Simonsig pair on 2009 CWG Auction hot list

Johan Malan: crafting a memorable duo.

The duo, specially crafted for this year's repertoire of rare auction wines to go under the hammer on 3 October, 2009, includes the Simonsig Auction Reserve Pinotage 2007, which stems from a 12-year-old bush vine vineyard.

"This wine proves that looks can be deceiving, because what the vineyard lacks in appearance, its shale soil and excellent fruit quality certainly made up for it in the bottle," said Malan, current chairman and one of the longest serving members of the Cape Winemakers Guild.

The full-bodied Simonsig Auction Reserve Pinotage 2007 was matured in new French (77%) and American oak for 25 months. It lends itself to exceptional ageing potential with the wood influence subtle yet supportive, respecting the complex plum and sour cherry Pinotage flavours, intertwined with smooth, ripe tannins. Dark black berry fruit infused with perfumed vanilla pod aromas add finesse to this boldly structured wine from an outstanding vintage.

Simonsig Auction Reserve Shiraz 2007

The second 2009 auction wine is the Simonsig Auction Reserve Shiraz 2007 crafted from a low-yielding vineyard on deep-red soil, which produced super ripe grapes. Viognier skins were added during fermentation and the wine spent 25 days with skin contact after which it was oak matured in a single new Francois Freres Nevers barrel for 26 months.

The Simonsig Auction Reserve Shiraz 2007 exudes juicy ripe mulberries and spicy cinnamon on the nose, with hints of white pepper aromas, layered with a cedary oak influence to coax the palate.

Limited quantities

The duo are part of a collection of 41 rare and exclusive wines available in limited quantities only and can be purchased at the 25th Nedbank CWG Auction at Spier Conference Centre on Saturday, 3 October 2009.

Wine enthusiasts can taste this pair, along with the rest of the auction wines, at the 2009 Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Showcase to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) at 6pm on Thursday, 20 August and at the Atrium, Nedbank Sandton at 6.30pm on Thursday, 27 August.

Tickets cost R100 per person inclusive of a tasting glass. For bookings visit www.capewinemakersguild.com.