Cape Winemakers Guild

AA Badenhorst Family Wines Akkerbos Grenache Blanc 2025

100% Grenache Blanc
Wine of Origin Swartland

After a decade of farming this vineyard, this marks the first vintage deemed worthy of being bottled as a standalone expression. Situated on an east-facing slope, the site is characterised by deep granite soils underpinned by clay-rich subsoils, lending both structure and a distinctive sense of place to the wine.

Tasting Notes: Grenache Blanc is a grape variety that possesses, inherent in its make-up, the ability to immerse and assimilate its terroir – in this case the terroir of Kalmoesfontein farm, Akkerbos vineyard, Swartland. Expressed humbly and unobstructed by human hands. It’s pure and transparent. Not opulent and exotic. It’s the flavour and texture of a place farmed with respect and sensitivity.

Ready for drinking in 5 to 20 years.

Winemaker: Adi Badenhorst

Ataraxia Under the Gavel Chardonnay 2025

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

Ataraxia Under the Gavel Chardonnay stands apart for its single-vineyard Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge origin and unconventional “black” (hyper-oxidative) winemaking approach. Crafted exclusively for the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, it is spontaneously fermented without malolactic fermentation or bâtonnage, preserving crystalline minerality, vibrant natural acidity and remarkable precision. A Chardonnay of purity, tension and terroir expression, with exceptional ageing potential.

Tasting Notes: An assured expression of Ataraxia’s terroir, this wine reveals layers of citrus blossom and lemon curd that unfold over subtle oak spice. The palate is defined by saline minerality and taut acidity, culminating in a long, precise finish of remarkable finesse.

Ready for drinking now until at least 2035.

Winemaker: Kevin Grant

Bartho Eksteen Wine Estate Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc – Op Hout 2025

100% Sauvignon Blanc
Wine of Origin Cape South Coast

VLOEKSKOOT Sauvignon Blanc is a true outlier. Sourced from Cape Agulhas and Hemel-en-Aarde, it is naturally fermented in concrete egg and neutral oak with a wild yeast strain unique to our cellar. Twice named South Africa’s Sauvignon Blanc of the Year, it has earned regular 95+ ratings from Tim Atkin MW and Platter’s. Jancis Robinson MW ranked it the top white wine in Hemel-en-Aarde, calling it “fresher than Pessac-Léognan” – a wine of tension, longevity and Cape identity.

Tasting Notes: Expressive notes of orchard fruit, citrus zest and mineral salt, reflecting its proximity to the ocean. Natural acidity and pristine fruit bring balance and depth to the palate, while also contributing to the wine’s impressive ageing potential. A benchmark Sauvignon Blanc, it combines freshness, purity and a strong sense of place.

Patience will reward you richly. Delay the pleasure and enjoy this wine with increasing interest for 10 years or more after harvest.

Winemaker: Bartho Eksteen

Beaumont Family Wines GG’s Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2025

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Bot River

The grapes used to produce this wine come from our oldest Chenin Blanc vineyard, planted in 1974. The name GG refers to several elements that are closely tied to the farm and its history. Most notably, the previous owners used their initials, G and G, on their labels. They were pioneer winemakers long before the Overberg, Walker Bay and Bot River regions became recognised wine-growing areas. We estimate that their winemaking activities spanned from the 1930s through to the late 1960s. During this time, they used the railway line running behind the cellar to transport their wine to market, creating a lasting connection between the farm, its heritage and the GG name.

Tasting Notes: The wine displays sherbet-fresh lemon and lime aromas, complemented by a delicately floral character and very well-integrated oak. A zesty entry on the palate brings energy and freshness, leading to a long and intense palate. A hint of sweetness beautifully polishes the acid, creating a harmonious balance and an impressively persistent finish.

Winemaker: Sebastian Beaumont

Beaumont Family Wines Hope Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2025

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Bot River

This is a single-vineyard wine from our second oldest Chenin Blanc vineyard planted in 1978. This and GG’s vineyard make up our benchmark Hope Marguerite wine. Hope Vineyard is known for bringing edge and focus to the blend. Our shale soils and Bot River terroir contribute to the purity and focus of the wine.

Tasting Notes: The wine reveals green melon, quince and apple on the nose, supported by a beautifully balanced acidity. The palate is textured and saline, with a long, lingering expression, while a hint of cookie dough adds subtle complexity to a generous and broad palate.

Winemaker: Sebastian Beaumont

Beeslaar CWG Pinotage 2024

100% Pinotage
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This was a beautiful vintage for Pinotage from Stellenbosch. We grow low-yielding Pinotage in bush vines, with almost no irrigation. The expression that we get from shale soils in the Stellenbosch region has a unique character that is much more feminine than normal.

