CWG Auction 2026: How the wines rate

The Cape Winemakers Guild Auction represents a carefully curated collection of limited-release wines made by some of South Africa’s leading producers. Inclusion in the auction is itself a mark of distinction. My ratings, based on a sighted tasting, are an independent assessment of the individual wines and are intended to complement, rather than replicate, the Guild’s own selection process.

AA Badenhorst Akkerbos Grenache Blanc 2025 – 94

W.O. Swartland. Pretty aromatics of pear, peach, flowers and herbs. The palate is pure and precise. Lean with striking tension and a pithy finish. Alc: 12.86%.

Ataraxia Echo of Earth Pinot Noir 2025 – 93

W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Cranberry, red cherry and a hint of vanilla. Light and fresh with fine tannins. Has refinement though arguably lacks a bit of mid-palate substance. Alc: 13.27%.

Ataraxia Under The Gavel Chardonnay 2025 – 93

W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. A reserved nose of pear, peach, citrus, a touch of oak. Medium bodied with a gently savoury finish. Understated and harmonious, the focus here is firmly on balance over intensity. Alc: 12.98%.

Bartho Eksteen Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc – Op Hout 2025 – 94

W.O. Cape South Coast. Green melon and blackcurrant aromatics. A richer, rounder expression of the variety, distinguished by seamless texture and integrated acidity. Polished and showy. Alc: 13.78%.

Beaumont Family Wines GG’s Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2025 – 96

W.O. Bot River. From a 1974 vineyard.  Lime, lemon, green apple, green melon and herbs on the nose. The palate is defined by its pure fruit and racy acidity, the finish long and dry. Utterly precise. Alc: 12.33%.

Beaumont Family Wines Hope Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2025 – 95

W.O. Bot River. From a 1978 vineyard. The nose shows peach, cut apple along with biscuit and nutty complexity. Rich and broad with moderate acidity: a layered, savoury wine with plenty of interest. Alc: 12.07%.

Beeslaar CWG Pinotage 2024 – 96

W.O. Stellenbosch. Red and black berries, flowers, herbs, milk chocolate and spice on the nose while the palate is substantial but balanced – pure fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins. A luxurious, fully realised statement wine. Alc: 14.25%.

Boschkloof CWG Auction Epilogue Syrah 2024 – 98

W.O. Stellenbosch. Red and black berries, herbs, flowers, a hint of earth and pepper on the nose. Generous fruit, offset by bright acidity and immaculately managed tannins, the finish long and dry. Combines depth with exceptional poise and finesse. Alc: 13.66%.

Cederberg Black Slate Shiraz 2024 – 92

W.O. Cederberg. Dark fruit, violets, and pepper with oak-derived smoke and vanilla. Rich, seemingly sweet, and plushly textured, retaining enough freshness to carry the weight. Flavourful, though trading a degree of finesse for impact. Alc: 13.66%.

David & Nadia Veiling Chenin blanc 2025 – 96

From two adjacent Paardeberg vineyards, Plat’bos (granite) and Skaliekop (shale). Flinty reduction before citrus, peach, flowers and herbs on the nose. Dense fruit cut through by driving acidity, the finish long and dry. Remarkable intensity at just 11.85% alcohol – a very striking wine.

David Finlayson Wines Sleepless Nights Grenache Noir 2024 – 91

W.O. Stellenbosch. W.O. Stellenbosch. Expressive aromatics of vanilla, strawberry, earth, and spice lead into a charmingly plush, fruit-forward palate. Low in tannins, it delivers plenty of immediate drinking pleasure. Alc: 13.6%.

De Grendel Rietfontein Syrah 2023 – 93

W.O. Ceres Plateau. Red and black berries, violets, herbs and pepper on the nose. Sharply defined fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins. Relatively light yet thoroughly engaging. Alc: 13.74%.

De Grendel West Side Merlot 2024 – 92

W.O. Cape Town. Inviting aromas of red and black berries, vanilla, and toast introduce a rich and robust palate. Vibrant freshness and firm tannins provide balance and structure. Goes all out. Alc: 14.58%.

De Trafford Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 – 91

W.O. Stellenbosch. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cinsaut. Plum, cassis, floral perfume, vanilla and spice on the nose. A wildly ambitious, high-octane palate defined by super-concentrated fruit, bright acidity, and formidably firm tannins. Alc: 15.04%.

