Cape Winemakers Guild

AA Badenhorst Family Wines ‘Out Of The Strong Comes Forth Freshness’ Carignan 2024

100% Carignan
Wine of Origin Swartland

Crafted from a grape with remarkable ageing potential, this wine is poised to evolve gracefully over the coming years, revealing new layers of complexity with time.

Tasting Notes: Bright ruby in colour, the wine opens with vivid red fruit and ripe berry aromas. A delicate floral perfume and subtle spice add nuance. The palate is refined, with supple tannins and beautifully balanced acidity offering structure and elegance.

Ready for drinking now until 2030.

Winemaker: Adi Badenhorst

The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co. Saldanha Pale Dry SEA, SALT, SAND AND WIND N.V.

Wine of Origin Swartland

A rare, handcrafted fortified wine made in a classic pale dry style. The base wine spent six years ageing under flor, with a portion diverted to oxidative maturation after three years to add depth and complexity. A small addition of very old Jerepigo lends gentle sweetness and rounds off the profile with elegance.

Tasting Notes: True to its style, the wine shows lifted aromatics of roasted almonds, marzipan, leather and dried apricots. Hints of warm spice and subtle oxidative notes add intrigue. The palate is dry and refined, with a remarkable length that lingers delicately.

Ready for drinking now until 2030.

Winemaker: Adi Badenhorst

Ataraxia ‘Sympathy For The Pinot’ Pinot Noir 2024

100% Pinot noir
Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

This marks Kevin Grant’s inaugural Ataraxia Pinot Noir auction release — a single-vineyard wine made from a singular, peerless grape variety grown according to organic principles. Vinified along traditional Burgundian lines, including 20% whole-bunch fermentation, this wine is a precise, terroir-expressive Pinot Noir, distinguished by its structural elegance, aromatic purity, and layered complexity.

Tasting Notes: Elegant and finely boned. The silky yet vibrant palate is layered with impressive fruit, fine-grained tannin and a cool-climate freshness. It reflects Ataraxia’s terroir with clarity and precision.

Ready for drinking now until at least 2035.

Winemaker: Kevin Grant

Ataraxia Under The Gavel Chardonnay 2024

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

Sourced from a single vineyard, farmed on organic principles, this Chardonnay is vinified using a hyper-oxidative (‘black’) processing regime. Fermentation proceeds spontaneously in barrel. No malolactic fermentation or bâtonnage is employed, preserving linearity, high-toned acidity, and site-driven precision. The result is a taut, mineral wine with finely etched structure and longevity.

Tasting Notes: A refined expression of Ataraxia’s own terroir – our “dirt” – this poised yet assertive wine is defined by an extraordinary balance of fruit and minerality. A wine of sublime purity and precision.

Ready for drinking now until at least 2035.

Winemaker: Kevin Grant

Bartho Eksteen Wine Estate Fluister Landgoed Pinot Noir 2023

100% Pinot noir
Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

One of only four Pinot Noir producers in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and the most maritime site – closest to the ocean and lowest in altitude. Dry land vines trained to guyot on clay-rich soils, planted at Burgundian density (8333 vines/ha) which plays a role in drawing the best from the terroir-plant combination. Naturally made with minimal intervention. Jancis Robinson rated it joint second-best in the valley. A quiet force from the edge of the Cape.

Tasting Notes: Roses, fresh cherry, subtle spice and earth. Pure and graceful with gentle tannins and a quiet flow. A Pinot that whispers with texture, restraint and quiet confidence.

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 15 years after harvest .

Winemaker: Bartho Eksteen

Bartho Eksteen Wine Estate Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc – Op Hout 2024

100% Sauvignon Blanc
Wine of Origin Cape South Coast

Widely recognised as one of South Africa’s most acclaimed Sauvignon Blancs, Vloekskoot continues to impress critics and collectors alike. Twice named South Africa’s Best Sauvignon Blanc by Platter’s, this wine regularly garners Platter’s 5-star- and Tim Atkin MW 95+ ratings.
Jancis Robinson MW praised it as “fresher than Pessac-Léognan,” awarding it her highest rating for any white wine from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Dr Winifred Bowman CWM lauds its Cape soul and distinction.

