Auction more select
2007-08-16
THIS year’s selection of some 140 Nederburg Auction wines, smaller than in the past, is a clear reflection of the growing maturity evident in the wine industry, says renowned oenologist Duimpie Bayly who was also one of the main judges responsible for choosing the wines that will come under the hammer of Stephan Welz in Paarl in September.
A technical consultant and adviser to the wine industry who serves on key industry bodies, Bayly says: ‘The impact of the deregulation of the industry well over a decade ago is already manifest in some of the older reds from the late 1990s and is materially apparent in more recent vintages.
“Greater international exchange of information and improved access to new viticultural techniques, the establishment of cooler wine-growing regions, improved matching of varietal with location, better fermentation procedures as well as a lighter touch in the cellar, have influenced many of the wines on offer this year.
“In the main, they express a consummate sophistication with great finesse.
“I would say that common to virtually all is an elegance of structure complemented by pronounced, but contained fruit expression.”
Referring to the vintage reds from the early 1990s and some of the dessert and fortified wines that pre-date the re-entry of South Africa into international markets, he adds: “At the same time there are some venerable wines of outstanding quality that have excelled, even without the benefit of access to international research in viticulture and winemaking. True classics, they transcend trends and technology.”
Very stringent application of selection criteria, he stresses, meant that fewer than half the wines submitted this year were accepted.
However, Bayly and his co-judges were particularly impressed by the quality of the red blends and the dexterity of local winemakers in working with newer varietals to South Africa like Mourvèdre and Sangiovese, found mostly in blends.
He adds that the MCC sparkling wines were also of an exceptionally high standard.
“It’s good to see so many fortified wines this year. With the renewed and growing interest in this category amongst many wine-producing countries, we are confident they will be well received.
“The Pinotages also offer a very impressive showcasing of what this varietal is able to achieve when skilfully handled.”
According to Auction manager Christine Joubert, this year’s offering represents fewer than 70 producers, compared with 86 producers last year.
Joubert is excited by the inclusion of new blood on the panel of judges who assisted in selecting the wines.
“We are fortunate to have many highly respected industry veterans evaluating the wines."
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