wines CWG Shiraz Reserve 2021

100% Shiraz
Wine of Origin Swartland

Made from the final harvest of this ultra-low-yielding dryland vineyard, grown on deep, red clay-rich soils. This wine was matured for 20 months in French oak.

Tasting Notes: Prominent dark fruit, subtle red cherry and delicate violet flavours are followed by undertones of dried herbs. A full-bodied mouthfeel is complemented by firm yet accessible tannin and a long finish.

Ready for drinking by 2030.

Winemaker: Dewaldt Heyns

Erika Obermeyer Wines Fields of Gold 2021

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

At the foot of the Helderberg, Firgrove vineyards benefit from unique decomposed granite soil that nurtures the vines by allowing roots to access water and nutrients gradually during ripening. The proximity to the cold Atlantic Ocean ensures slow ripening, while persistent winds control vine vigour, resulting in small, concentrated berries with ripe tannins. The combination of Bordeaux and Rhône grapes merges their distinct virtues into a wine that, at its best, is greater than the sum of its parts.

Tasting Notes: Alluring nuances of concentrated red and black fruit, tilled earth, cedar wood, dried herbs and oak spice. The palate shows intensity and depth underscored by chalky ripe tannins and a savoury finish.

Ready for drinking from 2025 to 2035.

Winemaker: Erika Obermeyer

Erika Obermeyer Wines Silver Linings 2022

66% Syrah, 17% Grenache Noir, 12% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Coastal

Vintage 2022, a cool season where moderate weather conditions during harvest slowed down ripening, leading to red wines characterized by good acidity, colour, and tannin structure. These conditions resulted in concentrated wines with vibrance, elegance, and exceptional cellaring potential. Syrah brings forth fresh red berry fruit, spices, and structure, while Grenache contributes fresh fruit, elegance, and structure. Cinsault adds brighter fruit, acidity, and freshness, complemented by a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon, which enhances complexity, structure, and length.

Tasting Notes: Intense and concentrated, beautifully balanced with an alluringly perfumed nose. Multi-dimensional and multi-layered, the palate delivers a textured mouthfeel with silky smooth tannins and a fresh finish.

Ready for drinking from 2025 to 2035.

Winemaker: Erika Obermeyer

Ernie Els Wines CWG 2021

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Since the inception of the brand in 1999, Louis has been alongside Ernie every step of the way, acting as a father figure to each wine produced. Throughout the years, he has consistently proven himself as an exceptionally talented winemaker. Louis’s deep understanding of the terroir and the performance of the vineyards has been instrumental in the success of his wines. ERNIE ELS CWG 2021 epitomizes the best of the Helderberg, embodying both the cornerstone of Ernie Els Wines and the vision of Louis Strydom.

Tasting Notes: Threads of cedar, vanilla-smoke; a bloom of fragrant red berries, plums and cassis. Flushed with juicy, plummy fruit and spice. A balance between concentration, age-worthy structure and refreshment.

Ready for drinking by 2030.

Winemaker: Louis Strydom

Gottfried Mocke Wine Projects Chardonnay 2023

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Cape South Coast

The Chardonnay is a premium Cuvée representing the decomposed granite soils from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and the shale-derived soils from the ridge.

Careful cluster selection and whole bunch pressing, followed by spontaneous fermentation in French barrique and a 14-month élevage.

Tasting Notes: The nose is generous and complex with pear, citrus and melon fruit, and hazelnut, oatmeal, and subtle oak on the palate. Taut with well-balanced finish.

Ready for drinking in 5 to 8 years.

Winemaker: Gottfried Mocke

Graham Beck CWG Extra Brut 2019 Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cap Classique

85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Western Cape

The winemaking process involved whole bunch handling and a selective pressing programme. The grape selection offers great geographical diversity, including fruit from Robertson, Darling, Stellenbosch, and Cape Agulhas. Only the cuvée fraction was used after settling the juice. Additionally, 15% of the Chardonnay was fermented in Piece Champenoise barrels, which were fourth-fill, adding a unique South African twist to this Cap Classique.