Tasting Notes: A nod to Pessac-Léognan with a distinctly Cape identity. Flinty minerality, lime zest and pineapple brûlée are wrapped in finely judged oak. Focused and precise, with layered grace and a long, resonant finish. A wine of rare pedigree and poise.

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 from 6 to 10 years after harvest.

Winemaker: Bartho Eksteen

Beaumont Family Wines Arturo’s Pinotage 2023

100% Pinotage
Wine of Origin Bot River

This wine originates from a remarkable vineyard planted in 1974 on an east-facing slope of clay-shale soils. With tiny yields and concentrated fruit, it captures the fresh, nuanced side of Pinotage in a medium-bodied style. Pinotage has been at the heart of Beaumont Family Wines since their first vintage in 1994. Named in tribute to Arthur Pillman – whose passion and belief in winemaking served as inspiration – this wine is a reflection of legacy and place.

Tasting Notes: Vibrant in colour with inviting aromas of red berries, ripe cherry and plum, accented by a touch of spice for added complexity. The palate shows a pure, cool entry with red fruit vibrancy, fine dry tannins, and a long, elegant finish.

Ready for drinking 5 to 15 years from now.

Winemaker: Sebastian Beaumont

Beeslaar Wines CWG Pinotage 2023

100% Pinotage
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This marks the debut vintage of this wine and its first appearance on the CWG Auction. Sourced from old, low-yielding bush vines, it is crafted with traditional open-top fermenters and manual punch-downs to preserve purity and structure. The wine showcases a bold yet refined expression of Pinotage, rooted in heritage and crafted with intention.

Tasting Notes: A full-bodied Pinotage that delivers both texture and elegance. Aromas of cassis and black cherries rise from the glass, framed by subtle oak spice. The palate reveals layers of dark chocolate and Asian spice, finishing savoury and persistent.

Ready for drinking from 2028 onwards.

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar

Boschkloof CWG Epilogue Syrah 2023

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Crafted from a single SH99 clone grown on granite soils under strong maritime influence, this Syrah is a refined expression of site and precision. Fermented with 40% whole bunches and matured in a single second-fill 400 litre French oak barrel, it offers a pure and focused take on the variety.

Tasting Notes: This Syrah bursts with perfumed dark fruit, violets and delicate oak spice. The palate is focused and fine, revealing layered notes of blackberry and dried herbs, supported by a textural finish and graceful length. Elegant, poised, and built for ageing.

Ready for drinking from 2027 to 2032.

Winemaker: Reenen Borman

Boschkloof CWG Conclusion 2023

45% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This atypical blend is a true reflection of Boschkloof’s diverse vineyard site, crafted to express the unique synergy of granite soils and maritime influence. The wine offers a sense of place and energy, celebrating the complexity and finesse that the farm’s terroir brings to each vintage.

Tasting Notes: Aromatic and expressive, the nose reveals layers of oriental spice, bruised plum and perfumed dark fruit. The palate is textured and poised, with vibrant energy and a long, lingering finish. Built for longevity and evolving beauty.

Ready for drinking from 2027 to 2034.

Winemaker: Reenen Borman

Cederberg Black Slate Shiraz 2023

100% Shiraz
Wine of Origin Cederberg

Planted high in the remote Cederberg mountains, this pocket of Shiraz vineyard is a testament to pure terroir expression. Rooted in black slate rocky soils, the site imparts pronounced minerality, firm structure, and a harmonious ripening profile. Crafted exclusively for the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, this Guild debut was produced in small batches with open-top fermentation and matured for 15 months in fine French oak. The result is a cool-climate Shiraz balancing bold intensity with refined elegance.

Tasting Notes: The bouquet unveils delicate dark cherry and ripe berry aromas, intertwined with nuances of black olive tapenade and subtle violet. On the palate, the wine is savoury and polished, framed by powdery tannins and a silky, lingering finish.

Ready for drinking in 4 to 10 years.

