OF THE SOUTH African wines auctioned by Strauss & Co on 25 July 2021, Cordoba Crescendo 2003 attracted most interest from the online bidders. Although, selling for R2150 a bottle (R12 898 for 6×750ml bottles), it fetched less than what many might have expected of such a ‘cult’ label, a Cab Franc-driven blend from the Helderberg in Stellenbosch – this vintage the last but one made by Chris Keet before the property was sold and production stopped.

Commanding the highest prices on the day were several famous Bordeaux wines: a bottle of Pétrus 2004 (Merlot) from Pomerol fetched R52 763, a bottle of Angélus 2009 (also Merlot) from Saint Émilion fetched R8794, and two small (375ml) bottles of sweet d’Yquem 2003 from Sauternes (Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc) fetched R5863.

For the full results of an auction that also featured wines from Boekenhoutskloof, Cape Point, Chamonix, De Toren, Keet, Meerlust, Raats, Steenberg, Thelema, Vergelegen and Vilafonté, click here.