THE Sadie Family of the Paardeberg outside Malmesbury in the Swartland dominated proceedings in terms of the highest prices paid for South African wines at the first Strauss & Co wine auction of 2024, a Rhône Theme sale conducted online. Sadie’s Columella red blend was in particularly high demand, with 96 bottles going for R4213pb on average including commissions. The only other Cape wine to fetch over R3000 a bottle was Porseleinberg Syrah, also of the Swartland, while overall, the highest bid on the day was R58 625 for a bottle of 1995 Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Cuvée Cathelin from the Rhône, France.

According to consultant Roland Peens of the Wine Cellar in Cape Town: “160 lots were on offer and the selection was not only excellent, but also deep in quantity. We had a 90% sale-through, with prices above low-estimate, on average, and total sales of R1.4m.” Bottles sold: 529×750ml, 9×1.5L and 3×375ml.

“Interesting to see how the 2015 vintage still has a glow to it and attracts the higher prices,” said Peens. Highlights below:

 

TOP PRICES FETCHED – SA

Sadie Family Columella 2015 (Red Blend)
R5472 pb – 6×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2007 (Red Blend)
R4983 pb – 2×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2011 (Red Blend)
R4885 pb – 6×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2012 (Red Blend)
R4885 pb – 6×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2007 (Red Blend)
R4885 pb – 6×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2005 (Red Blend)
R4690 pb – 5×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2005 (Red Blend)
R4299 pb – 6×750ml

Porseleinberg Syrah 2015
R3908 pb – 2×6×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2013 (Red Blend)
R3908 pb – 6×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2008 (Red Blend)
R3908 pb – 6×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2004 (Red Blend)
R3908 pb – 6×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2006 (Red Blend)
R3811 pb – 2×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2016 (Red Blend)
R3713 pb – 6×750ml

Porseleinberg Syrah 2013
R3713 pb – 6×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2008 (Red Blend)
R3713 pb – 6×750ml

Sadie Family Columella 2006 (Red Blend)
R3713 pb – 6×750ml

Porseleinberg Syrah 2014
R3322 pb – 6×750ml

Porseleinberg Syrah 2012
R3322 pb – 6×750ml

Sadie Family Soldaat 2012 (Grenache)
R3283 pb – 1×750ml

 

TOP PRICES FETCHED – NON-SA

Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Cuvée Cathelin 1995 (Shiraz)
R58 625 pb – 1×750ml

Sine Qua Non ‘The Inaugural’ Eleven Confessions Vineyard Grenache 2003
R29 313 pb – 1×750ml

Guigal Côte Rôtie La Turque 2005 (Red Blend)
R17 588 pb – 1×750ml

Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2003 (Grenache)
R12898 pb – 1×750ml

Henschke Hill of Grace 2019 (Shiraz)
R12 898 pb – 3×750ml

Penfolds Grange 2007 (Shiraz)
R11 139 pb – 1×750ml

Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Rouge 2001 (Shiraz)
R10 553 pb – 1×750ml

 

* All prices inclusive of VAT and commissions. Wines made available mostly by private collectors.