Two rare wines crafted exclusively for the 2010 Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, have been given the “high five” by the 2011 Platter’s South African Wine Guide.

Cape Winemakers Guild Auction

This year’s Guild Platter 5-star wines, Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Auction Reserve 2007 and the acclaimed white blend, Steenberg Vineyards The Magus 2009, are amongst the 19 Platter 5-star wines crafted by members of the Cape Winemakers Guild listed in the 2011 guide.

Etienne le Riche, legendary Cabernet Sauvignon specialist and founder member of the Cape Winemakers Guild, hand selected the grapes personally from one of his prime vineyard sites for his 5-star wine which spent 24 months in new French Oak barrels. He describes the wine as vibrant with fresh, ripe cherry fruitiness and well integrated classic spiciness. The “classy” palate is full and rich, supported by a firm yet fine tannin structure ending in a long finish. This wine fetched on average R3 500 a case of six at the Guild auction.

John Loubser’s renowned white blend of Sauvignon blanc and Semillon was fermented separately in old French oak barrels to capture maximum fruit whilst lees contact for eight weeks enhanced the mouth-feel. Wild and herbaceous with piercing mineral notes, this wine is a true reflection of cool terroir and will age wonderfully with careful cellaring. Its full, vibrant palate with hints of passion fruit and tangerine is elegantly balanced by subtle smokiness. Steenberg Vineyards The Magus 2009 went under the hammer at an average price of R1 400 a case of six at the Guild Auction.

Herewith the full list of 19 5-star wines made by Guild members featured in the 2011 Platter’s South African Wine Guide:

Etienne Le Riche

Cabernet Sauvignon
· Boekenhoutskloof 2008 (Winemaker: Marc Kent)
· Kanonkop 2007 (Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar)
· Le Riche CWG Auction Reserve 2007 (Winemaker: Etienne le Riche)
Grenache
· Neil Ellis Vineyard Selections 2008 (Winemaker: Neil Ellis)
Pinotage
· Beyerskloof Diesel 2008 (Winemaker: Beyers Truter)
Shiraz
· De Trafford 2008 (Red Wine of the Year) (Winemaker: David Trafford)
· Haskell Pillars 2008 (Winemaker: Rianie Strydom)
· Rijk’s Private Cellar 2005 (Winemaker: Pierre Wahl)
Red Blends
· Ernie Els Signature 2007 (Winemaker: Louis Strydom)
· Graham Beck Ad Honorem 2007 (Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira)
· Hartenberg The Mackenzie 2007 (Winemaker: Carl Schultz)
· Spier Frans K. Smit 2006 (Winemaker: Frans Smit)
Sauvignon Blanc
· Graham Beck Pheasants’ Run 2010 (Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira)
Chardonnay
· Groot Constantia Gouverneurs 2009 (Winemaker: Boela Gerber)
White Blends
· Cape Point Isliedh 2009 (Winemaker: Duncan Savage)
· Steenberg Magna Carta 2009 (Winemaker: John Loubser)
· Steenberg CWG Auction Reserve The Magus 2009 (Winemaker: John Loubser)
Méthode Cap Classique
· Villiera Monro Brut 2005 (Winemaker: Jeff Grier)
Port
· Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2008 (Winemaker: Carel Nel)

The Cape Winemakers Guild comprises some of South Africa’s most respected winemakers with the single minded vision to elevate the standing of the South African wine industry amongst the world’s best through their ongoing dedication to the production of world-class, quality wines.

For the comprehensive list of all of the 5 star wines visit wine.co.za.