Winemaker: David Nieuwoudt

David & Nadia Veiling Chenin blanc 2024

100% Chenin blanc
Wine of Origin Swartland

Our Veiling Chenin blanc bottling is a blend of two Paardeberg dry-land farmed vineyards, both Old Vine Project certified Single Vineyards and bush vines planted in 1981 and 1985 respectively. These vineyards are farmed without any tilling of the soils, planted with cover crops for the winter and mulched as well as composted yearly. During vintage, we harvest more than once from the same vineyard to create various components. Grapes were hand-harvested and chilled in a cooling room overnight before being hand-sorted and whole bunch pressed. Naturally fermented and matured in older 300 litre French oak barrels for 11 months before being blended for bottling.

Tasting Notes: Focused on tension, length and salinity.

Ready for drinking in 5 to 10 years and will age 10 to 15+ years.

Winemaker: David Sadie

De Grendel Wines Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 2023

100% Pinot noir
Wine of Origin Ceres Plateau

From high-altitude vineyards planted on Bokkeveld shale soils, this wine exemplifies the distinctive character of the Ceres Plateau. Crafted partially in whole-cluster style, it delivers a vibrant and authentic expression of red and black fruit.

Tasting Notes: The nose is expressive with red cherry and wild strawberry, elevated by subtle hints of clove and forest floor. Silky tannins and a fine mineral thread weave seamlessly with delicate oak, culminating in an elegant, lingering finish.

Ready for drinking in 10 years.

Winemaker: Charles Hopkins

De Trafford Chenin Blanc S16 2024

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Sourced from 41-year-old bush vines on the Bottelary Hills, this single-block Chenin thrives on deep gravelly (koffieklip) soils enriched with 25% clay. Fermented naturally without added yeast, it matured for 10 months in two 225 litre old French oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered, the wine retains its purest expression.

Tasting Notes: The nose offers nutty aromas intertwined with dried peach, ginger, lemon, and subtle herbal nuances. On the palate, mineral intensity is prominent, complemented by ripe stone fruit, leading to a long, nutty finish.

Ready for drinking now to 2035.

Winemaker: David Trafford

Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Cabernet Sauvignon – Cabernet Franc 2022

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc
Wine of Origin Banghoek – Stellenbosch

From a 24-year-old virus-free vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend captures the true essence of the Banghoek Valley. Matured for 20 months in French oak, it balances ripe fruit intensity with elegant structure.

Tasting Notes: Bright, forward red fruit aromas are complemented by subtle oak spice and violet notes. The palate reveals firm yet delicate tannins, underscoring a refined and balanced finish.

Ready for drinking in 5 to 15 years.

Winemaker: Morné Vrey

Dewaldt Heyns Family Wines CWG Chenin Blanc Reserve 2024

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Swartland

Crafted from a small parcel of dry-land bush vines planted in 1972, this wine is hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed. Fermentation combines natural and selected yeasts, followed by 11 months’ ageing in second-fill 500-litre Hungarian oak.

Tasting Notes: Pale straw in colour, the wine offers vibrant aromas of peach, tropical fruit, pear, ginger, and subtle spice. The palate is full-bodied and creamy, balanced by fresh acidity, mineral clarity, delicate floral notes, and nuanced oak integration.

Ready for drinking by 2030.

Winemaker: Dewaldt Heyns

Dewaldt Heyns Family Wines Saailand Shiraz 2022

100% Shiraz
Wine of Origin Swartland

From an ultra-low-yielding dry-land vineyard planted on south-facing, deep red clay-rich soils, this wine is crafted in open-top fermenters with 10% whole-bunch inclusion. It was matured for 20 months in French oak, enhancing its complexity and structure.

Tasting Notes: The bouquet reveals prominent dark fruit complemented by subtle red cherry and delicate violet nuances, underscored by hints of dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with firm yet approachable tannins, leading to a long, elegant finish.

Ready for drinking by 2031.

Winemaker: Dewaldt Heyns

Ernie Els Wines CWG 2022

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

Louis has walked the long road with Ernie since the brand’s inception during 1999 and has been the father to each and every wine produced. He has continued to distinguish himself as an exceptionally gifted winemaker. His understanding of the terroir and performance levels of the vineyards has been a key ingredient to the success of his wines. Ernie Els CWG 2022 offers the best of the Helderberg – the cornerstone of Ernie Els Wines and the Louis Strydom vision.

