Rare value
will be recognised – and rewarded. That’s the promise from a panel of
top local and international wine judges appointed to moderate entries to
the 40th Nederburg Auction to be held on 12th & 13th September this
year.
South African producers were invited this week to start
submitting exclusive, rare wines of enduring quality in line with the demands of increasingly discerning buyers.
“The event was founded 40 years ago on what was to become one of the
most iconic wines of our time – the Nederburg Edelkeur. Now, more than
ever, we want to showcase wines of that ilk,” says Auction manager
Dalene Steyn.
“That’s why we adjusted our judging criteria over the past three years.
Our clients want iconic wines, whether beautifully matured vintages or
rare and exclusive due to scarcity, and we’ve created the platform to
help build those wine reputations, help our producers create those new
heroes. And we’re getting there – through the smaller Auction volumes
and more competitive bidding seen over the past three years,” she says.
Steyn says the 2013 Auction was significantly more successful thanks to
the same sales turnover achieved with less than half the volumes of the
previous year.
“This was remarkable, and we believe an absolute testament to the
enduring quality of the wines submitted. Buyers respond positively to
the perception of the rarity we offer. This is the direct result of an
internationally representative judging palate.
“This year, our judges again have clear instructions to spot the jewels
out there. That’s why we invite producers to submit those celebrity
creations in their cellars – wines that will have the judges sit up and
take notice.”
The 2014 panel consists of:
•
Tim Atkin MW, UK wine journalist and Master of Wine (MW), one of the most widely-read wine writers in the world;
•
David Clarke, former Sommeliers Australia executive director and Platter’s South African Wine Guide judge;
•
Ginette de Fleuriot Cape Wine Master (CWM), Bollinger Exceptional Wine Services Award head, Veritas and Platter’s judge and wine writer;
•
Richard Kershaw MW, former chef, winemaker and International Master of Wine;
•
Justin Knock MW, scientist, European-trained wine maker and boutique wine brand owner;
•
Fiona McDonald, former editor of Wine magazine, freelance wine writer and international wine judge;
•
Roland Peens, sommelier and wine retailer with Wine Cellar;
•
Jörg Pfutzner, internationally-trained sommelier, Wine Business Management graduate and wine lecturer;
•
Greg Sherwood MW, former wine marketing manager and now fine wine buyer for London-based Handford Wines;
•
Callie van Niekerk, Distell group manager for wines and experienced taster on various panels, and
•
Cathy van Zyl MW, international wine judge,
chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine's education committee and
associate editor of Platter's South African Wine Guide.
Auction judge Cathy van Zyl says there are undoubtedly South African
wines developing icon status and, even though their numbers are few and
prices high, they should still be marketed as the pinnacle of
production. She says the Auction is one of a handful of fitting
platforms to do so.
“To achieve iconic status among the worldwide group of serious
collectors and connoisseurs, wines – no matter their origin – need to
show consistency. Apart from positive wine reviews and guidance by
global journalists and industry commentators, competition success over
time goes a long way to demonstrate consistency, and plays a major role
when it comes to establishing credentials.”
Steyn says the Auction turning 40 this year is an ideal opportunity for
the industry to create a memorable milestone, both as an event and a
platform to celebrate outstanding South African wines. “We have seen
increasingly how discerning buyers are looking for really niche items.
As Edelkeur led the way 40 years ago, these are the wines that will set
future trends for standout status and prices,” she says.
Nederburg Auction 2014 - key dates:
• 1 February: Submissions open at
Nederburg Auction.
• 25 February: Submissions close
• 13 & 14 March: Panel selection tasting
• 31 March: Results announced
• 12 & 13 September: 40th annual Nederburg Auction
For further information visit Nederburg Auction
website or send an email to
info@nederburgauction.co.za.
