CWG Auction 2016: which wines to taste, what’s most worth bidding for?

CWG Auction 2016 004 (pic, cropped)THE CAPE Winemakers Guild Auctions together with the pre-sale dinners and Showcase tastings are many things to many people… Obviously, they are opportunities to experience and/or collect some of South Africa’s finest and rarest wines from some of the Cape’s top cellars. They are also indicators of what the vintners are particularly passionate about producing or confirmation of what they’re best at, occasionally pointers as to what the future holds when it comes to flagships among the more readily available wines on the market, sometimes forums for experiments of one sort or another.

Of the more intriguing bottles to come under the hammer at the 2016 CWG Auction at Spier on 1 October and being poured at the pre-auction Showcase tastings and dinners in August and September is the ‘Moerse’ Chenin from Beaumont, producers of the Hall-of-Fame ‘Marguerite’. Mullineux have raised eyebrows by listing what they’ve come up with using the humble grape Clairette Blanche. And what to make of Graham Beck’s ‘Non Plus Ultra’ sparkling wine or Silverthorn’s Big Dog bubbly?

The CWG Auction is one of the few places that you can buy the renowned Boekenhoutskloof Syrah by the case. Flagstone’s Bruce Jack has got people talking about The Drift outside Napier – his Kindred blend of Shiraz, Malbec and Barbera should raise the volume. And other wines named such that they just scream ‘try me’ include Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc, Unobtainium Cab Shiraz, Siberia Chardonnay…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT 2016 CWG AUCTION, TASTINGS, DINNERS

Ataraxia Under The Gavel Chardonnay 2015 – 40 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 100 cellars and Top 20 Chardonnay producers. WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Winemaker Kevin Grant’s tasting note: “This wine is Ataraxia’s terroir in a bottle! Signatured by an underlying minerality, it effortlessly manages to be simultaneously intense and subtle. An extraordinarily complex, precise Chardonnay.”

Bartho Eksteen ‘Vloekskoot’ Sauvignon Blanc Wooded 2015 – 44 cases of 6 x 750ml
WO Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Winemaker’s tasting note: “A mélange of orchard fruit, laced with a tangy citrus zest and a hint of mineral salt from the proximity of the vines to the ocean. This wine will age very well. A true benchmark Sauvignon Blanc.”

Beaumont ‘Moerse Moer’ Chenin Blanc 2015 – 40 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 50 cellars and Top 10 Chenin Blanc producers. WO Bot River. Winemaker Sebastian Beaumont’s tasting note: “Aromatic intensity with passion fruit and herbal aromas. Bright colour. Fresh, intense entry onto the palate. Spicy herbal and fruit-driven flavours that linger on a very energetic palate. Young!”

Beyerskloof Traildust Pinotage 2014 – 30 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 50 cellars and Top 20 Red Blend producers. WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Beyers Truter’s tasting note: “Deep, ruby red colour. Rich blackcurrant, dark cherries and cedar oak aromas. A big structured Pinotage with intense dark fruit flavours. A complex middle leads to a smooth, long finish.”

Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Auction Reserve 2014 – 40 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 20 cellars and Top 10 Shiraz producers. WO Swartland; Franschhoek cellar. Winemaker Marc Kent’s tasting note: ” The vibrant nose exudes violets, whiffs of pepper and dark plums. The palate is structured with layers of blue and blackberry fruit, hints of gun flint, lithe tannins and perfume in abundance.”

Boplaas Cape Vintage Auction Reserve 2009 – 30 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 10 Port-style wine producers. WO Western Cape; Calitzdorp cellar. Touriga Naçional, Tinta Barocca, Souzão. Winemaker Carel Nel’s tasting note: “An inky black wine with hints of ripe apricot, dried peach, a mélange of mulling spices, fynbos, intense plum, black hedgerow fruit and liquorice.”

Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah 2014 – 40 cases of 6 x 750ml
WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Jacques Borman’s tasting note: “Perfumed fruit, violets and hints of white pepper aromas show typical characters of the SH99 clone. Firm but fine tannins give this wine a great ageing potential. A ‘must try’ for all Syrah lovers.”

Cederberg ‘Teen Die Hoog’ Shiraz 2014 – 60 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 20 cellars and Top 10 Shiraz producers. WO Cederberg. Winemaker David Nieuwoudt’s tasting note: “The Shiraz shows great fruit intensity of mulberries and blackcurrants with a combination of sweet spice and violets on the nose. A firm, ripe tannin structure on the palate. A wine crafted to last.”

David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner Semillon 2015 – Cederberg Private Cellar, 30 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s top Semillon producers. WO Elim; Cederberg cellar. Winemaker’s tasting note: “Maritime influences in the Elim area give rise to an aromatic Semillon filled with green fig, nettles and dusty dry fynbos on the nose. A crisp and lean minerality on finish.”