Tasting Notes: A full-bodied Pinotage with structure and elegance. It has floral and black cherries on the nose, which carry through to dark chocolate and Asian spice on the palate, and end in a savoury finish.

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar

Boschkloof CWG Auction Epilogue Syrah 2024

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Grown on beautiful, decomposed granite soils with a maritime influence from False Bay, this Syrah is a selection from a single 400 litre second-fill barrel. The fruit, perfume, texture and elegant oaking complement each other beautifully, resulting in a wine of harmony, balance and refinement.

Tasting Notes: The wine displays an abundance of perfumed violets and dried lavender, beautifully complemented by oriental spices. The palate is elegantly textured, with lovely energy and purity carrying through to the finish. It is undeniably Syrah in character and expression.

Ready for drinking from 2029 to 2034.

Winemaker: Reenen Borman

Cederberg Black Slate Shiraz 2024

100% Shiraz
Wine of Origin Cederberg

Planted high in the remote and isolated vineyards in the Cederberg mountains, this 0.5 hectare pocket of Shiraz is a true expression of pure, disease and virus free terroir. Rooted in distinctive black slate soils, the vineyard produces fruit with pronounced minerality, a firm tannin structure, and balanced ripening. Crafted exclusively for the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, this 2024 release builds on the success of its debut vintage. Small-batch, open-top fermentation and maturation for 15 months in selected French oak barrels, preserve the vineyard’s unique character while enhancing complexity and refinement. The result is a cool-continental Shiraz that combines intensity with elegance, showcasing the distinctive personality of this exceptional mountain site.

Tasting Notes: The wine reveals aromas of black cherry and mulberry, which unfold alongside notes of black olive and white pepper. The palate is savoury and layered with brooding dark fruit, supported by fine tannins that provide structure and poise. Freshness and restrained power are beautifully balanced, while a gentle floral lift adds complexity and elegance to the finish.

Ready for drinking in 4 to 10 years.

Winemaker: David Nieuwoudt

David & Nadia Veiling Chenin blanc 2025

100% Chenin blanc
Wine of Origin Swartland

Two adjacent vineyards, Plat’bos (granite) and Skaliekop (lateral shale), are both situated in the Paardeberg and registered as single vineyards. These dry-land farmed bush vines were planted in 1981 and 1985 respectively. We farm the soils biologically which includes the making and adding of our own compost, mulching around the vines and cover crop planting before the winter which are rolled flat with a crimper prior to budding in Spring. Swartland is a coastal region and although we are located 55 kilometres away from the West Coast, the predominant South-Easter wind causes evaporation against which we farm to retain moisture in our marginal soils. Our vineyards are sprayed organically and harvested on multiple dates to obtain freshness, tension, salinity and age-worthiness. Made as pure as possible and aged in older barrels before being blended and bottled.

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

David Finlayson Wines Sleepless Nights Grenache Noir 2024

100% Grenache Noir
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Made from a vineyard on one of the neighbouring properties, this site has intrigued me for many years with its cooler southwest aspect and very low-vigour soils. I grabbed the opportunity when it became available to make a special wine from these grapes that could showcase the potential of Grenache in Stellenbosch, where it has not yet made a name for itself.

Tasting Notes: The wine shows an opaque, crimson colour that belies the taut, fine tannin structure. In the glass, it opens to showcase bright red fruit and a crunchy freshness that is so typical of the varietal.

Ready for drinking in 2030.

Winemaker: David Finlayson

De Grendel Rietfontein Syrah 2023

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Ceres Plateau

This wine, grown on the high-altitude Ceres Plateau, shows layers of blackberry, violet and cracked pepper with subtle herbal notes. The palate is focused and refined, with vibrant acidity, mineral tension and finely grained tannins. This limited Guild release balances power and precision, capturing the distinctive character of its rugged terroir and offering excellent ageing potential.

Tasting Notes: The nose is expressive with blackberry, violet and cracked pepper aromas. The palate is focused, with mineral tension, vibrant acidity and fine tannins, finishing long and refined.

Ready for drinking in 2027.

Winemaker: Charles Hopkins

De Grendel West Side Merlot 2024

100% Merlot
Wine of Origin Cape Town

Crafted from the oldest Merlot vineyard on the western slopes of the Tygerberg Hills, where cooling ocean breezes preserve freshness and refine ripening. Produced in limited quantities for the CWG Auction, this maritime-influenced wine combines elegance with precision. Aromas of ripe cherry, graphite and violet lead to a supple yet structured palate, layered with silky tannins, subtle oak, and a lingering finish of fynbos and dark chocolate.

Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, graphite and violet aromas with cedar spice. Silky tannins, cassis, fynbos and dark chocolate create an elegant, age-worthy wine.

Ready for drinking in 2027.

