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

18 Sep 2025

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

This cellar has exceeded all expectations in both condition and consistency, particularly remarkable given the age of the wines. Stored in temperature-controlled conditions, carefully racked and meticulously catalogued, the bottles appear virtually untouched since their original delivery decades ago.

Upon visiting the cellar, the Strauss & Co wine team was struck by a sense of discovery: “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 the Legacy

While a full re-corking was initially planned, further analysis – conducted in collaboration with Amorim, the world’s leading cork producer – led to a more nuanced strategy. Bottles with pristine presentation (high fill levels, intact labels, flawless corks) were preserved in their original state.

For the remainder, re-corking was performed under an argon gas blanket. Each bottle was topped up with reserve wine of the same vintage, re-corked, and resealed under Amorim’s technical supervision. The result: in some lots, collectors will encounter both original and re-corked bottles of the same vintage – a rare and compelling offering on the secondary market.

“This has been one of the most exciting private cellars we’ve ever had the privilege of working with,” notes Sarah Jordaan of Strauss & Co. “Not only is the condition remarkable, but the cellar reads like a who’s who of South African wine history – many of the producers represented were the very pioneers of the modern industry.”

Strauss & Co Senior Wine Specialist Roland Peens offers his insights on a few standout bottles from the collection:

 Alto Rouge 1980
“The even years in Stellenbosch in the 1980s were generally the finest. This 1980 is unbelievably good and in fine condition. Deep and exotic, with alluring spice, baked meats, and an earthy edge. The palate is rich and moreish, with a slight mint adding complexity to a densely fruited core. Long and confident in the glass—what a great vintage South African red. I would drink it now (it’s so delicious), but considering its fine balance, it will keep further.” – 97/100

 Chateau Libertas 1986
“This was one of the top wines of the Engen cellar. Without wanting to benchmark it too heavily, we all remarked on the Southern Rhône character on both nose and palate—low acidity, rich fruit, dried herbs, and a savoury texture. Quite high in alcohol for the era, it is deep, with layers of flavour and enough freshness. The tannins are fine and soft, while finish is both exotic and balanced. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Cinsaut and possibly Pinotage. Drink over the next two decades.” –  95/100

Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 1975
“The first red wine under the Meerlust label—and it’s terrific. Savoury and mature, the nose is delicate and emerges with time, with more energy and definition. Floral and fine, the palate is sumptuously long and silky, although the tannins have melted away. Drink within a decade” – 95/100

The auction promises to offer serious collectors and connoisseurs a rare opportunity to acquire bottles that are not only historically meaningful but exceptionally well preserved. Given the provenance, rarity, and exceptional condition, these wines are expected to be among the most sought-after lots ever offered in South Africa.

The Engen Cellar Collection will be featured in Strauss & Co’s upcoming Fine Wine Auction that takes place online from 19 – 29 September.