Tasting Notes: Pale straw colour and bright lemons and lime on the nose. Nice brioche aroma as the wine enters the palate with nice cherry berry on the palate. Layered texture with a creamy finish and fine beads.

Ready for drinking from 2025 to 2028

Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira

Hartenberg Wine Estate CWG Auction Amphora Merlot 2021

100% Merlot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This Merlot stands as South Africa’s most scarce and expensive. It marks the second and only 100% terracotta clay amphora-aged red wine to feature on any CWG Auction, following the precedent set by the 2020 vintage. The wine spent 18 months maturing in a hand-made, 400-litre imported Italian clay amphora, imparting unique character and depth. Selected from Hartenberg’s very best site for the varietal, each bottle embodies the essence of excellence and distinction.

Tasting Notes: Vibrant black fruits entice the senses followed by subtle savoury undertones. With remarkable consistency, the weighty palate confirms the dense fruits while dry tannins and acidity add vitality.

Ready for drinking 4 to 20 years from vintage date.

Winemaker: Carl Schultz

Hartenberg Wine Estate CWG Auction Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Western Cape

Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon has been bottled since the 1968 vintage. This exclusive wine is selected from the estate’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard and is crafted in limited quantities, with only three barrels made and sold over a single weekend. With the potential to mature beautifully for up to 25 years from vintage, it exemplifies exceptional quality. Notably, the 2005 vintage earned acclaim as the IWSC Best International Cabernet, receiving the prestigious Warren Winiarski Trophy.

Tasting Notes: Intricate notes of tobacco, cedar and vanilla impart sophistication. Dried spice and cloves add herbal complexity. Rich fruits offer a luscious richness balanced by velvet-smooth, seamless tannins.

Ready for drinking from vintage date, 5-25 years.

Winemaker: Carl Schultz

Jordan Wine Estate CWG Sophia 2022

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

The Sophia is one of South Africa’s benchmark Bordeaux-style blends, crafted from estate-grown grapes sourced from the best vineyards at Jordan Estate. This is the 22nd vintage of Sophia, which has been rated as having additional secondary international investment potential, with previous vintages being re-auctioned by Bonhams in the UK.

Tasting Notes: Complex, dark chocolate, black cherry and cassis intertwine rich blackberry fruit, with 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.

Winemaker: Gary Jordan

Kanonkop Wine Estate CWG Paul Sauer 2021

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc
Wine of Origin Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

The Paul Sauer stands as one of South Africa’s pioneering Bordeaux-style blends, crafted from grapes harvested from 30-year-old vines that yield just 2 to 5 tons per hectare. During fermentation, traditional manual punch-downs were meticulously carried out in open-top fermenters. Following fermentation, the wine was aged in 100% new French oak barrels for a period of 24 months, allowing it to develop complexity and depth. Notably, the Paul Sauer made history as the first South African wine to achieve a perfect score of 100 points from esteemed wine critic Tim Atkin, further solidifying its status as a benchmark in the country’s winemaking landscape.

Tasting Notes: Floral rather than fruit typifies this wine. With the perfume you might find some red fruit, and nutty savoury notes. The delicate nose is supported with a powerful structure that lingers for ages.

Ready for drinking from 2025 onwards.

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar

Kanonkop Wine Estate CWG Pinotage 2021

100% Pinotage
Wine of Origin Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Kanonkop is a pioneer among Pinotage producers in the Cape. This wine was crafted from 53-year-old dry land bush vines, with low yields of 4-5 tons per hectare. During fermentation, traditional manual punch-downs were meticulously performed in open-top fermenters. Following this process, the wine matured for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: Deep red colour with aroma of plums, blackcurrant and mocha. The palate is structured with dark fruit and sweet spice notes. The wine has a dry, mouthwatering finish.

Ready for drinking from 2025 onwards.

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar

Kershaw Wines Ziggurat Chardonnay 2023

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

The grapes are sourced from a block in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Made only from clone CY548 typical for giving stony, meaty and robust flavours. Hand-picked and whole bunch pressed, the wine undergoes a wild ferment, 12 months in Burgundy-coopered barrels and is assessed every eight weeks. Its low sulphites allow it to be designated a natural wine, yet it has the extract and low pH to age over the medium term.

