South Africa’s most prestigious wine auction is taking place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 September 2012 and those keen to invest in some of our country’s top wines are in for a real treat.

This year WineTimes had the privilege to join the Nederburg Auction Preview, held at the Nederburg Estate, in the beginning of August. Celebrity chef Pete Goffe-Wood treated our tastebuds to some gastronomic delights but the real stars of the day were the wines.

Members of the media and trade tasted 52 of the 157 wines selected for this year’s auction and the following wines really impressed my palate to the degree of addiction:

Sparkling Wine

JC le Roux Scintilla 2001

We enjoyed a bottle of the recently released 2003 Scintilla a while back and were mighty impressed with the quality and value it offers. The 2001 vintage is no exception.

Total number of cases available: 25
Reserve price per case: R900 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 14 

White Wine – Sauvignon Blanc

Almenkerk Sauvignon Blanc 2009

The way I like my Sauvignon Blanc – tropical, fresh and not a hit of greeeen. Almenkerk might be the “new kid on the Elgin block” but produce some of the best Sauvignon Blancs available on the market these days. This vintage has come to age nicely and the reserve price per case starts at a steal.

Total number of cases available: 10
Reserve price per case: R720 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 73

Bellingham The Bernard Series Oaked Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Talk about a bargain! You might not be able to keep this oaked Sauvignon Blanc from Bellingham forever, but then again, you won’t be able to. It’s a well-aged white that will bring a lot of joy to the glass it fills.

Total number of cases available: 50
Reserve price per case: R390 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 138

White Wine – Chardonnay

Glen Carlou Quartz Stone Chardonnay 2009

An old favourite that always seems to steal my senses. It’s not over oaked and the type of wine that you will be able to keep in the cellar for a couple of years to come. It will only improve with age.

Total number of cases available: 12
Reserve price per case: R1500 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 146

Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2007 

This Chardonnay from the Stellenbosch region might be 5 years old but it still taste as fresh as a grape on the vine.

Total number of cases available: 10
Reserve price per case: R1100 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 136

White Wine – Chenin Blanc

Stellenrust 45 Chenin Blanc 2009

One of the best Chenin Blancs I’ve tasted in a while. Judging by the quality in the bottle it’s bound to fetch way more than the reserve price per case.

Total number of cases available: 10
Reserve price per case: R720 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 9

Sweet Wines

Nederburg Private Bin Eminence 2001

Made of Muscat de Fronignac, one of South Africa’s oldest varietals. It offers a rich and velvety palate with a fresh citric finish. YUM!

Total number of cases available: 50
Reserve price per case: R1100 (12x375ml)
Item Number: 84

Nederburg Private Bin Semillon Noble Late Harvest 2000

These guys sure know how to make sweet wines! Luscious and intense. The bargain in the bin. A true treat!

Total number of cases available: 50
Reserve price per case: R700 (12x375ml)
Item Number: 40

Private Collection Item: Nederburg Private Bin Edelkeur 1977

This beauty is older than me and miles ahead when it comes to aging with grace! A very rare, very well-made wine.

Total number of cases available: 2
Reserve price per case: R2400 (12x375ml)
Item Number: 97

Red Wines – Cabernet Sauvignon

Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Nicely balanced. Will age extremely well.

Total number of cases available: 50
Reserve price per case: R1500 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 20

Zonnebloem Cabernet Sauvignon 1975

Full of body and flavour, regardless of its age. A classic wine for the collection.

Total number of cases available: 1
Reserve price per case: R2000 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 109

Red Wine – Petit Verdot

Nederburg Private Bin R104 Petit Verdot 2001

This wine is carring its age so well. I got hints of Ultramel Custard on the nose. Great for a South African Petit Verdot.

Total number of cases available: 200
Reserve price per case: R540 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 57

Red Wine – Shiraz

Hartenberg The Stock 2006

Savoury on nose. Pleasant on the palate….no, that’s an understatement. Superb!

Total number of cases available: 10
Reserve price per case: R2000 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 141

Nederburg Private Bin R121 Shiraz 2004

Very similar to The Stock, just way cheaper when one compare the reserve price per case. Sounds like a bargain to me!

Total number of cases available: 1
Reserve price per case: R960 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 110

Red Wines – Red Blends

Chateau Libertas 1968

Another golden oldie to drool over! Fresh as a daisy. Just plain gorgeous!

Total number of cases available: 1
Reserve price per case: R3000 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 144

The Goose Expression 2005

As big a star as its golfing owner, Retief Goosen.

Total number of cases available: 30
Reserve price per case: R900 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 20

Vilafonte Series M 2005

A showy wine, but rightfully so!

Total number of cases available: 20
Reserve price per case: R1500 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 120

Nederburg Private Bin R115 Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Smoky and seductive. You won’t go wrong when you bid on this one. Bidding starts at a real bargain.

Total number of cases available: 250
Reserve price per case: R1000 (12x750ml)
Item Number: 33

Rupert & Rothschild Baron Edmond 2001

Best from the rest! A winning wine.

Total number of cases available: 20
Reserve price per case: R1800 (6x750ml)
Item Number: 108

Port

Allesverloren 1999

Produced just before the turn of the century and a definite highly. Reminds one of Christmas and the cake that comes with it.

Private Collection Item: KWV Reserve Port 1929

Older than my grandparents. RESPECT! No less than full-marks for this precious gem.

 

Let hope I beat you all to it!

Visit the Nederburg Auction website for news and the complete list of wines on auction this year.