Tasting Notes: Dark crimson, rich and layered with herbs, floral notes, musk, and spice. Full-bodied with silky texture, bold fruit, bright acidity, and savoury depth. Intense, elegant, and built to age.

Ready for drinking by 2030.

Winemaker: Louis Strydom

Frans K. Smit Lamed 2021

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

A distinctive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, all planted in 2003 at altitudes between 200 and 240 metres on a north-west facing slope. The Helderberg vineyard, located just 8km from the sea, enjoys ocean views. Select parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon were re-trellised at age 12 to ensure more even ripening.

Tasting Notes: Rich and complex, this wine offers a seamless, velvety texture with layered aromas of red currant and cacao. Its inky density – reflective of a high percentage of Petit Verdot – marks it as a wine destined for greatness.

Ready for drinking now until 2035.

Winemaker: Frans Smit

Graham Beck CWG Extra Brut Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cap Classique 2018

65% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Western Cape

Crafted using whole-bunch handling and a selective pressing programme, this Cap Classique blend sources Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from diverse terroirs including Robertson, Stellenbosch, and Cape Agulhas. Only the finest cuvée fraction was selected after juice settling, with 20% of the Chardonnay fermented in fourth-fill Pièce Champenoise barrels. A uniquely South African sparkling wine.
Tasting Notes: Pale straw in colour, the nose is bright with lemon and lime aromas. Rich brioche notes lead onto the palate, where vibrant cherry and berry characters unfold. The wine displays a layered texture, a creamy finish, and a fine, persistent bead.

Ready for drinking now until 2030.

Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira

Graham Beck CWG Extra Brut Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cap Classique 2019

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

Produced using whole-bunch handling and a selective pressing programme, this Cap Classique draws from a geographically diverse selection of grapes sourced from Robertson, Darling, Stellenbosch, and Cape Agulhas. Only the cuvée fraction was retained after juice settling, with 15% of the Chardonnay fermented in fourth-fill Pièce Champenoise barrels. A sparkling wine uniquely South African.

Tasting Notes: Pale straw in colour, the bouquet is bright with lemon and lime aromas. The palate opens with enticing brioche notes, followed by fresh cherry and berry flavours. A layered texture leads to a creamy finish, supported by a fine, persistent bead.

Ready for drinking now until 2032.

30 Cases of this wine were sold on the 2024 auction

Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira

Jordan Wine Estate CWG Chardonnay 2024

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This benchmark Chardonnay from the oldest vineyards on Jordan Wine Estate is traditionally made according to classic Burgundian winemaking techniques. Intensely concentrated lemon-lime flavours and slow fermentation in 228 litre French oak barrels for 12 months have resulted in a reserve style wine with a new world twist. Quartzite veins through the 600 million-year-old granite substrata provide the backbone for the classic mineral flavours.

Tasting Notes: An iconic Chardonnay with intense mineral, lemon-lime flavours and hints of butterscotch and vanilla. The full, rich mouthfeel and balanced oak integrates superbly with the tropical fruit finish.

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

Winemaker: Gary Jordan

Kershaw Wines Ziggurat Chardonnay 2024

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: Lucerne flowers, satsuma and citrus on the nose. Flinty, poised palate with lemon, orange, spice and peat over lemon curd. Elegant, vivid and chalky, with a long, tingling finish.

Ready for drinking 2027 to 2032.

Winemaker: Richard Kershaw

Kershaw Wines Vertiginous Pinot Noir 2023

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 ageability of this wine.

Tasting Notes: Floral nuances, almond pip, and sour cherry notes are underpinned by a subtle oak impression, leading to a vivid fruit expression with powdery tannins, juicy acidity, and an expansive finish.

Ready for drinking 2027 to 2032.