Tasting Notes: A mid-lemon hue with prominent ripe orange and tangerine notes enveloped in distinct oaky spices with a floral twist. Slowly, the wine reveals more citrus and stewed peach, which add allure. The palate is penetrating with remarkable purity and focus. There’s an impressive depth to the mid-palate, supported by a line of horizontal bracing acidity that adds structure. A more linear style, the wine has intensity and precision with flavours of peach, lemon, smashed almond and cashew nut with a lighter oak influence. Its long and precise finish is characterized by a chiselled elegance, and the wine closes with a juicy and impactful impression reminiscent of stewed quince. It will reward cellaring.

Ready for drinking from 2026 to 2030.

Winemaker: Richard Kershaw

Kershaw Wines Vertiginous Pinot Noir 2022

100% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Elgin

The Vertiginous Pinot Noir, made from the rare Clone 52, originates from the steep, dryland slopes of central Elgin. Clone 52 is known for producing wines with a balanced profile of lightness, delicate floral notes and a distinctive tannic structure. The delestage process used for extraction enriches its depth and colour, while natural malolactic fermentation in Burgundy barrels provides a creamy, balanced finish, enhancing the age-ability of this wine.

 Tasting Notes: This wine has a mid-ruby, vibrant colour and attractive fragrant cherry blossom, wild strawberries, and a hint of violets, interwoven with subtle notes of camphor, pine forest and spice. A penetrating entry, the palate reveals red cherry and baking spices that unfurl in the mouth. A seamless blend of bright acidity and fine-grained tannin builds structure, culminating in a chalk-edged length. With focus and precision, this delicate wine drives a long, mineral finish.

Ready for drinking from 2025 to 2031

Winemaker: Richard Kershaw

Le Riche CWG Auction Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This is the longest standing single vineyard in our portfolio.

Tasting Notes: Plums, black cherries, cedar, and dried herbs carry the aroma with depth and complexity. The palate is smooth and ethereal with fine silky tannin that flows into a long, balanced finish.

Ready for drinking from 2025 to 2031

Winemaker: Christo le Riche

Lismore Estate Vineyards The Sheltering Sky Syrah 2022

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Elgin

An extreme cool-climate Syrah, grown on iron, highlights South Africa’s diverse terroir and ability to produce world-class Syrah in a diversity of regions. This site was chosen for its unique expression of place. The growing conditions in Elgin deliver elegance and restraint, and yet the iron soils of this vineyard express power and completeness. The wine undergoes a natural yeast fermentation with 100% whole clusters, followed by extended maceration, and is aged in a 500-liter French oak barrel.

Tasting Notes: The nose is defined by bramble, spiced plum, and cassis, complemented by aromatics of allspice, pink peppercorns, and a hint of fynbos. This medium-bodied, age-worthy Syrah is elegant and fresh.

Ready for drinking in 5 to 10 years.

Winemaker: Samantha O’Keefe

Lismore Estate Vineyards Valkyrie Chardonnay 2023

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Greyton

Samantha O’Keefe is the pioneer of Wine of Origin Greyton. This Chardonnay exemplifies the unique, extreme cool-climate terroir. This Chardonnay is a barrel selection of the coolest block on Lismore, chosen to express the elegance and definition of these steep, dry land farmed, mountain vineyards. The grapes were whole bunch pressed, settled overnight, and then fermented with natural yeast. Subsequently, they were aged on the lees for 11 months in 500-litre French oak barrels, with 25% of the barrels being new. Stirring during this aging process was not carried out.

