Strauss & co - Review 2019

In June 2019, Strauss & Co launched its inaugural Fine Wine Auction in partnership with online retailer Wine Cellar and leading sommelier Higgo Jacobs. “Strauss & Co believes that top-end South African wines are on a fascinating and ascending trajectory,” says Frank Kilbourn who, over and above his passion for art, is a wine lover. “Our joint venture was formed in recognition of this exciting trend and we believe that our Fine Wine Auction programme will enhance the profile of, and stimulate demand for, high-quality fine wines from South Africa and abroad.” Interest in vintage South African wines is at an all-time high, especially as the country raises its profile in the international wine market.“We have witnessed first-hand the immense appreciation infinewineprices over the last decade,”saidRolandPeens, director of Wine Cellar, which provides professional cellaring, logistics and fine wine experience for the auction. “This coincides with a leap in quality and realisation of some of the incredible gems from Fine Wine: A centuries-old industry steeped in craftsmanship receives its due the last century.” Strauss & Co’s reputation and experience in transparently establishing auction benchmarks is an important factor in the new partnership. “Strauss & Co entering the fine wine market is a strong vote of confidence in the maturity and potential of the South African wine industry and adds an exciting new dimension to it,” said Higgo Jacobs. In all, Strauss & Co hosted two standalone live wine sales in 2019, in Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as an online sale. Together these three sales achieved a combined turnover of R4.45 million, with a very good lot sell-through rate of 72.67%. Much like contemporary art, wine connoisseurship and collecting attracts internationalists. This trait was reflected in the origin of the ten top lots sold in 2019. As is to be expected, French wines performed exceptionally well. But it is lending visibility and credibility to South African wines that is the fundamental purpose of the Fine Wine Auction. Jaubert Family Muscat d’Alexandrie 1800 Sold R51 210 GS Cabernet, 1966 Sold R34 140 40