Winemaker: Charles Hopkins

De Trafford Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cinsaut
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This is a selection of our two best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon from our Elevation 393 vineyard, located 393 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Helderberg. The addition of 15% Cinsaut from our bush vines at the top of the same vineyard allows the Cabernet to relax and express itself. High vine density, low yields and farming close to nature gives us intense wines with structure to age for decades and a unique charm.

Tasting Notes: The wine shows a bright dark red colour, with an intense nose of blackcurrant and red berries, lifted by spicy new oak notes. It also reveals subtle fruitcake and herbaceous fynbos character. The palate is youthful and structured, designed for long-term ageing, with a dusty texture and a long finish.

Ready for drinking now to 2040.

Winemaker: David Trafford

De Trafford Chenin Blanc L17 2025

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

A single barrel selection from a 39-year-old Chenin Blanc vineyard on the lower slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, 8 kilometres from the sea, this wine is made from low-yielding vines producing just 4 tons per hectare, resulting in a rich, concentrated wine of distinction. The grapes are pressed by hand in a traditional basket press and naturally yeast fermented in a neutral 400 litre barrel. The wine is bottled unfiltered.

Tasting Notes: The wine shows a light-yellow colour, with a rich nose of lemon skin, dried apricot and honey, lifted by notes of nuts and spices such as nutmeg. The palate is complex and dense, showing nutty, lemon skin and apricot flavours, leading to a long, dry, nutty finish.

Ready for drinking now to 2032.

Winemaker: David Trafford

Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Banghoek, Stellenbosch

Sourced from a 25-year-old virus-free vineyard, this Cabernet Franc dominant blend captures the unique character and sense of place of the Banghoek Valley. The maturity of the vines, combined with the distinctive terroir of this remarkable site, contributes to a wine of depth, elegance and complexity.

Tasting Notes: The wine displays bright red fruit aromas with hints of cedar and spice. The palate is clean and crisp, with soft, elegant tannins and a well-integrated, gentle fruit finish that lingers gracefully.

Ready for drinking in 5 to 15 years.

Winemaker: Morné Vrey

Dewaldt Heyns Family Wines Saailand Shiraz 2024

100% Shiraz
Wine of Origin Swartland

This wine originates from an ultra-low-yielding dry-land vineyard, where naturally limited production contributes to concentration and character. The vines are grown on south-facing, deep red clay-rich soils, providing the foundation for depth and structure. The wine is made in open-top fermenters with 10% whole-bunch fermentation and is matured in French oak for 18 months, allowing complexity, texture and balance to develop over time.

Tasting Notes: The wine displays prominent dark fruit flavours, complemented by subtle red cherry and delicate violet notes. The palate is full-bodied, with firm yet accessible tannins providing structure and balance and a long finish.

Ready for drinking by 2035.

Winemaker: Dewaldt Heyns

Erika Obermeyer Wines Auction Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
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. Proximity to the cold Atlantic Ocean ensures slow ripening, while persistent winds control vigour, yielding small, concentrated berries with ripe tannins. The cool 2022 vintage allowed extended hang-time, yielding perfect phenolic ripeness, vibrant acidity and superb cellar potential.

Tasting Notes: This is a Cabernet of maritime precision. Red and black fruit, together with cedar and tobacco spice, lead to a concentrated palate of structural depth. Fine, chalky tannins anchor a long, savoury finish. The overall expression is pure and refined.

A wine with extraordinary cellaring potential that will evolve beautifully for 10 to 15 years.

Winemaker: Erika Obermeyer

Erika Obermeyer Wines Silver Linings 2023

65% Syrah, 17% Grenache Noir, 12% Cinsault, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Coastal

Sourced from Firgrove, Wellington, and Agter-Paarl, this 2023 vintage showcases a concentrated profile. A cool, measured season allowed for slow ripening, with a timeous harvest ahead of the March rains preserving pristine acidity and vibrant fruit. Syrah adds spiced red berry fruit and structure, while Grenache Noir lends elegance and silken fruit. Cinsault contributes brightness and acidity, anchored by Cabernet Sauvignon for complexity, length, and a resonant finish.

Tasting Notes: An elegant red blend of remarkable intensity and freshness. Alluringly perfumed with cherries, wild berries, fynbos, spice and black olives. The multi-layered palate offers a silky and textured finish.

This wine will cellar beautifully for up to 10 years.

Winemaker: Erika Obermeyer

Ernie Els CWG 2023

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 2023 offers the best of the Helderberg – the cornerstone of Ernie Els Wines and the Louis Strydom vision.

Tasting Notes: The wine is a dark crimson, full-bodied red with notes of thyme, sage and wood musk. Silken tannins, juicy acidity and dark fruit lead to a complex, balanced, powerful yet refined finish.

Ready for drinking by 2033.