Tasting Notes: Concentrated aromas of dried lemon, orange blossom, and toasted pine nuts. The palate is well-balanced, with intense citrus and grilled lime with a citrus, saline, mineral driven finish. Ready for drinking in 5 to 10 years

Winemaker: Samantha O’Keefe

Luddite Hands Off Mourvèdre 2023

Leeu Passant Franschhoek Hillside Cabernet Franc 2022

100% Cabernet Franc
Wine of Origin Franschhoek

This single vineyard Cabernet Franc represents only the second release from this exceptional site we established upon the inception of Leeu Passant a decade ago. Planted stok-by-paaltjie on the east-facing slopes of Leeu Estates, this vineyard benefits from the cooler morning sun and long, slow ripening period. At the feet of the vines, protecting the the steep, terraced slopes, we have planted a permanent cover crop of diverse fynbos species, providing a distinct environment for the vineyard to thrive, express terroir and for nature to be integrated via these indigenous corridors.

Tasting Notes:
“Casta Diva, che inargenti
queste sacre antiche piante,
a noi volgi il bel sembiante
senza nube e senza vel.”

 “Casta Diva” the aria from the Bellini opera “Norma”, is a passionate call to the Goddess of the Moon for tranquillity and harmony, two characteristics that I want one to experience when drinking this profound wine from a stunning vineyard.

To enjoy the gorgeous fragrance of this Cabernet Franc, decant if the time it requires in bottle is not an option.

Winemaker: Andrea Mullineux

Mullineux Swartland “The Gris” Old Vines Sémillon 2023

100% Sémillon
Wine of Origin Swartland

South Africa’s pre-phylloxera winemaking tradition, accounting for 40% of all plantings in the early 1800s. With only a few parcels of Sémillon Gris left today, this particular vineyard was established in 1960 on the granite slopes of the Paardeberg and is a living legacy of this historic variety. To preserve its heritage, we took cuttings which underwent a meticulous ten-year re-propagation process through a nursery and subsequently planted the country’s first official Sémillon Gris vineyard on Roundstone, our regenerative organic estate in the Swartland.

Tasting Notes:
“Un bel dì, vedremo levarsi un fil di fumo
sull’estremo confin del mare E poi la nave appare.”

 “Un bel dì vedremo” from Puccini’s opera “Madama Butterfly” expresses emotions of hope, anticipation, and determination to wait faithfully despite the passage of time and the challenges faced. I see this echoed in our demonstration of devotion to South Africa’s viticultural heritage through the preservation and official propagation of Sémillon Gris.

Winemaker: Andrea Mullineux

Neil Ellis Wines Cain 2020

44% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Jonkershoek Valley

This wine is a Right Bank Bordeaux-style blend, consisting of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. All the blending components originate from the same Estate as our iconic Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s worth noting that this blend is not typical of Neil Ellis Wines, and it is exclusively featured for the Guild.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of cherries, wild berries and rose petals with subtle hints of liquorice, followed by a medium-bodied, beautifully layered vibrant palate concluding with a mouth-watering chalky finish.

Ready for drinking from 2025 to 2035.

Winemaker: Warren Ellis

Neil Ellis Wines Abel 2020

45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 5% Malbec
Wine of Origin Jonkershoek Valley

This wine is a Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend, comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec. Notably, all the blending components are sourced from the same estate as our iconic Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of cassis, dark cherries rolling into liquorice. The palate is dense and concentrated with a well-defined core of chalky tannins defining the structure of the wine.

Ready for drinking from 2025 to 2035.

Winemaker: Warren Ellis

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Sandford Chardonnay 2022

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

This Chardonnay from Newton Johnson originates from the estate’s best single vineyard site, demonstrating the clarity and energy characteristic of the Granite soils within a cool, maritime climate. Emphasizing authenticity, the winemaking process follows a natural approach, with no added SO2 until bottling, and no use of yeast, enzymes, or bentonite. Only the highest quality juice fraction, obtained from whole bunch pressing, is utilized. The vineyard, now approaching 15 years of age, contributes to the wine’s depth and complexity. The 2022 vintage, marked by generous ripening conditions, further enhances the wine’s character and potential.

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

Ready for drinking in 3 to 8 years.