De Grendel ‘Op Die Berg’ Pinot Noir 2013 – 24 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 100 cellars and top Pinot Noir producers. WO Ceres Plateau; Durbanville cellar. Winemaker Charles Hopkins’ tasting note: “A lusciously classical Pinot Noir nose greets one, with perfumed dried rose petals in unison with dark maraschino cherry and cranberry fruit, aptly underscored by hints of clove and roasted almonds.”

Edgebaston Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2013 – 60 cases of 6 x 750ml
WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker David Finlayson’s tasting note: “Brooding, deep red colour. Nose of crushed cassis and mulberry fruit with cinnamon spice follow onto the palate. Red fruits are ensconced in fully ripe grape tannins and wood spice.”

Ernie Els CWG 2014 – 70 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 50 cellars. and Top 10 Red Blend producers. WO Stellenbosch. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Winemaker Louis Strydom’s tasting note: “Bold and invigorating from start to finish. A balance of seamless structure and elegant generosity. Black and blueberry notes dance on the nose and with time, floral aromatics are coaxed from the glass.”

Etienne le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Auction Reserve 2013 – 80 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 100 cellars. WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker’s tasting note: “Forthcoming aromas of cassis, plums and cedar. Full bodied with a firm structure and almost sweet fruitiness on the palate. There is great promise for further maturation in the bottle.”

Etienne le Riche Special Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – 36 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 10 Cabernet producers. WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker’s tasting note: “Very typical ripe cherry aromas from a great vintage with an extra savoury dimension emanating from seven years ageing in bottle under ideal conditions. The palate is clean with velvety soft tannins.”

Gottfried Mocke Wine Projects Pinot Noir 2015 – 60 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s top winemakers. WO Coastal; Franschhoek cellar. Winemaker’s tasting note: “Red berry cherry notes with spiciness, slight cured meat nuances, pure fruit and a silky texture.”

Graham Beck Non Plus Ultra Méthode Cap Classique 2008 – 60 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 10 Cap Classique sparkling wine producers. WO Western Cape; Robertson cellar. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 72 months on the lees. Winemaker Pieter Ferreira’s tasting note: “On the nose there are notes of brioche, lemon and crisp apple fruit, with hints of yeast and cashew. Ripe citrus and rich raspberry bursts onto the palate with a gentle mousse and creamy texture.”

Groot Constantia Auction Chardonnay 2015 – 40 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 50 cellars and Top 10 Chardonnay producers. WO Constantia. Winemaker Boela Gerber’s tasting note: “Notes of lemon, white peach and pear with hints of vanilla and butterscotch. On the palate, it shows notes of vanilla and citrus with a fresh acidity at the end.”

Groot Constantia Auction Shiraz 2014 – 40 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 20 Shiraz producers. WO Constantia. Winemaker Boela Gerber’s tasting note: “The wine shows notes of violets with hints of spicy, peppery characters and some gamy, savoury flavours. The perfume and aromatics follow on the palate, balanced by fine tannin and a fresh acidity.”

Hartenberg CWG Auction Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 – 50 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 20 Cabernet producers. WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Carl Schultz’s tasting note: “Vanilla, cassis and cedar on bouquet entry, followed by sour cherry and plum notes. The palate is crammed with crunchy black and red fruit with a richness ending in fine dry, lingering tannins.”

Hartenberg CWG Auction Shiraz 2012 – 60 cases of  6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 50 cellars and Top 10 Shiraz producers. WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Carl Schultz’s tasting note: “The wine shows a black-red coloured centre. Bouquet entry shows initial perfumed notes, then cherry, violets, spice and garrigue. The palate is polished and opulent, ending with fine lingering tannins.”

Jordan Chardonnay Auction Selection 2015 – 60 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 20 cellars and Top 10 Chardonnay producers. WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Gary Jordan’s tasting note: “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.”

Jordan Sophia 2013 – 68 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 10 Red Blend producers. WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Gary Jordan’s tasting note: “Complex, dark chocolate, black cherry and cassis intertwine with rich blackberry fruit and hints of vanilla and spice from the integrated French oak. Densely layered ripe tannins add to the opulent finish.”

Kaapzicht Auction Selection 1947 Chenin Blanc 2015 – 48 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 50 cellars. WO Bottelary, Stellenbosch. Old vines. Winemaker Danie Steytler’s tasting note: “Orange zest, quince, flint and oyster shell. The flavour profile is elegant, yet very broad and powerful. Seamless fruit flows onto the palate that also offers a mineral, saline grip to finish.”

Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2013 – 64 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 20 cellars and Top 10 Red Blend producers. WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch. Winemaker Abrie Beeslaar’s tasting note: “Perfume, red berries and black currant are prominent on the nose, with a structured but elegant palate. This is a classic wine that hits all the right spots.”

