Brisk bidding at a rate of R1 million
per hour set the tone for a record breaking 28th Nedbank Cape
Winemakers Guild Auction in the Stellenbosch winelands over the weekend, with
the highest turnover ever of R5 739 000 (excluding VAT) with a
complete sellout of all the wines on offer.
Recognised as
South Africa’s most prestigious wine auction that is open to the trade and
general public, this year’s record sales were 8,6% up on the 2011 turnover of
R5 286 700, despite 431 fewer cases of wine. The auction also attracted a
record number of 54 new local buyers and private collectors, four of whom were
amongst the top 10 buyers this year.
“With the increased variety and superb quality
of our auction selection reflecting the great diversity of the South African
wine industry, there was more scope for different types of buyers this year. We
got the balance right between red and white wines on offer once again, which
ensured keen interest from the floor right until the end. Unusual varietals
such as Nebbiolo and Cinsault as well as stylistic differences within varietal
categories such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon created a lot of interest.
We were also delighted by the increase in local buyers,” said Louis Strydom,
Chairman of the Guild which celebrates its 30th anniversary this
year.
The auction, conducted
by Henré Hablutzel of Hofmeyr Mills Auctioneers for the 15th
consecutive year, attracted 148 buyers including 14 foreign buyers and for
the first time, 14 online bidders. In total 2 517 cases were sold at an average
price of R2 281 per case equivalent of 6 x 750ml bottles. The
lineup of 52 wines included 38 red wines, 10 white wines, 2 Méthode Cap
Classiques, one dessert wine and a port.
Alan Pick of The Butcher Shop and Grill
in Sandton triumphed for the 11th consecutive year as the biggest
spender at R1 017 400 million. The bulk of the
wines, 87%, was bought by local buyers. Amongst the foreign buyers, the biggest
sales went to Belgium with R266 800, followed by Namibia on R131 400, Denmark
on R105 600 and the United Kingdom with R101 600.
Three Kanonkop wines were amongst the
eight top sellers at an average price per case of over R3 000: Kanonkop CWG
Paul Sauer 2007 (R3 760), Rust en Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (R3 548),
Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2009 (R3 485), Hartenberg Estate Auction Shiraz 2009 (R3 324),
Kanonkop CWG Pinotage 2010 (R3 294), Beyerskloof Traildust Pinotage 2010 (R3
214), Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir 2009 (R3 120) and Ernie
Els CWG 2010 (R3 063).
Amongst the white wines, top sellers
were the Jordan Chardonnay Auction Reserve 2011 with an average price per case
of R2 353, Chamonix Chardonnay Auction Reserve 2011, Gottfried Mocke’s maiden auction wine, at R2 044 and
the Cape Point Vineyards Auction Reserve White 2011 at R2 014.
The best performing Méthode Cap
Classique, Graham Beck Non Plus Ultra Cap Classique 2008 sold at an average
price per case of R1 630. The only dessert wine on auction this year, the Teddy
Hall Eva (Krotoa) Muscat de Frontignan Noble Late Harvest 2009 averaged at R1
113 per case of 6 x 375ml, whilst the only
fortified wine, the Carel Nel Cape Vintage
Auction Reserve 2010, achieved an average price per case of R1 353.
Over and above
the main auction, a record amount of R182 100 was raised on the day in aid of
the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé Programme, a mentorship initiative for
young, upcoming winemakers. Every year a very special charity item is auctioned
off to raise funds. This year’s item, a one-of-a-kind 18-litre 2010 Members’
Reserve comprising a blend of top wines from all 45 members of the Guild, was
purchased by Annelie van der Merwe of Restaurant Mosaic for a record price of
R50 000.
A full house of
52 exceptional wines all crafted exclusively for the auction by members of the
Guild to represent the pinnacle of what can be achieved in South African
winemaking, went under the hammer this year.
For further information visit www.capewinemakersguild.com
or contact the Guild Office on Tel: 021 852 0408 or email info@capewinemakersguild.com