De Trafford Chenin Blanc L17 2025 – 94

W.O. Stellenbosch. Exotic aromatics of floral perfume, citrus, stone fruit and pineapple. The palate has a sweet ‘n sour quality about it, juicy fruit preceding a savoury finish. Curious yet compelling.

Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 – 95

W.O. Banghoek, Stellenbosch. 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Red and black berries, violets, fresh herbs, turned earth and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate is rich and full – succulent fruit, bright acidity and velvety tannins. A statement wine, luxurious, verging on forceful. Alc: 14.71%.

Dewaldt Heyns Family Wines Saailand Shiraz 2024 – 92

Broad and smooth-textured, with plenty of flavour. Initially sweet-fruited, but finishing gently savoury. Alc: 14.11%.

Erika Obermeyer Wines Auction Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 – 94

W.O. Stellenbosch. Red and black berries, an attractive herbal note and pencil shavings on the nose. Good fruit expression, lively acidity and fine tannins, the finish gently savoury. Textbook stuff. Alc: 14.5%.

Erika Obermeyer Wines Silver Linings 2023 – 91

W.O. Coastal. 65% Syrah, 17% Grenache Noir, 12% Cinsault, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromatics of red and black berries, herbs and spice. Sweet, rich and ripe – not the most refreshing or structured of wines, but it delivers plenty of pleasure through its sheer generosity. Alc: 14.72%.

Ernie Els CWG 2023 – 94

W.O. Stellenbosch. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault. Perfumed, with red and black berries, flowers, tea leaf and herbs on the nose. Full bodied with concentrated fruit, bright acidity and silky tannins. Well balanced, opulent but not vulgar. Alc: 14.23%.

Frans K. Smit Sentinel Red 2022 – 94

W.O. Stellenbosch. 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot. Red and black berries, some leafiness/fynbos and pencil shavings on the nose. Pure fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish gently savoury. Full-bodied but balanced, with a sense of correctness, restraint and longevity. Alc: 14.5%.

Frans K. Smit Sentinel White 2025 – 93

W.O. Coastal. Cut grass, bell pepper and green melon on the nose. Full-bodied with generous fruit and a luscious, creamy texture. Good concentration and balance. Alc: 13.64%.

Hamilton Russell Vineyards CWG Chardonnay 2025 – 94

W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Lemon, vanilla and some leesy complexity on the nose. Good fruit concentration, pleasing texture, well integrated acidity, the finish gently savoury. Well balanced and assured. Alc: 13.01%.

Jordan CWG Chardonnay 2025 – 92

W.O. Stellenbosch. Lemon, oatmeal, vanilla and a warm nuttiness on the nose. Rich and creamy, bright acidity lending verve. Well-executed if a little sedate. Alc: 12.73%.

Jordan Sophia 2024 – 93

W.O. Stellenbosch. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Petit Verdot. Red and black berries, some leafiness, vanilla and spice on the nose. Palate is rich with all the luxury signifiers in place: dense fruit and creamy texture. Assured as ever. Alc: 14.2%.

Kaapzicht The Auction 1947 Chenin Blanc 2025 – 94

W.O. Bottelary, Stellenbosch. Flowers, herbs citrus and peach on the nose. Rich and round with a creamy texture and moderate acidity. Balanced and layered, with a luxurious feel. Alc: 13.38%.

Keermont Vineyards Where Mountains Meet 2023 – 93

W.O. Stellenbosch. 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose shows red and black berries, herbs, pepper and hints of vanilla and earth. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish nicely dry. Unfussy and restrained. Alc: 14.17%.

Kershaw Wines Vertiginous Pinot Noir 2024 – 94

W.O. Elgin. Cranberry, raspberry, strawberry and musk on the nose. Rich and ripe on the palate – succulent fruit, bright acidity and lithe tannins. Generous and immediately appealing. Alc: 13.26%.

Kershaw Wines Ziggurat Chardonnay 2025 – 95

W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. The nose shows struck-match reduction before citrus and vanilla. Rich and thick textured with big acidity and a deeply savoury finish. Flamboyant. Alc: 13.34%.

Le Riche CWG Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 – 94

W.O. Stellenbosch. Mint! Cranberry, cassis, fresh herbs, vanilla, pencil shavings and spice on the nose. Medium-bodied, with fresh acidity and fine tannins, finishing gently savoury. Old-school in the best sense. Alc: 14.25%.

