AT THE 2022 Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2019 of Stellenbosch attracted the highest bids on average, i.e. selling for an average price of R2457 per bottle, with Cederberg Teen die Hoog Shiraz 2020 fetching R1861 a bottle on average. Remarkably, however, the white wines in most demand fetched the third- and fourth-highest prices overall, i.e. the Valkyrie Chardonnay 2021 from Lismore of Greyton achieving an average of R1743 per bottle, the Mullineux Trifecta Chenin Blanc 2020 from the Swartland going for R1633 a bottle on average. Prices given exclusive of VAT and commissions.

Two more of the particularly notable wines on sale were the Hartenberg CWG Amphora Merlot 2020 (R1323 per bottle) and Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (R1242 a bottle), both Stellenbosch reds aged without using oak barrels.

The CWG Auction showcases rare and unique wines produced in small quantities exclusively for the auction by members of the Guild. In total, 513 lots were auctioned over two days at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, fetching nearly R14m – an average price of R1227 per bottle. There were bidders from 14 countries and prices were up 30% on 2021 – 30% of the lots sold to international bidders.

“There seems to be a changing of the guard, as traditional, big-name producers were outsold by new wave stars.” So commented Roland Peens of Wine Cellar, one of the auctioneers who took turns with the gavel – Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auctions being a joint venture involving the auction house Strauss & Co, retailer Wine Cellar and sommelier Higgo Jacobs.

See below for the wines to fetch the Top 10 highest bids (different from average prices, inclusive of VAT and commissions). For the full results of the auction, click here.

HIGHEST PRICES PAID

Cederberg Teen die Hoog Shiraz 2020
R38 000 paid for 12 bottles: R3166pb

Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2019 (Red Blend)
R65 000 paid for 24 bottles: R2708pb

Mullineux Trifecta Chenin Blanc 2020
R30 000 paid for 12 bottles: R2500pb

Saronsberg Inner Circle 2019 (Red Blend)
R30 000 paid for 12 bottles: R2500pb

Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Auction Reserve 2020
R28 000 paid for 12 bottles: R2333pb

Lismore Estate Vineyards Valkyrie Chardonnay 2021
R28 000 paid for 12 bottles: R2333pb

Kanonkop CWG Pinotage 2019
R25 000 paid for 12 bottles: R2083pb

Lismore The Sheltering Sky Syrah 2020
R25 000 paid for 12 bottles: R2083pb

Mullineux The Gris Sémillon 2021
R48 000 paid for 24 bottles: R2000pb

Hartenberg CWG Amphora Merlot 2020
R23 000 paid for 12 bottles: R1916pb