Winemaker: Richard Kershaw

Le Riche CWG Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Selected from our two premier vineyards for the 2022 vintage, this blend draws linearity and finesse from Simonsberg fruit, while the Firgrove vineyard contributes power and depth. Notably, Stellenbosch soils are youngest on the mountain slopes and oldest in the foothills – a reflection of the region’s geological history, with the mountains a relatively recent feature. Cooling oceanic breezes moderate the terroir, creating ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting Notes: Aromatic with cherry, fresh plum, blackberry, and violet, the palate offers vibrant red and black fruit pastilles accented by hints of spearmint. These flavours unfold seamlessly alongside balanced acidity, polished finegrained tannins, and a subtle underlying weight.

Ready for drinking from 2030 to 2035 and beyond.

Winemaker: Christo le Riche

Lismore Estate Vineyards Valkyrie Chardonnay 2024

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Greyton

Samantha O’Keefe is the pioneer of Wine of Origin Greyton. This Chardonnay exemplifies that unique, extreme cool-climate definition of the steep, dry-land farmed, mountain vineyards. Whole bunch pressed and settled overnight, the wine was fermented with natural yeast and matured on the lees for 11 months. It aged without stirring in 500-litre French oak barrels, 25% of which were new.

Tasting Notes: Concentrated aromas of dried lemon, orange blossom, and toasted pine nuts. The palate is well-balanced, with intense stone fruit and grilled lime with a citrus, saline, mineral-driven finish.

Ready for drinking in 5 to 15 years.

Winemaker: Samantha O’Keefe

Lismore Estate Vineyards The Sheltering Sky Syrah 2023

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Elgin

An extreme cool-climate Syrah, grown on shale and iron, which 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. Natural yeast ferment with 100% whole cluster and extended maceration, ageing in a 500 litre 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

Luddite Wines Square Dog Grenache 2024

100% Grenache Noir
Wine of Origin Bot River

Produced in small batches, this Grenache showcases a vibrant, pure fruit expression, enhanced by ageing in old wood. Crafted in a lighter, easy-drinking style, as the vines mature, the quality just continues to get better.

Tasting Notes: Bright ruby in colour, the nose offers freshly crushed red fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg, and subtle floral perfume. The palate opens softly with bold red fruit and spice, finishing long, dry, and refreshing, balanced by elegant fruit and tannins.

Ready for drinking now and the next 10 years

Winemaker: Niels Verburg

Miles Mossop Wines Maximilian 2018

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

The grapes originated 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 single vineyard wine expressing the true nature of its origin.

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.

Drinking beautifully now and will continue to do so for a further 5 to 10 years.

50 Cases of this wine were sold on the 2021 auction.

Winemaker: Miles Mossop

Miles Mossop Wines Maximilian 2019

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

A single Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard from the Helderberg blended with a small amount of Petit Verdot and Merlot for complexity. Picked at a ripeness to express the density and structure typical of this part of Stellenbosch while retaining freshness. Naturally fermented in a small wooden open top fermenter, then matured in 225 litre French oak barriques for 20 months, 46% being new.

Tasting Notes: Intense aromas of cassis and bramble fruit emanate from the glass with underlying notes of tobacco, cedar and toast. The palate mirrors the nose with a dry textured finish and lingering freshness.

Drinking beautifully now and will continue to do so for a further 5 to 10 years.

60 Cases of this wine were sold on the 2022 auction.

Winemaker: Miles Mossop

Mullineux ‘The Gris’ Old Vine Sémillon 2024

100% Sémillon Gris
Wine of Origin Swartland

An extremely rare variety, Sémillon Gris is a uniquely South African phenomenon. In the mid-1800s, it accounted for nearly 40% of all vineyards in the country. This wine originates from a heritage vineyard planted in 1960 on the granite slopes of the Paardeberg. Cuttings from this site were carefully propagated over a decade, culminating in the replanting of South Africa’s first officially recognised Sémillon Gris at our regeneratively farmed, certified organic Roundstone estate.

Tasting Notes: 65 years ago, Chubby Checker popularised The Twist, the first Weather Satellite was launched, Bono was born, the laser was invented, JFK was elected US president, a loaf of bread cost 9 cents, and this vineyard was planted on the Granite slopes of the Paardeberg. This exquisite, fresh and textured representation of Sémillon Gris was fermented using only indigenous yeast which further represents its terroir.

