The 2025 CWG Auction wines rated: 95+

Silverthorn ‘Mad as the Mist and Snow’ Brut Nature Cap Classique 2019 (John Loubser)

W.O. Robertson. 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir – the Chardonnay from a 1991 block, entirely barrel-fermented. Lemon, green apple, flinty reduction, biscuit and some leesy complexity on the nose. The palate shows pure fruit, racy acidity and a very fine mousse, the finish bone-dry. Precise, lean but not aggressively so, vibrant and basically delicious! Alc: 11.17%

David & Nadia Veiling Chenin blanc 2024 (David Sadie)
From two Paardeberg vineyards planted in 1981 and 1985 respectively. Matured for 11 months in old 300-litre barrels. The palate shows pristine fruit purity and thrilling, electric acidity before a savoury finish. A wine of rare elegance and refinement, its poise and clarity are nothing short of extraordinary. Alc: 11.5%.

De Trafford Chenin Blanc S16 2024 (David Trafford)

From a 1983 block in Bottelary. The nose offers citrus, peach, potpourri, hay, herbs and a hint of leesy complexity. The palate is beautifully balanced – dense yet luminous, richly flavoured yet refreshing, generous yet precise, finishing long and dry. A wine of fascinating contrasts. Alc: 13.78%.

Mullineux ‘The Gris’ Old Vine Sémillon 2024 (Andrea Mullineux)

Grapes from a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1960. Complex aromatics of lime, peach, blackcurrant, straw, wax and ginger. The palate shows striking presence – deeply concentrated and intensely flavoured, with punchy acidity and a finish of extraordinary length. Alc: 14%. Natural cork.

Thorne & Daughters Sand Castles 2024 (John Seccombe)

W.O. Olifantsrivier and Swartland. 69% Sémillon, 31% Sauvignon Blanc. Deep in colour with aromas of quince, peach, nectarine, citrus, hay, herbs, struck match and a hint of wax. The palate is full, rich and round, balanced by tangy acidity and a savoury finish. Hugely complex and impactful – slightly rustic, yet all the more compelling for it. Alc: 13.4%.

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Sandford Chardonnay 2023 (Gordon Newton Johnson)

W.O. Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Struck-match reduction leads into citrus, oatmeal and subtle leesy, waxy notes. The palate combines depth and breadth – full-bodied yet propelled by fresh acidity, finishing properly savoury. Nicely balanced, with an appealing viscosity about it. Alc: 13%.

Dewaldt Heyns Family Wines CWG Chenin Blanc Reserve 2024 (Dewaldt Heyns)

From a Swartland vineyard planted in 1975. Matured for 11 months in second-fill Hungarian oak. Aromatics of honeysuckle, straw, quince, peach and citrus. The palate is compact and deep, with a compelling sweet-and-sour tension that resolves into a subtle, quinine-like bitterness on the finish. Precise, it carries good weight without ever tipping into excess – poised rather than plush. Alc: 13.02%.

Kershaw Wines Ziggurat Chardonnay 2024 (Richard Kershaw)

W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Complex aromatics of pear, peach, lime, lemon, blossom, herbs and some struck-match reduction. The palate is pure and zesty – good depth of fruit, plenty of verve, the finish emphatically dry. Alc: 13.47%.

Rall Wines Noa Syrah 2023 (Donovan Rall)
W.O. Swartland. Massively aromatic with notes of black berries, orange, olive, liquorice, lavender, wilted rose, herbs, cured meat and pepper. Dense yet vital, rich without heaviness – flavour and texture of immense impact, lemon-like acidity giving drive and powdery tannins ensuring a bone-dry finish. Its combination of aromatic range, structural precision and sheer vitality places it among the most complete expressions of Syrah yet seen from the district. Alc: 12.7%. Natural cork.

Savage Wines Auction Syrah 2023

Wonderfully aromatic with red and black berries, olive, floral perfume, musk, orange zest, fynbos, pepper and spice. The palate is beautifully pitched – pure, concentrated fruit interacts beautifully with bright acidity and framed by fine, powdery tannins. The finish is dry but not severe, the wine gaining complexity with time in the glass. Refined, supple and persistent.Alc: 13.42%. Natural cork.

Boschkloof CWG Epilogue Syrah 2023 (Reenen Borman)

W.O. Stellenbosch. Made with 40% whole bunch fermentation and matured in a single second-fill 400-litre barrel. The nose shows red and black berries, liquorice, violets, lilies, herbs and a hint of earth. The palate is plush and generous – concentrated fruit and intense flavour balanced by very fine tannins, the finish gently savoury. Full-bodied but well composed, with just enough acidity to keep everything in check. Alc: 14.1%.

Le Riche CWG Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Christo le Riche)

From Simonsberg and Firgrove grapes. Complex aromatics of red and black berries, rose, subtle leafiness, incense, oystershell, vanilla and earth. The palate is rich yet fresh, powerful without losing finesse, substantial without ostentation. Poised and vital, it finishes long and dry. Immensely ageworthy. Alc: 14.69%. Natural cork.

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Windansea Pinot Noir 2023 (Gordon Newton Johnson)

W.O. Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Incense, red and black berries, fynbos, musk, and cured meat on the nose while the palate shows great clarity and vibrancy – dense fruit, particularly lively acidity, the tannins fine, the finish intensely savoury. Very much of the site. Alc: 13.3%.

Storm Wines Bokkeveld Shale Pinot Noir 2023 (Hannes Storm)

W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Red and black berries, musk, orange, incense and white pepper on the nose. The palate has dense fruit, a refreshing line of acidity and silky tannins. Succulent and enticing, it is a harmonious, shapely wine. Alc: 13.5%. Natural cork.

Beeslaar Wines CWG Pinotage 2023 (Abrie Beeslaar)

W.O. Stellenbosch. Cherries, plums, cassis, vanilla, milk chocolate, toast and spice on the nose. The palate is bold and full-bodied, with fresh acidity and firm tannins, the finish long and dry. At once imposing and luxuriant. Alc: 14.4%.

Strydom Family Wines Paradigm 2022 (Rianie Strydom)

W.O. Stellenbosch. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot. The nose shows red and black berries, floral perfume, herbs, pencil shavings and oak spice – nothing too overt. The palate is pure and vibrant with fine, tightly packed tannins, the finish long and dry. Poised, tightly wound, great structure – no heaviness, sweetness or alcoholic warmth. Shows elegance and finesse throughout. Alc: 14.49%