Winemaker: Louis Strydom

Frans K. Smit Sentinel Red 2022

66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

A personal expression of one of South Africa’s most respected cellar masters. Sourced exclusively from mature Helderberg vineyards planted between 2000 and 2003, it reflects a philosophy of respecting what the vineyard gives. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot unite in a wine of harmony, depth and age-worthiness, with the Helderberg’s chalky granite soils lending a distinctive mineral edge.

Tasting Notes: The wine displays a deep ruby colour, with aromas of cassis, dark cherry, cedar and graphite. The palate is poised and polished, with fine tannins, a fresh lift and a long, savoury finish. Elegant, structured and age-worthy, it is a wine that will reward careful cellaring.

Ready for drinking 15 to 20 years from production.

Winemaker: Frans Smit

Frans K. Smit Sentinel White 2025

67% Sauvignon Blanc, 33% Sémillon
Wine of Origin Coastal

Sourced from cool, maritime-influenced vineyards on the Tygerberg slopes, this wine reflects both place and precision. Slow ripening preserved freshness while building layered flavour. Sauvignon Blanc brings energy and aromatic lift, while Sémillon adds depth and texture. Gentle lees ageing and restrained oak handling enhance complexity without excess, resulting in a poised, age-worthy white blend of balance, finesse and quiet power.

Tasting Notes: Tygerberg-grown Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon unite freshness, texture and mineral finesse. Slow-ripened fruit, subtle oak and lees ageing shape a poised, age-worthy white blend.

Ready for drinking now to 2036.

Winemaker: Frans Smit

Hamilton Russell Vineyards CWG Chardonnay 2025

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

This is my maiden vintage for the CWG and the first from Hamilton Russell Vineyards since 2003. The wine is a combination of three barrels from one of my favourite vineyards. It is sourced from Dijon clone 96, planted at 140 metre elevation, 2.7 kilometres from the cold Atlantic Ocean, in iron-rich Bokkeveld shale soil. Fermentation took place in custom-made 300 litre French oak barrels and was followed by 11 months of élevage. Throughout the year, the wine was topped with lees to lend additional richness and texture.

Tasting Notes: Orchard blossoms, white pear and yellow citrus take center stage, with hints of flinty reduction, adding complexity. The palate has a subtle richness and a classic, long, refreshingly saline finish.

Ready for drinking 3 to 5 years after vintage.

Winemaker: Emul Ross

Jordan CWG Chardonnay 2025

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 integrate superbly with the tropical fruit finish.

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

Winemaker: Gary Jordan

Jordan Sophia 2024

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Petit Verdot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

The Sophia is one of South Africa’s benchmark Bordeaux-style blends. The grapes are all estate-grown and are from the best vineyards at Jordan Estate. The Sophia has been rated as having additional secondary international investment potential, as previous vintages have been re-auctioned by Bonhams in the UK. This is the 23rd vintage of the Sophia.

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

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

Winemaker: Gary Jordan

Kaapzicht The Auction 1947 Chenin Blanc 2025

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Bottelary, Stellenbosch

This old bush vine vineyard was planted by Danie’s great-grandfather in 1947. The vineyard has been registered as a single vineyard, making it the second-oldest Chenin Blanc block in the country. Originally 6 hectares in size, only 1.1 hectares of this very low-yielding, unirrigated vineyard remains, continuing to produce fruit of exceptional character and heritage.

Tasting Notes: The wine displays aromatics of delicate citrus peel and orange blossom, followed by deeper notes of untoasted almond. These aromas are underpinned by finely judged oak and flinty reduction, adding complexity and intrigue. The palate is saline, textured and rich, with a depth and persistence that carry through to a long, satisfying finish.

Ready for drinking in 3 to 5 years, ageing for 8 to 10 years under optimal conditions.

Winemaker: Danie Steytler

Keermont Vineyards Where Mountains Meet 2023

40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Keermont Vineyards is located at the meeting point of the Helderberg and the Stellenbosch mountains. This wine is a unique and distinctive blend of what we can produce on the property. It reflects the character of this remarkable site and the diversity of the vineyards which stretch up into the fynbos covered mountains.

Tasting Notes: Bright red in colour, this is a fine grained, elegant blend. Ripe cherries and plums on the nose are complimented by subtle notes of fynbos and candyfloss. The palate has a savoury entry which opens into sweet red fruit with a hint of herbs. A gentle silky structure and fresh natural acidity allow for a clean, lingering finish.

Ready for drinking now until 2036.

Winemaker: Alex Starey

Kershaw Wines Vertiginous Pinot Noir 2024

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: The wine reveals aromas of strawberry and rosehip, which meld seamlessly with notes of spiced raspberry. An inherent richness is woven together by white pepper and balanced by a rhubarb acidity. Framed by fine tannins, a zippy energy carries through the palate to a long, taut finish.

