‘Grand cru’ South African wines take centre stage at Christie’s HK auction

Christie’s fine wine sale in Hong Kong this March will feature a selection of “grand cru” wines from South Africa, the first time some of the country’s leading wineries have taken top billing in a sale hosted by a major auction house outside of South Africa.

According to Christie’s, the selection will include some old vintages of South African ‘grand cru’ wines, selected with the support and advice from Michael Fridjohn, one of South Africa’s most widely consulted wine authorities.

“The wines have been shipped directly from the private cellars of each producer and are no longer available in the [open] market. Each bottle is guaranteed to give immense joy to wine lovers,” said Christie’s Asia.

The sale includes a 12-bottle case each of Steenberg Magna Carta 2012, Vergelegen GVB 2005, Vilafonté Series ‘M’ 2007, Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2015, Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Paul Cluver ‘Seven Flags’ Chardonnay 2015, Delaire Graff ‘Laurence Graff’ Cabernet Reserve 2013, and Mullineux Schist Syrah 2014.

Each lot is estimated to achieve HK$3,000-6,000 (US$380-750).

In addition, there will also be several three-bottle cases of Klein Constantia, Vin de Constance wines, featuring one bottle each from the 2008, 2011 and 2012 vintages, that are expected to fetch between HK$2,000 and HK$5,000 (US$260 – 650) and six bottles of Paul Sauer’s 1995 ‘Kanonkop’ (HK$3,000-6,000).

The upcoming auction is otherwise largely composed of two single owner collections, and will also feature familiar names and classic vintages from Bordeaux, and Burgundy, including Petrus and Jean-Louis Chave, Domaine Jacques Prieur and the Hospices de Beaune. In addition, there will be a selection of wines consigned from Paris City Hall.

The auction will be held on 17 March in Hong Kong.

This sale marks the first time South African wine has taken centre stage at a major international auction. In South Africa, the annual Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction showcases the finest and most exclusive wines produced by some of South Africa’s leading winemakers and is highly regarded.

In 2017, the 33rd Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild auction set a new record for a single case of red wine sold; a six-bottle case of Danie Steytler’s Kaapzicht Estate ‘The Ultimate Vision’ 2015 realising R16,600 (£910).