An unprecedented 91% increase
in price per litre paid at the 2013 Nederburg Auction, held at Nederburg in
Paarl at the week-end, is excellent news for South African producers, and an
affirmation that the event’s increased focus on quality is paying off.
Organisers of South Africa’s premier fine wine auction say the increase comes on
top of a further overall income result of R4,38 million – more than double the
amount expected due to reduced volumes on auction.
 |
| Aus Sommelier David Clarke insisting Quantas had just flown over head |
“We are delighted that the
lowering of volumes, brought about by a tough selection panel, paid off,” said
auction manager Dalene Steyn. “The rand per litre is up and that’s a direct
result of our tighter auction offering. This is not isolated, as the increase is
consistent from lot to lot, with a 91,8% premium attained on reserve
prices.”
“What was clearly apparent
from the Nederburg Auction this year is that the buyers were far more informed,
knew exactly what they wanted to buy and were prepared to competitively bid on
lots. The result was a consistently high top average selling price, with prices
for individual cases in lots rarely varying by more than a few hundred rands.
This was a clear affirmation of consistent quality across the
board.”
Steyn further added that the
tighter selection this year resulted in a much stronger line-up. Since this was
a completely blind tasting, quality, and only quality, determined inclusion in
the auction line-up. “If a wine made it to the auction, it was worthy of the
auction seal of approval. However, not all of the smaller producers attained the
prices they deserved, that could be attributed to a lack of self-promotion.”
Francois Rautenbach, buyer for the Singita Game Reserve, commented that the
solution is twofold: “Be visible, and prepare by putting aside something special
that offers a genuine sense of exclusivity.” Keynote speaker Joe Roberts
reinforced this statement in his keynote address, where he highlighted the fact
that producers need to tell and sell a story.
 |
| Joe Roberts aka 1winedude |
Regarding wine categories, the
average price per litre achieved this year was R354.64, compared to R184.78 in
2012. Highlights included the highest price of
R22 000, paid by Next International of Nigeria for three 750ml bottles of
Zonnebloem Cabernet 1973. Other standout prices achieved included R17 000 paid
for a single case of 6 x 750ml bottles of the Monis Collectors Port (Double
Stamp Collection) 1948, R8 500 paid for one case (6 x 750ml) of the Kanonkop
Cabernet Sauvignon 1997, and R7 000 paid for one case (6 x 750ml) of the De
Krans Vintage Reserve Port 1993.
Distell MD Jan Scannell said
that he was very pleased to see a 4.7% increase in wine sales to Africa,
accounting for 28.7% (R1 249 200) of the total auction turnover.
In terms of international
sales, which contributed 8.3% (R360 600) of total sales, the biggest
contribution came from the United Arab Emirates, accounting for R219
150.
A complete price per litre
summary, including comparisons by category, will be published on the
Nederburg Auction
website, shortly.
 |
| Chenin King Ken actually had a Roussanne on auction |