Ready for drinking 2028 to 2033.

Winemaker: Richard Kershaw

Kershaw Wines Ziggurat Chardonnay 2025

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: The wine reveals aromas of white peach, tangerine, laundered linen and Alpine meadows, infused with notes of spice and crushed stones. The palate is delineated by a racy acidity, underscored by a creamy oatmeal richness that brings texture and depth. A long, saline finish completes this poised and expressive wine.

Ready for drinking 2028 to 2033.

Winemaker: Richard Kershaw

Le Riche CWG Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

The Helderberg Coastal area of Stellenbosch has been a core of our production for 29 years. Earlier ripening, duplex soils layered with loam, gravel and clay that are cooled by the False Bay sea breeze. This year I have blended four Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards to showcase the uniqueness of this area.

Tasting Notes: Cloves, spice, cedar and pencil shavings underscore a bouquet of red and black fruit. The wine is fresh, elegant and pure, with a texture that is fine and detailed, lifted by a savoury, long finish.

Ready for drinking from 2030 to 2035 and beyond.

Winemaker: Christo le Riche

Leeu Passant Hillside Cabernet Franc 2023

100% Cabernet Franc
Wine of Origin Franschhoek

Planted on steep, terraced, east-facing slopes of the beautiful Franschhoek Valley, this very special, single-vineyard Cabernet Franc, planted stok-by-paaltjie, has only been released for the Cape Winemakers Guild since we planted it upon beginning Leeu Passant more than a decade ago.

Tasting Notes:
“Belle nuit, ô nuit d’amour Souris à nos ivresses
Nuit plus douce que le jour
Ô,belle nuit d’amour!
Le temps fuit et sans retour
Emporte nos tendresses Loin de cet heureux séjour Le temps fuit sans retour”
“Bacarolle” by Jacques Offenbach

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

Winemaker: Andrea Mullineux

Lismore Child of Venus Viognier 2025

100% Viognier
Wine of Origin Greyton

From a mystical vineyard that produces an ethereal wine. This extreme cool-climate Viognier is the showpiece of Lismore’s terroir. Grown on shale slopes over clay in dry-land farmed vineyards, it displays concentration and a distinctive sense of place. The fruit is whole-bunch pressed and barrel fermented in 300 litre Burgundian barrels, with 20% new oak contributing further complexity and refinement.

Tasting Notes: The wine is rich, lush and decadent. Aromas of honeysuckle, peaches and dried apricots lead into a lingering saline and citrus finish. A clean, fresh acidity supports the extravagance of the nose and the palate, bringing balance and definition throughout.

Ready for drinking in 5 to 15 years.

Winemaker: Samantha O’Keefe

Lismore The Sheltering Sky Syrah 2024

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Elgin

This extreme cool-climate Syrah, grown on iron-rich soils, showcases the diversity of South Africa’s terroir and its potential to produce world-class Syrah across different regions. This vineyard was specifically selected for its distinctive sense of place. The cool growing conditions in Elgin lend the wine elegance and restraint, while the iron soils impart power and depth.

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

Ready for drinking in 10 to 15 years.

Winemaker: Samantha O’Keefe

Luddite Glorious Confusion 2025

Wine of Origin Bot River

Firstly, it is a field blend, and I have always been excited by how the vineyards, over time, tend to develop a symbiosis between the different varietals. The whole inevitably becomes more impressive than the individual parts. The wine is a lot fuller than you would think due to the skin contact, and I believe all the cultivars contribute to a full, rounded wine.

Tasting Notes: The wine shows a light straw colour. The nose reveals hints of fruit medley, with a touch of tropical fruit and a bright floral lift. The palate is vibrant and juicy, long lingering finish.

Ready for drinking now and the next 10 years.

Winemaker: Niels Verburg

Miles Mossop Wines Maximillian 2023

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This wine is a bottling of the best Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard used in the Max blend. The vineyard is situated high in the Polkadraai Hills and is planted in soils of granitic origin. It gives a pure expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are picked at a ripeness that expresses the finesse and purity typical of this part of Stellenbosch while retaining freshness. The wine is naturally fermented in a small wooden open-top vat and matured in 225 litre French oak barrels for 22 months, with 50% new oak.

Tasting Notes: The wine displays aromas of bramble fruits with notes of cocoa, tobacco leaf and dried herbs. The palate is full and rich, showing layers of berry fruits, olive tapenade and spice. Fine granular tannins contribute to the long finish, adding structure and persistence to the wine.

Drinking beautifully now and will continue to do so for a further 10 to 15 years.

Winemaker: Miles Mossop

Mullineux “The Gris” Old Vines Sémillon 2025

100% Sémillon Gris
Wine of Origin Swartland

This is far more than a rare wine – it is a living piece of South African viticultural history. Once dominating the vineyards of the Cape, this natural and genetically unique mutation of Sémillon has been whittled down to just a few vineyards. Andrea, along with industry professionals, has been on a mission to put this heritage variety back on the pedestal it deserves to be on.

