US commentator rates CWG Auction wines highly

Of the 32 auction wines tasted this year by Tanzer, 24 wines broke the 90-point barrier on the 100-point scale with two Pinotages amongst his highest scorers. Tanzer also welcomed the introduction of on-line bidding at the Guild auction this year, stating, "American wine lovers interested in picking up some scarce and excellent South African wines will find it easier than ever to participate."

His top scoring wine on 93+ points is the Ernie Els CWG 2010 followed by Beyerskloof Trail Dust Pinotage 2010 and the Kanonkop CWG Pinotage 2010 both on 93 points.

Other high scoring reds are the Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2009 (92+) and Cederberg Teen Die Hoog Shiraz 2010 (92). His highest scoring white wines, all on 92 points are Ataraxia Under the Gravel Chardonnay 2011 and the 2011 Cape Point Vineyards Auction Reserve White.

The 28th Nedbank CWG Auction, conducted by Henré Hablutzel of Hofmeyr Mills Auctioneers for the 15th consecutive year, is open to the public at the Spier Conference Centre in the Stellenbosch Winelands from 9am on Saturday. Prospective buyers who are unable to attend the auction, can either register in advance and take advantage of the Guild's telephonic and proxy bidding facilities, or register with www.the-saleroom.com to bid online on the day.

For more on Steve Tanzer, go to www.wineaccess.com/expert/tanzer.