Kanonkop CWG Pinotage 2014 – 74 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 10 Pinotage producers. WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch. Winemaker Abrie Beeslaar’s tasting note:  “Deep red, almost black colour with plum, blackberry and cake spice on the nose. Beautiful richness and balance on the palate for such a young wine.”

Louis Nel Unobtainium Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2014 – 60 cases of 6 x 750ml
WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker’s tasting note: “Wild berries, ripe plum, cassis, luscious cedar and spice flavours abound on the nose of this expressive Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blend. Chewy tannins and a lingering aftertaste.”

Luddite The Broken Ankle Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 – 90 cases of 6 x 750ml
WO Walker Bay; Bot River cellar. Winemaker Niels Verburg’s tasting note: “Colour: deep and dark to the edge of the glass. Nose: dark cherries, hint of lavender, cloves and Dutch Speculaas biscuits. Palate: rich, juicy entry with plums, cherries, cinnamon and aniseed. Taut mid-palate showing freshness and fine tannins to polish the long finish.”

Mullineux Clairette Blanche 2015 – 34 cases of 6 x 750ml
WO Swartland. Winemaker Andrea Mullineux’s tasting note: “Nothing much could happen, nothing we can’t shake. Oh, we’re absolute beginners, with nothing much at stake. As long as you’re still smiling, there’s nothing more I need. I absolutely love you, but we’re absolute beginners. But if my love is your love, we’re certain to succeed – David Bowie.”

Mullineux Trifecta Syrah 2013 – 48 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 100 cellars. WO Swartland – from Mullineux’s three best vineyards. Winemaker Andrea Mullineux’s tasting note: “Oh I’ll be free. Just like that bluebird. Oh I’ll be free. Ain’t that just like me? – David Bowie.”

Neil Ellis Insignium 2013 – 60 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 100 cellars. WO Bottelary and Piekenierskloof; Stellenbosch cellar. Tempranillo and Grenache. Winemaker’s tasting note: “Deep in colour, this youthful elemental wine shows wonderful overlapping of aromas and flavours. Although oak is obvious on the nose, ripe sweet fruit is finely poised. Rich, ripe, generous soft mid-palate with a juicy impression is supported by layered complexity. Well defined fine-grained tannins will allow for continued evolving in the cellar over time.”

Newton Johnson Seadragon Pinot Noir 2015 – 40 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 50 cellars and Top 10 Pinot Noir producers. WO Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Winemaker Gordon Newton Johnson’s tasting note: “Ornate with high floral notes. Complex and lustrous red fruit core, with the prickle of spices and black cherry in the periphery. Symmetric structure, fine and taut, that leads to a long finish.”

Nicky Versfeld Double Barrel Semillon 2015 – 70 cases of 6 x 750ml
WO Darling. Winemaker Nicky Versveld’s tasting note: “Golden hue, ripe rich flavours with lime and nutty presence give this wine great balance and depth.”

Nitida Swan Song Sauvignon Blanc 2015 – 30 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 100 cellars. WO Durbanville. Winemaker Bernhard Veller’s tasting note: “A true reflection of Nitida terroir. Fruity stone fruit, featuring peaches and apricots with nettles, fynbos and peas around the edges. Long, moreish, crisp palate with a light, creamy aftertaste.”

Paul Cluver Auction Selection Pinot Noir 2014 – 30 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 20 cellars and Top 10 Pinot Noir producers. WO Elgin. Winemaker Andries Burger’s tasting note: “Understated, the colour is gentle and alluring, the nose reticent but intriguing. All in all, captivating! Red stone fruit combined with sweet cherry blossom fragrance, great texture and elegance.”

Paul Cluver The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2015 – 30 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 10 Chardonnay producers. WO Elgin. Winemaker Andries Burger’s tasting note: “The first impression is the expressive yet elegant citrus character on the nose. The palate is bursting with flavour, lime notes and oatmeal carrying through to a concentrated mid-palate (with) long finish.”

Rijk’s CWG Chenin Blanc 2013 – 40 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 50 cellars. WO Tulbagh. Winemaker Pierre Wahl’s tasting note: “Exotic fruit aromas dominate the nose with hints of pineapple, nectarines and butterscotch. A rich, creamy palate is well balanced and freshened up by the presence of a lively acidity.”

Rijk’s CWG Pinotage 2013 – 38 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 10 Pinotage producers. WO Tulbagh. Winemaker Pierre Wahl’s tasting note: “Intense dark red colour. This wine has a complex and multi-layered fruit spectrum, which ranges from red fruit aromas to spicy elegance and a blackberry richness. Silky, ripe tannins on the palate.”

