The Nederburg Auction is recognized as one of the world's top five major wine auctions and is currently in its 39th year of offering South Africa's premium wines. There is always a lot of excitement around the auction and with good reason, "the Nederburg Auction is a tribute to the endeavours of South African winemakers over three centuries to improve their wines." Something worth celebrating and taking particular interest in. It was a very small tasting room, not that conducive for getting up-close-and-personal with the wine. One had to have a strategy, and I DON'T spit - I just can't do it - Standing at a table reading a label and having a guy strain over me to spray Lomond Sauvignon Blanc 2008 half in my face, I can't help but hear my Grandmother's etiquette rules ringing in my head. Times that gentleman by 30 and it's like Llama mating season. Moving on, I got my plan in order; I love rich Chenin Blanc and am in a dedicated relationship with Chardonnay so I decided to stay away from those tables lest I ended up stealing the bottles. Viognier and I don't see eye-to-eye but this month I am focusing on Pinotage - avoid the former and head to the latter with a quick stop at Sauvignon Blanc in preparation for our "Spring into Action" September Spotlight feature. Domaine Des Dieux Sauvignon Blanc 2008. Like a disco in my mouth, complete with a mirror ball that spots every corner in flashing bright light. *insert 80's dance moves* Fleur Du Cap unfiltered Sauvignon Blanc 2009. Always a goodie because it's just so lovely and fresh with subtle, caressing, tropical fruits. Coming to the Pinotage table, I was really gunning for good things. I'm just so glad that wine is objective and personal, a sentiment to which I held firm as I struggled to hold onto my lunch with the 1971 Oude Libertas Pinotage fighting my insides. "What a fantastic example of a well-aged Pinotage" I heard someone say, but all I could think of was wet bricks and burnt tinned tomatoes. On to better things. Haskell Pillars 2007 Shiraz gave me some seriously sexy apricots and a rough pepper finish and Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Shiraz 2006 was just right, it was unfortunate that I didn't have a big enough bag to walk away with it in. For me, the red blends ruled - perhaps because I felt that they could be enjoyed immediately but also in a few years too. The other specials on my wish list: - Claim D'or, Cabernet Franc 2008 - Hartenberg, The Mackenzie 2005 (think cracked black pepper steak) - Kanonkop, Paul Sauer 1994 - Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 - Le Bonheur, Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 I'm looking forward to seeing the auction in action. Programme of Events @ the Nederburg Auction FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 09h00 – 10h00 Registration & breakfast canapés 09h00 – 11h00 Informal tasting hosted by the participating producers 11h00 – 13h00 Auction commences in Johann Graue Hall 13h00 – 14h00 Luncheon 14h00 – 16h30 Auction resumes in Johann Graue Hall SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 09h00 – 10h00 Registration & breakfast canapés 09h00 – 10h00 Informal tasting for registered buyers only 10h00 – 11h00 Keynote address in Johan Graue Hall 11h00 – 13h30 Auction resumes 11h00 – 12h00 For the partners: Fashion, food and style trends 13h30 – 14h00 Charity auction in Johan Graue Hall 14h00 – End Lunch, networking & entertainment