It is a luxury to grow old and this wine links the past with the future, so when you do enjoy it, please play “Stay” by Maurice Williams, written in 1960.

Winemaker: Andrea Mullineux

Neil Ellis Wines Amper Bo Tempranillo 2021

100% Tempranillo
Wine of Origin Bottelary, Stellenbosch

Only the third vintage to be offered on the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, this wine follows the pioneering 2015 Amper Bo Tempranillo – the first 100% Tempranillo ever presented. While Tempranillo is classically medium-bodied, its remarkable tannin structure provides exceptional ageing potential, making it a rare and compelling addition to the Guild’s offering.

Tasting Notes: A subtle nose reflecting dark and red cherries, violets, dried herbs and wet tobacco leading into a leathery finish. The palate is dense and complex with fine-grained tannins, packed with dark berries and plum, which unfolds with great length.

Ready to drink now until 2035.

Winemaker: Warren Ellis

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Sandford Chardonnay 2023

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

Sourced from the finest single-vineyard Chardonnay site at Newton Johnson, this wine captures the clarity and energy that granite soils and a cool maritime climate impart. Now approaching 16 years of age, the vineyard delivers increasing complexity and depth. Crafted with a natural approach—no added yeast, enzymes, bentonite, or sulphur until bottling—only the finest free-run juice from whole-bunch pressing is used. The 2023 vintage offered a generous crop with cool, extended ripening conditions.

Tasting Notes: Layered citrus aromas of yuzu and lime unfold alongside white flowers, baking spice, crushed stones, and gunflint. The plush, compact texture is driven by mineral vitality and finishes with precision and length.

Ready to drink in 3 to 8 years.

Winemaker: Gordon Newton Johnson

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Windansea Pinot Noir 2023

100% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Windansea is one of Newton Johnson’s most expressive single-vineyard sites, renowned for its generosity and layered texture. Named for its sweeping ocean views and exposure to coastal winds, this cuvée is harvested separately from the stony eastern section of the vineyard. The wine reflects the influence of heavier granitic clay soils on the estate’s highest slopes. Crafted naturally, with no additions of sulphur until after malolactic fermentation, and no yeast, fining, or filtration.

Tasting Notes: Succulent blackberry and rich red currant aromas are layered with notes of fennel, warm spice, and freshly turned earth. The palate is generous yet composed, supported by a seamless tannin structure and a persistent, chalky finish.

Ready to drink in 5 to 10 years.

Winemaker: Gordon Newton Johnson

Paul Clüver Family Wines The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2024

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Elgin

Sourced from the first commercial Chardonnay vineyard planted in Elgin in 1987, this wine holds Certified Heritage Vineyard status from the Old Vine Project. Crafted with a minimal intervention philosophy – no added yeast or enzymes and whole-bunch pressed to preserve clarity and texture. Natural fermentation and settling reveal a pure expression of Elgin’s cool-climate terroir.

Tasting Notes: Elegant and textured, with layered aromas of oatmeal, vanilla pod, citrus, and raw honey. The palate unfolds with white citrus richness, a saline edge, and refreshing tannins, concluding with a long, mineral-driven finish.

Ready to drink now until 2035.

Winemaker: Andries Burger

Raats Family Wines Fountain Terroir Specifific Chenin Blanc 2024

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch

This wine is an expression of Bruwer Raats’s lifelong passion for and sustained focus on Chenin Blanc. Selected from a dedicated old vineyard in Polkadraai Hills Stellenbosch, this wine tells the story of the unique decomposed granite soil of this ward and reflects the family’s mastery of this variety. Fountain Terroir Specific Chenin Blanc is the first Chenin Blanc made by Bruwer for the CWG from a small portion of the Fountain Block vineyard identified as consistently yielding exceptional quality. Three barrels are produced from each vintage, whereafter the best barrel is selected for the CWG Auction.

Tasting Notes: Made from vines from the revered Fountain Block vineyard in Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, this wine is complex, rich and textural, showing quince, yellow apple, mandarin orange and honeyed peaches. The palate is focused, fresh and pure with lovely mid-palate tension, textural concentration and a lingering wet stone minerality.

