Until Monday, 16 March, Strauss & Co will be running an online wine auction featuring 80 lots from 35 producers. The impressive line-up includes icons from SA, Burgundy and Champagne with a fine selection of both mature wines and highly sought-after collectables.

Buying tip: While Burgundy wines are now firmly the most expensive in the world, there is value to be found in the Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Rouge 2004 which could sell for under R400 per bottle. 'Wow, this has aged beautifully. Decaying leaves, dried orange peel and spice intertwine with cool red fruits. Soft, elegant and delicious.' – Roland Peens (2019), 90/100

SA is considered among the finest regions outside of Burgundy for producing quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, because they’re produced in small pockets across the Cape, there is very little mature stock available in the market. Pristine wines from top local producers include: Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Crystallum, Richard Kershaw, Lismore, Meerlust, Newton Johnson, Paul Cluver, Storm Wines and Restless River.

The demand for Burgundy and Champagne has surged worldwide as collectors hone in on the most hallowed cuvées and mature bottles are becoming harder to come by. Fine bottles from Georges Roumier, Coche-Dury, Joseph Drouhin, René Engel and Comte Georges de Vogüe, as well as incredible Champagnes (back to the 1980s) from the likes of Salon, Dom Pérignon, Drappier and Laurent-Perrier, are on offer.

Browse the catalogue and read up on the straight-forward registration and bidding process here.