Winemaker: Gordon Newton Johnson

Paul Clüver Wines The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2023

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Elgin

The vineyard from which this wine is made was planted in 1987, marking the first commercial Chardonnay planting in the Elgin region. It holds the distinction of being the first Elgin vineyard to carry Certified Heritage Status from the Old Vine Project. Wagon Trail is crafted by Andries Burger, Elgin’s longest-serving winemaker, who has been involved with the making of Paul Clüver wine since 1997. This wine is exclusively made from whole bunch pressed Chardonnay grapes and undergoes spontaneous fermentation.

Tasting Notes: The aroma of wildflowers and citrus, while the palate has great structure of balance and poise. This allows for the expression of classic Chardonnay flavours of green almond, citrus and white flowers.

Ready for drinking now until 2034.

Winemaker: Andries Burger

Raats Family Wines Stella Nova Cabernet Franc 2020

100% Cabernet Franc
Wine of Origin Polkadraai Hills Stellenbosch

This wine reflects the lifelong passion and focus of Bruwer Raats for Cabernet Franc. It is a benchmark Cabernet Franc sourced from a cool southern-facing block located high up on Vlaeberg Mountain in Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch. The wine intricately tells the story of the unique terroir of the Polkadraai Hills, characterized by decomposed Dolomite Granite soil. From this block, only a small portion, consistently identified as the best, is selected to craft one barrel exclusively for CWG. The maiden vintage of Stella Nova Cabernet Franc was produced in 2017.

Tasting Notes: The nose entices with its perfume and a garrigue character of Cape fynbos, rosemary, lavender, and thyme with spicy notes of nutmeg, cloves, star anise and intense brooding blackberry fruit. The palate is medium- bodied with supple tannins and a harmonious finish. There is a beguiling purity to this wine and it will age supremely well.

Ready for drinking in the next 10 years.

Winemaker: Bruwer Raats

Savage Wines Auction Syrah 2022

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Coastal

This wine embodies elegance and purity, reflecting its origin from granitic soil in a maritime climate. The grapes are processed using whole bunch fermentation techniques. It is crafted in Duncan’s Salt River winery, showcasing his distinct winemaking approach.

Tasting Notes:
Classically styled Cape Syrah reflecting purity and elegance. Red fruits, spice and floral notes along with seamless texture.

Ready for drinking now and over the next 10 years.

Winemaker: Duncan Savage

Silverthorn Wines Big Dog Ten Cap Classique 2019

67% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Western Cape

Big Dog Ten is made from Chardonnay grown on ancient shale and limestone soils dating back 400 million years. Chardonnay thrives on limestone, ensuring that the wine has amazing minerality and structure. This specific Chardonnay vineyard was planted in 1991 making it 33 years old, resulting in very low yield and intense concentration. 67% of the blend is barrel fermented to enhance richness and complexity. The wine spent 50 months on the lees, further accentuating the finesse.

Tasting Notes:  Big Dog Ten is a rich and complex wine, made without compromising finesse and elegance. The nose has enticing roasted almond and marzipan notes from the Chardonnay and red apple from the Pinot Noir.

This wine is immediately accessible but for maximum reward drink from 2026 onwards.

Winemaker: John Loubser

Snyman Wines Rock of Eye CWG Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Coenie’s winemaking ethos is grounded in the belief that experience is paramount for crafting exceptional wines. With the inaugural vintage of Rock of Eye, he underscores the invaluable role of expertise and intuition in guiding the winemaking process. This a unique expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from 2022 by Coenie Snyman. Its powerful and fruit-driven Polkadraai grapes bring juicy tannins to the blend. Simonsberg grapes bring austerity and tight tannins to the blend.

Tasting Notes: An array of black and red currants brings the wine to life, with graphite, cedar and fynbos aromas complementing the fruit.  The palate is full of red, dark fruits, savoury notes and has a dry finish. Ready for drinking now until 2037

Winemaker: Coenie Snyman

Strydom Family Wines The Game Changer Cabernet Franc-Merlot 2020

83% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

For three years running, this blend has remained the sole offering of its kind at auction, underscoring its rarity and exclusivity. Bottled from one 300-litre barrel, this wine is crafted exclusively for the CWG auction, emphasizing its limited production. Inspired by a vintage spent in St Emilion, France, during my early winemaking career, I sought to replicate the essence of the Merlot/Cabernet Franc blends prevalent in the region, utilizing varieties I hold in high esteem. With only 240 bottles available, this wine epitomizes scarcity and distinction.

