Both James Molesworth of Wine Spectator and Steve Tanzer of the authoritative International Wine Cellar, have given the 2009 auction wines exceptional reviews. Of the 33 Guild wines tasted by Tanzer, 29 were rated 90 points or more, whilst James Molesworth's 90 plus points tally on Wine Spectator's infamous 100-point scale comprises 25 of the 31 auction wines he tasted. Describing this year's selection of Guild auction wines as "the best offering yet from South Africa's top winemakers" and the best set of wines in the three years since he began reviewing these special releases, Molesworth had the following to say about this year's auction line-up: "As a group, they showcase this still-developing wine country's strengths - Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, cool-climate whites and dessert wines." His top red auction wines which he scored at 93 points are the Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Auction Reserve 2007 and the Neil Ellis Rodanos 2007, whilst the Badenhorst Family Wines Kalmoesfontein Semillon Noble Late Harvest 2008 which he gave a 92 point score, is singled out as "one of the top wines on offer this year". Tanzer awarded his highest score of 93 points to four outstanding auction wines, namely the 2007 Cederberg Teen die Hoog Shiraz, the 2007 Neil Ellis Rodanos, the 2007 Louis Nel Neighbour's Wrath Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2006 Boschkloof Auction Reserve Shiraz. This year's 41 auction wines, all poised to become rare collector's items, include 27 red wines, nine white wines, two dessert wines, a Méthode Cap Classique, a potstill brandy and a port. Distinctly different from wines bottled under the members' own labels, the CWG Auction wines are chosen at a blind tasting and only those showing technical excellence and maturation potential are chosen. This thorough process involving the members of the Guild ensures that every wine boasting the CWG Auction label is a wine of exceptional quality. The auction, to be held at the Spier Convention Centre in the Stellenbosch on Saturday, 3 October is open to the public and all the wines on offer are made exclusively by members of the Guild to represent the pinnacle of what can be achieved in South African winemaking. Prospective buyers who are unable to attend the auction on the day, can register in advance with the CWG and take advantage of their telephonic and proxy bidding facilities. For further details and to attend the Auction, visit www.capewinemakersguild.com or contact the Guild Office on (021) 852-0408 or info@capewinemakersguild.com.