Strauss & Co Presents the Engen Cellar Collection: A Rare Glimpse into South Africa’s Wine Legacy (1975-1988)

Strauss & Co is proud to announce a landmark fine wine auction celebrating South Africa’s vinous heritage, featuring the Engen Cellar Collection—an extraordinary private cellar boasting some of the rarest and most historically significant South African wines from the 1970s to the 1980s.

A Remarkable Discovery

The Engen Cellar Collection has impressed experts with its exceptional condition and consistency, particularly given the age of the wines. Stored in temperature-controlled conditions, carefully racked, and meticulously catalogued, many bottles appear virtually untouched since their original delivery decades ago.

“The setting was almost mystical—accessed through a narrow passage leading to a long, slender room lined with racks of perfectly stored bottles. It was immediately clear that this was no ordinary collection,”.

recalls Higgo Jacobs, Strauss & Co’s Senior Wine Specialist

Preserving South African Wine History

Initially, the auction team considered re-corking the entire collection. However, after consulting with Amorim, the world’s leading cork producer, a nuanced approach was adopted. Bottles in pristine condition—high fill levels, intact labels, and flawless corks—were preserved as-is. Others were re-corked under an argon gas blanket, topped up with reserve wine of the same vintage, and resealed under Amorim’s supervision. This means collectors may encounter both original and re-corked bottles of the same vintage—a rare and compelling offering.

“This has been one of the most exciting private cellars we’ve ever worked with. The cellar reads like a who’s who of South African wine history—many of the producers represented were pioneers of the modern industry.”

says Sarah Jordaan of Strauss & Co

Standout Bottles from the Engen Collection

• Alto Rouge 1980 – Rated 97/100. Even-year vintages from Stellenbosch in the 1980s were exceptional. Deep, exotic, and rich with spice, baked meats, and a hint of mint, this red is both drinkable now and cellar-worthy.
• Chateau Libertas 1986 – Rated 95/100. With Southern Rhône characteristics, rich fruit, dried herbs, and soft tannins, this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend is a rare gem meant to be enjoyed over the next two decades.
• Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 1975 – Rated 95/100. The first red under the Meerlust label, it is savoury, mature, and elegantly long on the palate, showcasing floral notes and silky texture.

A Collector’s Opportunity

The Engen Cellar Collection offers collectors and connoisseurs a once-in-a-lifetime chance to acquire historically meaningful wines in exceptional condition. Given their rarity, provenance, and preservation, these bottles are poised to become some of the most coveted lots ever offered in South Africa.

The collection will be featured in Strauss & Co’s upcoming Fine Wine Auction, taking place online from 19 – 29 September 2025.

For more details, visit www.straussart.co.za.