The 2025 CWG Auction wines rated: 91 – 92

Graham Beck CWG Extra Brut Chardonnay – Pinot Noir – Cap Classique 2018 (Pieter Ferreira)

65% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir. 65% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir. Exotic aromatics of peach, orange and macerated strawberry with a subtle bready note. The palate is rich and rounded, the bubble slightly lazy, but the flavours are full and layered with a savoury, dry finish. Powerful, characterful, and drinking at its peak. Alc: 12.51%.

Ataraxia Under the Gavel Chardonnay 2024 (Kevin Grant)

W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Lemon, oatmeal and vanilla on the nose while the palate is linear with a pleasing tension about it. Concentrated fruit and crisp acidity, the finish long and dry. Alc: 12.88%.

Bartho Eksteen Wine Estate Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc – Op Hout 2024 (Bartho Eksteen)

W.O. Cape South Coast. Cut apple, peach, nectarine, herbs and white pepper on the nose while the palate is broad and creamy with coated acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13.38%.

Jordan CWG Chardonnay 2024 (Gary Jordan)

W.O. Stellenbosch. Reduction, lemon, peach, biscuit and oak spice on the nose. The palate is ample and polished, with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish. While not as striking as some of its peers, it is harmonious and approachable. Alc: 12.5%.

AA Badenhorst Family Wines Out of the Strong Comes Forth Freshness Carignan 2024 (Adi Badenhorst)

W.O. Swartland. Wonderfully fragrant, if still primary, with lifted notes of cranberry and raspberry. The palate is all about purity of fruit, zesty acidity and fine, powdery tannins. Light, immediately appealing and utterly charming. Alc: 12.3%. Natural cork.

Cederberg Black Slate Shiraz 2023 (David Nieuwoudt)

Dark berries, fynbos, wilted rose, black pepper, smoky reduction and vanilla on the nose. The palate shows dense fruit and soft tannins, tart acidity sitting a little apart. Opulent and immediately appealing, it feels sweet even though it technically isn’t. Alc: 13.1%.

Dewaldt Heyns Family Wines Saailand Shiraz 2022 (Dewaldt Heyns)

W.O. Swartland. A hint of rubbery reduction opens the nose, followed by fynbos, mint, plum, red and black berries, with subtle notes of Christmas pudding and spice. Medium-bodied, with fresh acidity and soft tannins. Easy drinking. Alc: 13.77%.

Frans K. Smit Lamed 2021 (Frans Smit)

W.O. Stellenbosch. 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot.  Red and black berries, some leafiness, fynbos, earth, vanilla, pencil shavings and spice on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, a nice austerity to the finish. Shows finesse over intensity. Alc: 14.29%. Natural cork.

Kershaw Wines Vertiginous Pinot Noir 2023 (Richard Kershaw)

W.O. Elgin. Red and black cherry, vanilla, baking spice and smoke on the nose. The palate is rich and round with lively acidity and firm tannins – a robust version of the variety. Alc: 13.98%.

Neil Ellis Wines Amper Bo Tempranillo 2021 (Warren Ellis)

W.O. Bottelary, Stellenbosch. Black cherry, plum, a leafy note, earth and reduction on the nose. Succulent, rich and ripe with bright acidity and smooth tannins, the finish dry. Alc: 14.66%.

Warwick Auction Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (JD Pretorius)

W.O. Stellenbosch. 70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tomato leaf, red and black berries, pencil shavings, malt, earth and spice on the nose. The palate is plush and comforting – broad with moderate acidity and velvety tannins, the finish dry. Alc: 14.71%.

De Grendel Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 2023 (Charles Hopkins)

W.O. Ceres Plateau. Red and black cherry, orange and white pepper on the nose. Juicy, soft and sumptuous on the palate, it offers immediate pleasure even if it lacks a bit of tension. Alc: 13.42%. Natural cork.

The Saldanha Wine & Spirit Co – Saldanha Pale Dry SEA, SALT, SAND AND WIND N.V. (500ml) (Adi Badenhorst)

W.O. Swartland. Aged six years under flor, with part diverted to oxidative maturation for depth. A touch of old Jerepigo adds subtle sweetness. Dried stone fruit, a slight herbal note and nuts on the nose. The palate is fruity but also has super-fresh acidity, the finish salty. Rich, textured and flavourful. Alc; 16.1%. Natural cork.