Bottles of Stellenbosch underground wine treasures could fetch up to R70 000
Wine collectors far and wide will be placing their bids on the riches of an underground wine cellar based in Stellenbosch, and the price estimates are no small change amount.
The Tabernacle’s wine library is home to some of South Africa’s curated wine treasures rich with both history and a delectable rarity.
The auction, hosted by Strauss & Co, comes at a powerful time for South African wines. Local wine auctions have reached record heights in recent years, say the auctioneers, with one of the most noteworthy bids fetching almost R1 million for the Malan family’s bottle of 1821 Grand Constance.
Strauss & Co record that another reason that makes our wine bids so thrilling is the illicit nature that history has afforded some of the wines.
“There’s the legend of South Africa’s first chardonnay cuttings, and their clandestine arrival in South Africa (whether they were smuggled in a baby’s nappy or an old boot, no one is willing to confirm,” Strauss & Co tell of South African wine mythology.
The mystery and history all intertwine at the Tabernacle, which has a collection dating back to the 16th century.
The upcoming auction offers a treasure chest for the wine connoisseur, with 99 bottles up for the gavel’s approval.
Of the most expensive bid estimates, The Pétrus Pomerol set from 1967 to 1971 are estimated to fetch between R40 000-50 000 for the older two, while the 1971 bottle is estimated to fetch anywhere between R50 000 -70 000.
Other noteworthy lots are the GS Cabernet 1966-1968 collection, with fetching prices estimated to be between R18 000 to R40 000.
Of the crowned jewel Pétrus Pomerol 1971, the wine is said to be one of the world’s most rare and expensive.
Its notes are described as rich and full with a “velvety texture and bouquet of cassis, violet and truffle.”
For more information on how to bid for the 10 July run, go to www.straussart.co.za.
Also read:
Picture: Strauss & Co