Leeu Passant Hillside Cabernet Franc 2023 – 93

W.O. Franschhoek. Red berries, fresh herbs, vanilla and pencil shavings on the nose. Light-bodied and supple, with a somewhat sweet fruit profile, moderate acidity and a silky, sensuous texture. Sexy. Alc: 14.57%.

Lismore Child of Venus Viognier 2025 – 95

W.O. Greyton. Heady aromatics of peach, apricot, orange and floral perfume. The palate is super-rich with dense fruit, punchy acidity and a deeply savoury finish. Makes a big impression. Alc: 13.56%.

Lismore The Sheltering Sky Syrah 2024 – 96

W.O. Elgin. Delicate yet haunting aromatics of red berries, rose, herbs, cured meat and white pepper. Exceptional fruit purity, lively acidity and powdery tannins, the finish long and dry. Elegant and refined. Alc: 13.01%.

Luddite Glorious Confusion 2025 – 95

W.O. Bot River. A field blend white wine. Soft citrus, pineapple and some leesy complexity on the nose. Rich and broad with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish, some tannic grip lending interest. Layers of flavour. Alc: 12.72%.

Miles Mossop Wines Maximillian 2023 – 95

W.O. Stellenbosch. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Red and black berries, potpourri, cigar box and vanilla on the nose. The palate is medium bodied but equally well structured, fresh and savoury. Deft and assured Alc: 14.38%.

Mullineux “The Gris” Old Vines Sémillon 2025 – 97

W.O. Paardeberg. Subtle but engaging aromatics of flowers, herbs, citrus and peach. The palate displays lovely poise and intricacy – tightly wound with pure fruit, well-integrated acidity and great length on the finish. Alc: 14.04%.

Neil Ellis Wines CWG MIS À NU 2022 – 96

W.O. Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch. 100% unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon. A touch of reduction precedes cassis, violets and earth on the nose. The palate has exceptional fruit density, lively acidity and firm yet fine tannins, with a persistent finish. Poised, upright and well structured, this is a distinctive take on Cabernet. Alc: 13.96%.

Neil Ellis Wines Knight in White Satin NV – 92

W.O. Bottelary, Stellenbosch. 100% Tempranillo. Reticent aromatics of red cherry, vanilla and spice. Medium-bodied despite 14.5% alcohol, with fresh acidity, fine tannins, a smooth texture and a nicely dry finish. Polished and effortlessly drinkable.

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Sandford Chardonnay 2024 – 95

W.O. Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Struck-match reduction, vanilla and lemom on the nose. The palate is rich and full – sweet fruit offset by punchy acidity, the finish long and dry. Opulent and packed with flavour. Alc: 14.04%.

Paul Clüver Wines Auction Selection Pinot Noir 2025 – 93

W.O. Elgin. Earthy, smoky top notes before red and black cherry and a herbal nuance. Rich and ripe with bright acidity and chewy tannins. A sense of ruggedness adds to the interest. Alc: 13.84%.

Paul Clüver Wines The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2025 – 96

W.O. Elgin. Blossom, herbs, lemon, green apple and a hint of reduction on the nose. The palate is forceful yet composed, with lovely fruit expression and bright acidity before a dry, persistent finish. Alc: 12.84%.

Pieter Ferreira Cap Classique Blanc de Noirs Pinot Noir MCC 2019 – 95

W.O. Westen Cape. 100% Pinot Nor. Strawberry and hints of spice and earth on the nose while the palate is lean with crisp acidity and a fine mousse, the finish bone-dry. Elegant and sophisticated. Alc: 11.7%.

Raats Family Wines Fountain Terroir Specific Chenin Blanc 2025 – 95

W.O. Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch. Peach, apple, honeysuckle, baking spice and some lanolin on the nose. Rich and broad with a creamy texture, well integrated acidity and gently savoury finish. Luxurious, layered and long. Alc: 12.03%.

Raats Family Wines Stella Nova Cabernet Franc 2022 – 95

W.O. Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch. Black cherry, cassis, rose and some leafiness on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Pure and focused, with great length to the finish. Alc: 13.5%.

