The majors have also confirmed their attendance and plan to buy across the spectrum this year to satisfy the growing demand for connoisseur wines.
“Lots have been structured to address the specialty boutique purveyors and restaurants, as well as the retail and restaurant chains,” says Bennie Howard, consultant to the auction. Lot sizes vary from six bottles to 350 12-bottle cases.
The recent pre-auction tasting received praise from several new and stalwart buyers.
“The standard of wines is particularly high this year, hence the decision to look at expanding on potential purchase options,” says Carrie Adams of Norman Goodfellows. “The outstanding quality of the noble late harvest wines, not normally available to us on the open market, is always a big plus. They carry a ‘collectable' status amongst our customer base. However, there were some other noteworthy wines that I believe will be very attractive to our customers, particularly the Sauvignon Blanc and Petit Verdot.”
Waldi Schwartz, owner of Vasco's restaurant in Bloemfontein, has his eye on four particular wines. “The Neil Ellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, Bellevue Pinotage 2003 and Meerendal Merlot 2004 vintages really stood out for me. I also really enjoyed Nederburg's Sauvignon Blanc 2007.”
“The dessert wines in particular were a highlight and I am very keen to acquire a few to add to our list. I also really enjoyed some of the white varietals and will be considering some of the Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc wines,” stated Kent Scheermeyer, F&B manager at the six-star One & Only Hotel, which opened at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town in April.
Some buyers have expressed the hope that bidding prices will remain realistic in the present trading environment. John Goldreich of Durban-based liquor retailer Hamba Kahle holds a similar expectation: “Last year's auction provided a selection of great wines at fairly good value. I look forward to obtaining some really good wines this year at reasonable prices.”
Full details of all wines on auction appear in the Nederburg Auction catalogue on the official website: www.nederburgauction.co.za
