Women of the Nederburg Auction

Andrea Freeborough and Laszlo

Andrea Freeborough, cellar master at The Bergkelder, is committed towards quality excellence and is set on making sure that the successful winemaking team produces outstanding wines for both the premier Unfiltered as well as the regular Fleur du Cap ranges.

Freeborough - ex-winemaker of white wines at Nederburg with a string of awards in tow - is in charge of the entire working operation of The Bergkelder. She says: “For me, working in the wine industry is such a fulfilling career choice as no two days are ever the same in the cellar - each day brings new challenges.”

On auction this year is the Laszlo 2004 vintage, under the Fleur du Cap label. This special release signature blend is a fitting tribute to Dr Julius Laszlo, the visionary cellar master at The Bergkelder, who catapulted South African winemaking into the international league in the 1980s. At a reserve price of R1,080 for just 10 cases of 6 x 750ml bottles, the wine's initial aromas of cedar and tobacco spice are enhanced by nuances of cinnamon and cloves, with its spiciness balanced by plum and fruit cake aromas complemented by mint chocolate aromas.

Liza Goodwin and Merlot

Liza Goodwin of Meerendal studied at the Elsenburg Agricultural College before joining the estate as assistant winemaker in 1998. Goodwin has been part of the team responsible for the transformation of this 300-year old estate since the new group of owners took over the farm in 2004.

The Merlot 2004, one of three Meerendal entries on this year's auction, was awarded a gold medal and the trophy for the best Merlot at the 2006 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show. On offer are 40 cases of 6 x 750ml bottles at a reserve price of R480.

Brut team

The mother and daughter team of Cape Wine Master, Irina von Holdt and Fran Botha, established Old Vines Wine Cellars with the specific aim of elevating South Africa's most widely planted variety - Chenin Blanc - by producing fine, investment-quality wine.

The Vintage Brut 2004, displaying the distinctive character of a Cap Classique with fine bubbles and yeasty freshness, combined with fruity, floral notes and a crisp, lingering finish, is the only Methode Cap Classique on auction this year and also one of only three pre-release auction entries. To qualify for the pre-release auction, a wine has to be a first release of outstanding quality and rarity. With a reserve price of R420, 20 cases of 6 x 750ml bottles will be available.

“We are aiming for a true Cap Classique but also a wine that shows distinctive Chenin Blanc character, which reflects the Old Vines Cellars philosophy of finely crafting a collection of special Chenin Blanc wines,” says Botha, managing director for Old Vines Cellars.

On 11 and 12 September 2009, local and international buyers and connoisseurs will be afforded the opportunity to purchase these and other South African wines at the 35th Nederburg Auction.

For more information, see: www.nederburgauction.co.za