Ready to drink in the next 5 – 10 years.

Winemaker: Bruwer Raats

Raats Family Wines Stella Nova Cabernet Franc 2021

100% Cabernet Franc
Wine of Origin Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch

This wine is an expression of Bruwer Raats’s lifelong passion for and sustained focus on Cabernet Franc. A barrel selection of our best Cabernet Franc vineyards, high up on the slopes of Vlaeberg Mountain, Polkadraai Hills Stellenbosch. Crafted exclusively for the CWG, Stella Nova Cabernet Franc 2021 intricately tells the story of the unique granite terroir of this ward.

Tasting Notes: A plush dark fruit palate with blue and black berry fruits, sweet cherry tobacco, and hints of graphite. This elegant expression of Cabernet Franc 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 to drink in the next 5 – 15 years.

Winemaker: Bruwer Raats

Rall Wines Noa Syrah 2023

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Swartland

Crafted from the finest section of my top vineyard – an exceptionally low-yielding site producing just 1 ton per hectare. Planted on schist soils with the highest concentration of quartz, this parcel delivers remarkable natural extract at low potential alcohol. No new oak was used, allowing the purity of site and structure to shine through.

Tasting Notes: Concentrated black and purple fruits are layered with notes of fynbos and black tea. The palate is dense and firmly structured, promising graceful evolution over decades.

Ready to drink 2030 to 2040.

Winemaker: Donovan Rall

Rock of Eye CWG Auction Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

The inaugural vintage of Rock of Eye, guided by instinct honed through experience. This is a distinctive expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2022 vintage. Fruit from Polkadraai brings generosity and juicy tannins, while Simonsberg contributes structure and restraint with its firm, finely grained tannins. Crafted with intuitive precision, this wine reflects both terroir and touch.

Tasting Notes: Vibrant layers of black and red currant are lifted by aromas of graphite, cedar, and wild fynbos. The palate is poised and expressive, with fine tannin detail and a polished, enduring finish.

Ready to drink now until 2037.

40 Cases of this wine were sold on the 2024 auction.

Winemaker: Coenie Snyman

Savage Wines Auction Syrah 2023

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Coastal

Syrah that embodies elegance and purity, reflecting granitic soil in a maritime environment. Grapes are processed mostly as whole bunches with gentle extraction before ageing in old oak. Production takes place in the heart of Cape Town on the Salt Riviera.

Tasting Notes: Red fruit, white pepper, violets and plums, all complemented by notes of black olives and herbs.

Ready to drink in 5 to 8 years.

Winemaker: Duncan Savage

Silverthorn Wines ‘Mad As The Mist And Snow’ Brut Nature Cap Classique 2019

85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Robertson

Following ten acclaimed vintages of Big Dog, Silverthorn presents its first Brut Nature – ‘Mad as the Mist and Snow’- with less than 3g/l residual sugar. The Chardonnay, from a 34-year-old block planted in 1991, is 100% barrel fermented and aged to develop depth and complexity. Set on ancient shale and limestone soils dating back 400 million years, this wine expresses the unique terroir of Robertson.

Tasting Notes: An enticing bouquet of citrus peel, white fruit, and roasted almonds. The palate is elegantly dry, featuring a fine mousse and a lingering, nutty finish.

For optimal enjoyment drink from 2026 onwards.

Winemaker: John Loubser

Solo Wines Auction Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This exclusive wine was made from one of the best parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Bottelary area of Stellenbosch. Only two barrels were produced, all to be sold via auction, exclusively over two days in early October 2025. The 2023 CWG Cabernet Sauvignon has the potential to age to its betterment for up to 20 years from vintage.

Tasting Notes: Subtle nuances of cedary oak, black and red berry fruits, cigar box and oak vanilla are all evident on the bouquet. The palate expresses traits of the 2023 vintage – elegance, subtle feel and delicate structure. Berry fruit flavours dominate the flavour profile, also exhibiting a luscious, velvet-smooth mouthfeel. Seamless, fine tannins gently finish the wine.

Ready to drink 3-20 years from vintage date.