After 14 years of genetic isolation and propagation, Sémillon Gris has now been officially recognized as a variety unique enough to bear its own name on the label. This wine comes from the vineyard planted in 1960 on the granite slopes of the Paardeberg – the very site that made certification possible.

Tasting Notes: While enjoying a bottle of this rare wine, listen to Stand By Me by Ben E. King – a song about steadfastness through uncertainty, echoing the resilience of a vineyard that has endured and remained true to itself through six and a half decades of flux and rediscovery.

Winemaker: Andrea Mullineux

Neil Ellis Wines CWG MIS À NU 2022

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch

Mis à Nu – French for ‘laid bare’ – is an unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon from the Jonkershoek Valley. Inspired by the legendary George Spies Cabernets of the 1960s, the wine remains untamed. Without oak to tame or shape it, it offers a pure expression of Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon – one of South Africa’s finest Cabernet terroirs.

Tasting Notes: The wine displays aromas of dark cherry, cassis and violets. The palate is dense and complex, with layers of dark berries and fine-grained tannins leading to a long finish. Untamed and unapologetic, it offers a pure and unadorned expression of Jonkershoek Cabernet.

Ready to drink now until 2036.

Winemaker: Warren Ellis

Neil Ellis Wines Knight in White Satin

100% Tempranillo
Wine of Origin Bottelary, Stellenbosch

Knight in White Satin draws its name from the convergence of story and craft. Tempranillo, Spain’s noble red, carries centuries of history, evoking the Crusades and the knights who rode through Iberian landscapes. Yet here, the wine is transformed by American Oak, also known as ‘White Oak’, whose softer character wraps the bold Spanish variety in something unexpected – satin rather than armour. This is a multi-vintage blend, where time is not a limitation but a tool.

Tasting Notes: A subtle nose reflecting dark and red cherries, violets and herbs. The palate is dense and complex, which unfolds into layers of silky, satin-like texture underpinned by fine, integrated tannins.

Ready to drink now until 2036.

Winemaker: Warren Ellis

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Sandford Chardonnay 2024

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

This wine comes from the best single-vineyard site of Chardonnay on Newton Johnson, illustrating the clarity and energy obtained through our granite soils in a cool, maritime climate. It is an authentic expression of Chardonnay, following a natural winemaking approach with no added yeast, enzymes or bentonite. Only the best-quality first juice fraction is used from the whole-bunch press. The vineyard has reached a mature age of 17 years, while the drier and warmish 2024 vintage has amplified the fruit flavour and concentration of the wine.

Tasting Notes: The wine reveals elaborate citrus fruit layers of yuzu and lime, juxtaposed with white flowers, baking spice, crushed stones and gunflint. The palate displays a plush and compact texture, which is prolonged with vitality in the tapered finish, creating a wine of precision, energy and persistence.

Ready to drink in 3 to 8 years.

Winemaker: Gordon Newton Johnson

Paul Clüver Wines Auction Selection Pinot Noir 2025

100% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Elgin

A rare expression of site, precision and selection. Sourced from meticulously farmed cool-climate vineyards in Elgin, it reflects the depth and tension that define the region’s best Pinot Noir. Careful vineyard selection ensures purity of fruit, while sensitive winemaking preserves finesse and detail. The result is a wine of brightness and structure, where fruit purity is framed by fine tannins.

Tasting Notes: The wine is a bright ruby Pinot Noir, with raspberry, cherry and cranberry fruit, graphite and spice on the nose. The palate is complex, with fine grainy tannins and subtle oak adding depth and structure. A fresh, savoury finish completes the wine, remaining juicy and lingering on the palate.

Ready to drink now until 2036.

Winemaker: Andries Burger

Paul Clüver Wines The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2025

100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Elgin

Sourced from a special south-east-facing vineyard in the Elgin Valley, planted in 1987 and part of the Old Vine Project. This mature, low-yielding site produces naturally concentrated fruit with fine balance and depth. The cool-climate aspect ensures slow ripening, preserving natural acidity and precision while building flavour intensity. Old vines add complexity and a subtle savoury mineral edge.

Tasting Notes: The wine is bright green in colour with a youthful yellow tint. Aromas of yellow citrus and fresh naartjie are layered with savoury sourdough complexity and subtle oak. The palate is refined and textured, leading to a long finish that lingers gracefully.

Ready to drink now until 2036.

