Fine wines to go under the hammer at first Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction in Cape Town

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The marquis lot is a 1998 First Growth case which has just been re-released from Bordeaux. Icon Champagnes and wines from the Rhône, Burgundy and Italy will conclude the line-up.

Higgo Jacobs – Curator and Wine Specialist believes the whole auction features wine highlights: "We have made a selection for the catalogue after receiving multiple wines for consideration. And it has to be kept in mind that we only call for fine wines from the Cape’s blue-chip producers. So, it’s a selection within a selection. But if I’m pressed into a further selection within the catalogue it will come down more to personal preference.

"The old Veenwouden Classics, Sequillo Red & White, Mount Sutherland Syrah 2009 & 2010 and the old KWV ports will be good value buys and just delicious to drink, while wines like Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 1997, MR De Compostella 2007, Cordoba Crescendo 2002, Stellenzicht Syrah 1994, Kaapzicht 1947 Chenin 2013 and of course the Chateau Libertas 1957 and GS ‘66 are simply unicorns that fine wine enthusiasts should try at least once."

Charity items

Lot 205, Hartenberg Gravel Hill Vertical 2005 - 2010 & Lot 271 Kanonkop Pinotage 2001 (9L)

All the proceeds from this sale will be donated to the Strauss / SASA Sommelier Protege Program. The South African Sommelier Association (SASA) is a non-profit members organisation that aims to provide training and mentorship to guarantee the continuous development of professional service standards of the highest level. The funds raised will assist with the launch of a sommelier protege program in 2020. This initiative will identify individuals with the potential to become professional sommeliers and place them at top restaurants to train under senior SASA members as well as offering bursaries for certified SASA Sommelier qualifications.

Lot 200, Domaine de la Romanee Conti Richebourg, 1988

All the proceeds from this sale will be donated to sp(i)eel. sp(i)eel is a collective of arts therapists and community arts practitioners who share the vision of creating wider access to arts-based psychological and psycho-social practices for communities living with trauma. The funds raised will assist with the various projects in the Winelands that aim to uplift communities through this inspirational therapy.

Auctions can seem daunting and inaccessible. The Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction has been created by people who are passionate about fine wine and it is open to the public, anyone interested in buying can simply register and on the day, come and go as they please.

How to register to bid

The auction is open to the public with registration at The Westin on Friday, 13 September from 11am or on the auction day from 9am. Absentee and telephone bids will also be accepted. New bidders are required to pay a R5,000 holding deposit.

Absentee written bids - These are written instructions from prospective buyers instructing Strauss & Co to bid on their behalf up to a specific amount for each lot. Please ensure that absentee bids are submitted at least 24 hours before the sale.

Telephone bids - Bidders who are unable to attend the auction may arrange to bid on the telephone. A telephone clerk will call you from the saleroom and bid on your behalf. To register, contact the Bids Department. As the number of telephone lines is limited, it is advisable to book a telephone at least 24 hours before the sale. In the event of a breakdown in the telephone communications, it is advisable to leave a maximum bid as a safeguard. Telephone bids may be recorded.

For more information on the lots, visit the Strauss & Co website.