Rust en Vrede CWG Auction Estate 2013 – 10 cases of 3 x 1.5L and 36 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 100 cellars and Top 20 Red Blend producers. WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Coenie Snyman’s tasting note: “Deep Ruby. Complex aroma of cassis, black cherries and fruit cake, backed by cedar and leather, finishing with dark chocolate. Densely packed tannins coated with fruit flavours balance the mid-palate.”

Saronsberg ‘Die Erf’ Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre Viognier 2011 – 34 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 20 cellars and Top 10 Red Blend producers. WO Tulbagh. Winemaker Dewaldt Heyns’ tasting note: “A deep dark colour with prominent ripe plum, red berry, floral and fynbos flavours is supported by balanced oak, firm yet accessible tannin and a fullbodied mouthfeel.”

Saronsberg ‘Sneeusig’ Shiraz 2012 – 42 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 10 Shiraz producers. WO Tulbagh. Winemaker Dewaldt Heyns’ tasting note: “Succulent ripe fruit flavours are complimented by scents of violets and spice. The mouthfeel has depth with pure fruit clarity, integrated oak flavours, finely crafted tannins and a silky finish.”

Sijnn /awa 2014 – 8 cases of 3 x 1.5L, 48 cases of 6 x 750ml
WO Malgas. Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Winemaker David Trafford’s tasting note: “Beautiful rich red fruit flavours, with slight savoury notes, and a dusty/earthy hint to it. After a few minutes in the glass, lovely nutmeg and clove spices start to show.”

Silverthorn Big Dog II Méthode Cap Classique 2011 – 40 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s top sparkling wine producers. WO Western Cape; Robertson farm; Tokai cellar. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Winemaker John Loubser’s tasting note: “The Chardonnay imparts distinctive citrus and chalky characters while the Pinot Noir contributes strawberry nuances. Subtle oaking adds an extra dimension of complexity. Pure elegance is the end goal.”

Simonsig Cuvée Chêne Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs 2007 – 44 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 10 Cap Classique sparkling wine producers. WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Johan Malan’s tasting note: “Presenting lemon meringue and roasted almond aromas with rich buttered brioche on the palate. Nine years of evolution has created an exquisite array of flavours balanced by a lingering acidity.”

Simonsig Mediterraneo 2015 – 50 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 20 cellars. WO Stellenbosch. Roussanne, Grenache and Verdelho. Winemaker Johan Malan’s tasting note: “Floral with zesty citrus rind and lime aromas. Sweeter, ripe yellow apple and nectarine fruitiness with subtle scented oak spices that add a further dimension to the silky texture on the palate.”

Spier Auction Selection Frans K Smit 2011 – 50 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 100 cellars. WO Stellenbosch. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and CAbernet Franc. Winemaker’s tasting note: “Dark edged, this wine shows prominent ripe blackcurrant on the nose with hints of cassis and spicy undertones. It is full bodied with layers of fruit and spice and a well-integrated tannin structure.”

Strydom The Expatriate Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2013 – 70 cases of 6 x 750ml
WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Rianie Strydom’s tasting note: “The initial flavour is very spicy but changes to enticing rose petal and red cherries with aeration. The palate has lovely grainy tannins, a minerally centre core and chocolate powder finish.”

Teddy Hall Maria van Loon née Engelbrecht Shiraz Reserve 2015 – 36 cases of 1 x 3L
WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker’s tasting note: “Garnet colour. Spicy cedary nose, with sumptuous juicy black fruit on the palate. Long, satisfying finish.”

The Drift Kindred Shiraz Malbec Barbera 2014 – 30 cases of 6 x 750ml
WO Overberg; Napier cellar. Winemaker Bruce Jack’s tasting note: “A harmony of ripe plum, dark cherry and raspberry fruits on the nose, lifted by signature spice, buchu and dried herbs. The palate echoes the nose, supported with smooth, lingering tannins. The wine is complex, but balanced by freshness and vitality.”

Tokara Siberia Chardonnay 2015 – 30 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 20 cellars and Top 10 Chardonnay producers. WO Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley; Stellenbosch cellar. Winemaker Miles Mossop’s tasting note: “There are intense aromas of fresh pineapple, citrus blossom and freshly baked brioche. The palate is full of flavours – white peaches, roasted almonds and lemon preserve.”

Vriesenhof Pinot Noir 2013 – 30 cases of 3 x 1.5L
WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Jan Coetzee’s tasting note: “An exciting vintage, portraying a true African elegance. Lots of fruit that will evolve and hold good for the future.”

Waterford ‘1988 kept aside’ Chardonnay 2015 – 40 cases of 6 x 750ml
One of South Africa’s Top 100 cellars. WO Stellenbosch. Winemaker Kevin Arnold’s tasting note: “Aromatics of lime cordial, peach pip and touches of roasted almond. The palate is elegantly rich and well structured. Granite deposits in red clay soils bring out minerality and focus in the wine.”

• For more information about the wines, the quantities and the rules of the auction, click here.

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