Winemaker: Carl Schultz

Storm Wines Bokkeveld Shale Pinot Noir 2023

100% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Grown on low-yielding Bokkeveld shale soils, cooled by the maritime influence of the Atlantic Ocean. A unique single vineyard expression, a true reflection of terroir crafted with minimal intervention. Matured in carefully selected French oak barrels, honouring the characteristics of the wine’s terroir. Produced in exceptionally low volumes, highlighting the wine’s uniqueness and quality traits.

Tasting Notes: An aromatic bouquet of floral perfumes complemented by subtle spicy wood undertones. The palate reveals fine-grained, silky tannins and impressive length, culminating in a long, lingering finish.

Ready for drinking in 3 to 10 years.

Winemaker: Hannes Storm

Storm Wines Bokkeveld Shale Chardonnay 2023

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

Grown on low-yielding Bokkeveld shale soils, cooled by the maritime influence of the Atlantic Ocean. A unique single vineyard expression, a true reflection of terroir crafted with minimal intervention. Matured in carefully selected French oak barrels, honouring the characteristics of the wine’s terroir. Produced in exceptionally low volumes, highlighting the wine’s uniqueness and quality traits.

Tasting Notes: Crisp citrus minerality with underlying subtle spice from oak. White pear aromas unfold gracefully on the palate, leading to a long, lingering finish that completes this complex and focused wine.

Ready for drinking in 3 to 10 years.

Winemaker: Hannes Storm

Strydom Family Wines The Game Changer Cabernet Franc – Merlot 2021

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

For three consecutive years, this unique blend has been exclusively crafted for the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction. Produced from a single 300 litre barrel, only 276 bottles are available worldwide. Inspired by time spent in Saint-Émilion, this wine marries the classic pairing of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, reflecting both tradition and personal passion.

Tasting Notes: A full-bodied wine balanced by vibrant acidity and a smooth finish. Cabernet Franc lends red fruit and spicy nuances, while Merlot contributes rich black fruit and chocolate undertones, resulting in a harmonious and elegant blend.

Ready for drinking now until 2030.

Winemaker: Rianie Strydom

Strydom Family Wines Paradigm 2022

56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This is the first time since 2016 that this blend has been made for the CWG Auction. It was created specifically for the auction and does not form part of our usual portfolio. One 300-litre barrel was made from small volumes from individually selected barrels after 12 months in oak. The blend was then matured for another 6 months before bottling. The total time in barrel was 18 months, with 50% new oak.

Tasting Notes: The Cabernet Sauvignon gives good structure and length. The Cabernet Franc adds the freshness, red fruit and herb flavours. The Petit Verdot brings the darker berry notes and depth as a final touch.

Ready for drinking now until 2030

Winemaker: Rianie Strydom

Warwick Auction Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Simonsberg – Stellenbosch

Crafted from the two best-performing vineyards on Warwick Estate over the past decade. The Cabernet Franc (clone 623B) was planted in 2008, and the Cabernet Sauvignon (clone 46A) in 2012. These vineyards consistently produce fruit of exceptional character and depth.

Tasting Notes: A dark and brooding nose reveals layers of cassis, dark berries, lavender and spice. The palate is broad and structured, with tightly knit tannins framing concentrated dark berry flavours. The finish is long, textured and compelling.

Ready for drinking from 2030 – 2035.

Winemaker: JD Pretorius

Thorne & Daughters Sand Castles 2024

69% Sémillon, 31% Sauvignon Blanc
Wine of Origin Olifantsrivier and Swartland

This wine is John’s first CWG Auction wine. The wine marries John’s fascination with classic, Old-World wines and the wildness of our dryland Paardeberg Sémillon and Skurfberg Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in the Western Cape. The 2024 vintage gave us the ripeness and concentration we could use as a backbone for this elegant and intricate wine. Meticulous and minimalist winemaking allowed for complexity and age-worthiness over stark, primary fruit.

Tasting Notes: Notes of ripe yellow fruit, struck match, oak spice and saline elements on the nose. The wine is dense, voluminous and layered on the palate without carrying unnecessary weight.

Ready for drinking from 2026 – 2036.

Winemaker: John Seccombe