Winemaker: Andries Burger

Pieter Ferreira Cap Classique Blanc de Noirs Pinot Noir MCC 2019

100% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Western Cape

Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir sourced from some of the Cape Winelands’ finest vineyard sites, this Blanc de Noirs reflects a deep respect for the region’s exceptional pockets of excellence. The diversity of these carefully selected vineyards contributes to the wine’s remarkable complexity, finesse, and texture, resulting in a distinguished Cap Classique.

Tasting Notes: Delicate and luminous, the wine displays a pale blush-pink hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The bouquet is subtle and elegant, opening with notes of fresh raspberry and sour cherry before developing into richer dark red berry aromas. Beautifully balanced and refined, it is a Cap Classique with excellent ageing potential.

Ready to drink now until 2030.

Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira

Raats Family Wines Fountain Terroir Specific Chenin Blanc 2025

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch

Raats Family Wines’ commitment to Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc has helped shape its modern story, establishing it as one of the world’s foremost authorities on these two remarkable varieties. Fountain Terroir Specific Chenin Blanc, is meticulously selected from distinguished old-vine vineyards in the Polkadraai Hills. Crafted to express the individuality of the terroir, it reveals the precision and mineral complexity for which this ward is renowned.

Tasting Notes: The wine offers a complex nose showing quince, white peach and yellow apple with fenugreek spices that give more dimension alongside the mineral intensity of the wine.

Ready to drink in the next 6 years.

Winemaker: Bruwer Raats

Raats Family Wines Stella Nova Cabernet Franc 2022

100% Cabernet Franc
Wine of Origin Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch

The culmination of Bruwer Raats’ lifelong dedication to mastering Cabernet Franc and selected from a dedicated vineyard planted high on Vlaeberg Mountain in the Polkadraai Hills, Stella Nova Cabernet Franc is crafted exclusively for the Cape Winemakers Guild. It is a benchmark expression of precision, purity and terroir, affirming Bruwer Raats’ place among the world’s most respected Cabernet Franc producers.

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 5 to 15 years.

Winemaker: Bruwer Raats

Rall Wines Noa Syrah 2024

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 2023

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

This is Rock of Eye’s second vintage. Born from experience and shaped through intuition, this wine is a statement of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2023 vintage by Coenie Snyman. The powerful, fruit-driven Polkadraai component brings supple tannins to the blend, while Simonsberg yields austerity and tight, structural grip. Together, these elements form a wine that reflects the power and sophistication of Stellenbosch.

Tasting Notes: The wine displays aromas of cassis, blueberry, mocha and crème brûlée, leading to a lively palate with firm, dry tannins and lead pencil grip. A classic, fresh finish completes the wine. Poised and age-worthy, it carries the structure, harmony and longevity of Stellenbosch.

Ready to drink now until 2038.

Winemaker: Coenie Snyman

Savage Wines Auction Syrah 2024

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Grown on granite soils and crafted using whole-cluster fermentation, this Syrah expresses purity, structure and a distinctive sense of place.

Tasting Notes: The wine reveals aromas of 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 Crazy Diamond Brut Nature Cap Classique 2021

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

At Silverthorn Wines we make a Brut Nature (less than 3g/l residual sugar) exclusively for the CWG auction. This year we present Crazy Diamond. The Chardonnay block used for this wine was planted in 1991. The soils are ancient shale and limestone (400 million years old). The base wines are 100% barrel fermented and aged to enhance complexity.

Tasting Notes: The wine opens with upfront vibrant citrus and a delicate roasted almond aroma. The palate is elegant, with a delicate mousse and a lingering finish. It is a Cap Classique that is complex yet restrained.

Will age beautifully. For optimal enjoyment drink from 2027 onwards.

Winemaker: John Loubser

Solo Wines by Carl Schultz CWG Auction Merlot 2023

100% Merlot
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

Only 400 bottles were produced, marking the very last CWG wine to be made from this unique site, and it concludes the most lengthy and consistent offering of the variety in CWG Auction history. This CWG Merlot is South Africa’s most expensive and exclusive example of the variety. First auctioned at the 1997 CWG Auction.

Tasting Notes: The wine shows classic cherry chocolate notes, mingled with cassis and violet on the bouquet. The palate is quintessential Merlot, all power and grace, with opulent, juicy and perfumed flavours.

Ready to drink 3 to 25 years from vintage date.

Winemaker: Carl Schultz

Storm Wines Bokkeveld Shale Chardonnay 2024

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

Grown on a northern slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, cooled by the maritime influence of the Atlantic Ocean. A unique single vineyard expression, crafted with minimal intervention. Matured in carefully selected French oak barrels, honouring the characteristics of the terroir. The wine was produced in ultra-low volume, highlighting the wine’s uniqueness and scarcity.

Tasting Notes: Crisp citrus minerality with underlying subtle oak spice. White pear aromas unfold gracefully on the palate, leading to a long, lingering finish.

Ready for drinking in 5 to 10 years.