Rall Wines Noa Syrah 2024 – 99

W.O. Swartland. Beguiling aromatics of red and black berries, lavender, olive and black pepper. Extraordinary fruit definition – pure, concentrated and vibrant, with lively acidity and tannins that provide a wonderfully supportive framework: fine-grained yet emphatic. Exceptionally poised and precise, with remarkable length. Alc: 13.5%.

Rock of Eye CWG Auction Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 – 93

W.O. Stellenbosch. Red and black berries, rose, some leafiness and vanilla on the nose. Medium bodied with a nice line of acidity and a smooth texture. Polished and accessible, nothing out of place. Alc: 13.5%.

Savage Wines Auction Syrah 2024 – 97

W.O. Stellenbosch. Arrestingly beautiful aromatics flowers, herbs and red berries. The palate is succulent and lithe. Pure fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins. Energetic, elegant, graceful. Alc: 13.6%.

Silverthorn Crazy Diamond Brut Nature Cap Classique 2021 – 94

W.O. Robertson. 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir. Cut apple, peach and some yeasty complexity on the nose while the palate is lean with a fine mousse and bone-dry, umami-laden finish. Alc: 11.34%.

Solo Wines by Carl Schultz CWG Auction Merlot 2023 – 94

W.O. Stellenbosch. 100% Merlot. The nose show cherries, plums, violets and herbs. The palate is smooth-textured and voluptuous, good freshness, fine-grained tannins, the finish gently savoury. A wine with some breeding, carrying its oak with ease. Alc: 14.41%.

Storm Wines Bokkeveld Shale Chardonnay 2024 – 98

W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Smoky reduction gives way to citrus, with hints of oak and spice. The palate displays great clarity and assurance, with pure fruit, crisp acidity and extraordinary flavour intensity. Poised and persistent. Alc: 12.77%.

Storm Wines Bokkeveld Shale Pinot Noir 2024 – 96

W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Complex aromatics of red and black berries, flowers and herbs. Exceptional fruit purity, snappy acidity and powdery tannins. Super-elegant and detailed, although currently a touch restrained in its expression. Alc: 14.26%.

Strydom Family Wines Paradigm 2023 – 93

W.O. Stellenbosch. 50% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec. Red and black berries, herbs, rose and pencil shavings on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish nicely dry. Nothing showy about it, just well-judged and thoroughly engaging. Alc: 14.2%.

Survivor CWG Pinotage 2023 – 91

W.O. Swartland. Red and black cherry, vanilla, toast and spice on the nose. Sweet, rich and seemingly heavily extracted. Big, bold and unapologetically showy – made to impress. Alc: 14.44%.

Survivor Tarras Doas Cabernet Franc 2023 – 94

W.O. Tradouw. Pronounced notes of herbs and paprika before red and black berries on the nose. The palate is bold but balanced with pure fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins. Well-structured and cohesive. Alc: 14.8%.

Thorne & Daughters Sand Castles 2025 – 96

W.O. Olifantsrivier and Paardeberg.  50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Semillon. Complex aromatics of green and yellow fruit, potpourri, dried herbs and spice. Rich yet nuanced, with layers of flavour, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Alc: 14.2%.

Van Loggerenberg CWG Auction Chenin Blanc 2025 – 97

W.O. Piekenierskloof. Some flinty reduction before pear, peach, citrus and herbs on the nose while the palate shows concentrated fruit, ripping acidity and a super-dry finish. Stylistically uncompromising, this is one for the geeks. Alc: 13.24%.

Van Loggerenberg CWG Auction Syrah 2025 – 96

W.O. Polkadraai Hills. Red and black berries, flowers, cured meat, vanilla, white pepper and other spice on the nose. Admirable composure on the palate – good fruit expression, bright acidity and tightly knit, nicely grippy tannins. Should mature with benefit. Alc: 13.61%.

Warwick Auction Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 – 94

W.O. Simonsberg, Stellenbosch. 68% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon. Red and black berries, an attractive herbal note and a hint of vanilla on the nose. Moderately weighted, not massively expansive through the mid-palate, but elegant, with good freshness and fine tannins. Alc: 14.5%.

Auction details

The auction takes place on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October at Strauss & Co, Brickfield Canvas, Cape Town, with online bidding also available.

For tickets, bidding registration and more information:

www.capewinemakersguild.com

info@capewinemakersguild.com
021 852 0408