Wine of the week: An exciting South African wine auction
The 38th Nederburg Auction is taking place in Paarl, South Africa, on 28 and 29 September. This exciting event showcases some of the greatest wines made in the country and it gives you the opportunity to buy them at what I consider to be very advantageous prices indeed.
I am assured that foreign buyers will be given advice on how to claim their booty and ship it back to their shores, so with this in mind, here are a few of the lots which I have already had a sneak preview of.
Item 87 – 2007 Zonnebloem Limited Edition Semillon: serious fruit, depth and weight with stunning lime notes. There are 40 cases of six bottles in different lot sizes, with the reserve price of ZAR400 per six bottles (£30 in today’s money, ie, a fiver a bottle).
Item 127 - 2004 Nederburg Private Bin R181 Merlot: a cunning blend of Durbanville and Stellenbosch fruit with classy detail, a touch of spearmint and great balance; 100 cases of 12 bottles available (reserve price ZAR840 – £63).
Item 29 – 2004 Nederburg Private Bin Edelkeur: an outstanding chenin blanc sweetie with apricot and honey nuances and a heavenly, magical finish; 30 cases of 12 half bottles are up for sale, with a reserve price of ZAR1200 (£7.50 per half).
If you really want to splash out, then these wines have been released from the secret ‘Tabernacle cellar’ – 1962 Chateau Libertas (item 2) and 1968 Chateau Libertas (item 144). I was lucky enough to taste a 1940 and a 1957 vintage the other day and they were incredible.
There are 158 lots or ‘items’ auctioned over the two days so check out the catalogue at www.nederburgauction.co.za and then drop the organisers a line if you are feeling like a flutter!
Matthew Jukes One Day Wine School – 20th October 2012
Confused between Pouilly-Fuissé and Pouilly-Fumé? Do you know what you like, but don’t know why? Or do you simply want to feel confident with wine lists at business dinners or special dates? Whatever the reason, Matthew Jukes’ One Day Wine School will teach you everything you need to know about the world of wine but were afraid to ask. Matthew came up with the original ODWS format over a decade ago and he has finessed it such that this is probably the best day out of vinous learning, decadence and fun that you could possibly imagine.
Covering all of the basics, this one day, intensive course will feature all aspects of winemaking, from how to taste, all of the major wine producing regions of the world, as well as the main grape varieties and their characteristics. Matthew will also share his food and wine matching tips over a delicious three course lunch. Let Matthew’s enthusiasm and extensive knowledge take you on a wine adventure, and learn from an expert all about wine in a relaxed and informal environment.
Held at the beautiful Cadogan Hotel, 75 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge SW1, the timetable for the day looks like this -
09.30 – Arrival and registration
10.00 – Viticulture and Vinification
11.00 – Quick break
11.15 – White World Tour
12.15 – Quick break
12.30 – Red World Tour
13.30 – Lunch
15.30 – Carriages
Over the course of the day you will taste 40 plus top quality wines, including those featured at lunch. Matthew is a world-renowned journalist and his expertise and knowledge will be yours for the day. What better way to spend a day, than in the company of fellow oenophiles?
Prices and special offers
£250 per person
Early bird saving of 10% if you book by the 1st September
Save 10% by booking for a group of 5 or more
Please contact Elizabeth Cook for tickets:
elizabeth@elizabethcookwine.co.uk