Tasting Notes: The blend of these two varieties makes for a full-bodied wine with a balanced acidity and smooth finish. Cabernet Franc adds red fruit flavour and spice, while Merlot adds black fruit and chocolates.

Ready for drinking 2027 to 2035.

Winemaker: Rianie Strydom

Spier Wines Frans K. Smit Heritage Reserve Red 2021

61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This wine is a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, all planted in 2003. A portion of the wine consists of a fermented blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The vineyard is situated at an altitude between 200m and 240m on a northwest-facing slope, offering optimal growing conditions. Located 8km from the sea, the Helderberg Vineyard benefits from an ocean view, contributing to the wine’s distinctive character.

Tasting Notes:  Rich and complex with a seamless velvety texture, layered red currant and cacao aromas, and inky density – a signature of the high percentage of Petit Verdot. This wine is destined for great maturation.

Ready for drinking now until 2035.

Winemaker: Frans Smit

Spier Wines Frans K. Smit Heritage Reserve White 2023

58% Sauvignon Blanc, 42% Sémillon
Wine of Origin Cape Town

This Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from dry land vineyards in Durbanville, situated on southwest-facing slopes. The Sémillon component comes from Durbanville as well, but from vines facing east. Each varietal is fermented separately in barrel. The majority of the wine undergoes fermentation and maturation in 320-litre Port-style barrels. After blending in June 2023, the wine matures until March 2024, spending a total of 12 months in barrel.

Tasting Notes:  A Sauvignon Blanc-led white blend, with gooseberry and black currant nose, hints of fig leaf, followed by spice from barrel ageing with hints of lemon from the Sémillon and a creamy, long finish.

Ready for drinking now until 2034.

Winemaker: Frans Smit

Survivor CWG Chenin Blanc 2023

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Swartland

This marks the debut of Survivor Wines’ Chenin Blanc at the CWG Auction. The wine undergoes 100% natural fermentation, reflecting the commitment to authenticity and minimal intervention. Sourced from a 15-year-old dryland bush vine vineyard, the grapes carry a rich heritage, stemming from the farm where my grandmother’s family hails from.

Tasting Notes: The wine offers a captivating complexity, revealing an array of aromas that encompass melon, golden delicious apple, and delicate peach blossom notes. Full-bodied, creamy palate with a lively acid.

Ready for drinking from 2025.

Winemaker: Pierre Wahl

Survivor CWG Pinotage 2022

100% Pinotage
Wine of Origin Swartland

This marks Survivor’s inaugural Pinotage offering at auction. Crafted by blending three barrels sourced from three different Swartland producers. The vineyards utilized boast an average age of 24 years, reflecting a depth of character and maturity in the grapes selected for this unique blend.

Tasting Notes: This wine has a lively, dense, deep red colour with a perfumed nose of blackberry fruit pastilles, strawberries, fynbos, cloves and notes of cinnamon derived from the use of exceptional quality oak.

Ready for drinking from 2025.

Winemaker: Pierre Wahl

Warwick Auction Chardonnay 2022

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This Chardonnay is crafted from grapes sourced from two distinct Stellenbosch vineyards, one nestled on the foothills of the Simonsberg and the other located on the Helderberg. The grapes undergo meticulous handpicking and whole bunch pressing, with settling in the tank overnight. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with 33% new, 50% second fill, and 17% third fill 228-litre barrels utilized. The wine matures for a duration of 11 months in barrel, allowing for the development of its unique character and complexity.

Tasting Notes: Classically styled and inspired Chardonnay, oatmeal and mineral nose, supported by notes of by apple and citrus. The palate is light and refined, with a mineral core and lush citrus fruit.

Ready for drinking now until 2029.

Winemaker: JD Pretorius