Winemaker: Hannes Storm

Storm Wines Bokkeveld Shale Pinot Noir 2024

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

Grown on an eastern slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, cooled by the maritime influence of the Atlantic Ocean. A unique single vineyard expression, crafted with minimal intervention. Matured in carefully selected French oak barrels, honouring the characteristics of the terroir. The wine was produced in ultra-low volume, highlighting the wine’s uniqueness and scarcity.

Tasting Notes: Poised and elegant with dark berry, floral and spicy notes. Beautifully layered with texture, balance and a long, lingering finish.

Ready for drinking in 5 to 10 years.

Winemaker: Hannes Storm

Strydom Family Wines Paradigm 2023

50% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

In years when Cabernet Franc requires additional support, more varietals are introduced into the blend. The 2023 vintage was one such year, marked by early rains during the harvest season. In this distinctive blend, Cabernet Sauvignon reinforces the elegant tannins of Cabernet Franc while adding structure and depth. Petit Verdot and Malbec contribute freshness and a softer mouthfeel, completing the wine’s balance.

Tasting Notes: The 85% representing the Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon give a good core of chalky freshness and structure. The Petit Verdot and Malbec bring the darker berry notes and depth as a final touch.

Ready for drinking from 2030 to 2035.

Winemaker: Rianie Strydom

Survivor CWG Pinotage 2023

100% Pinotage
Wine of Origin Swartland

The grapes come from my 2nd cousin’s farm in the Swartland, adjacent to the farm where my grandmother was born. The wine comes from 25-year-old dryland vineyards, reflecting both heritage and old-vine character.
Tasting Notes: This deep red coloured wine has intense aromas of dark chocolate, strawberries, fynbos and notes of cinnamon derived from the use of quality oak. The palate is full-bodied and has refined tannins.

Ready for drinking from 2027 to 2031.

Winemaker: Pierre Wahl

Survivor Tarras Doas Cabernet Franc 2023

100% Cabernet Franc
Wine of Origin Tradouw

Grapes come from Tradouw, which means “Tarras Doas” in Khoisan, or “Footpath of the Women”. Khoisan women used to walk barefoot with their children all the way to Witsand to trade goods. Harvest only takes place at the end of March. Dry conditions mean that the vineyard only gets sprayed with fungicides when absolutely necessary.

Tasting Notes: The wine highlights the purity of Tradouw terroir. Red berry aromas are enhanced by a bold intensity of paprika and red bell pepper. Medium-bodied palate with refined tannin on the finish.

Ready for drinking from 2027 to 2035.

Winemaker: Pierre Wahl

Thorne & Daughters Sand Castles 2025

50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Sémillon
Wine of Origin Olifantsrivier and Paardeberg

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 2025 vintage is exceptionally elegant and concentrated. Meticulous and minimalist winemaking allowed for complexity and age-worthiness over stark, primary fruit.

Tasting Notes: Oyster shells, blackcurrant, green plums and a touch of sage lead the aromatics, while a mouth-coating palate shows meringue and almond paste with a hint of nutmeg from deft oaking, set against fresh, zippy ruby grapefruit.

Ready for drinking from 2028 to 2036.

Winemaker: John Seccombe

Van Loggerenberg CWG Auction Chenin Blanc 2025

100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Piekenierskloof

This will be the first ever Piekenierskloof wine on the Auction. This is a single vineyard from a farm called Tierhoek at 750 metres above sea level. Planted in 1977 on Table Mountain Sandstone.

Tasting Notes: Bright stone fruit with beautiful mineral notes on the nose, complemented by a beautiful citrus floral perfume that consistently defines the aromatic profile. The palate has amazing tension and energy, with a long finish.

Ready for drinking from 2028 to 2040.

Winemaker: Lukas van Loggerenberg

Van Loggerenberg CWG Auction Syrah 2025

100% Syrah
Wine of Origin Polkadraai Hills

This wine is grown on south-facing pure granitic soils on the Polkadraai Hills, with strong maritime growing conditions which ensure each vintage produces a wine with great precision, focus and energy. The wine is 100% whole-bunch fermented and aged in 50% new Mittelberger oak and 50% concrete for 11 months.

Tasting Notes: The wine shows haunting notes of perfume with violets and black fruit on the nose, with a hint of pink peppercorns at the back. The palate has a dense dark fruit expression, with finesse and elegance.

Ready for drinking from 2028 onwards.

Winemaker: Lukas van Loggerenberg

Warwick Auction Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

68% Cabernet Franc, 32% 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: Dark, brooding and tightly wound, this is the cool 2023 vintage at its best. The wine reveals rosemary, cassis and dark fruit tension, with a core of dense tannin and a lingering finish.

Ready for drinking from 2030 to 2035.

Winemaker: JD Pretorius