When last did you see a wine label that literally follows the rule of “what you see is what you get.”? No frills. No Latin. No French or other foreign name.

If straight talking is your preference, you might want to look into Rijk Tulbagh’s Vol Soet Chenin Blanc 1997, an exciting new fortified wine set to debut on the upcoming Nederburg Auction.

Aged for 12 years in small oak before considered ready to show its luscious face, this is no gawky adolescent. It’s rich, full palate of fruit and nuts is said to end in a surprisingly dry and long finish. Grapes harvested at full ripeness were picked from vines growing on the flood plains of the Klein Berg River and protected by the peaks of the Obiqua, Winterhoek and Witzenberg mountains. Just 5 000 litres of the full and sweet reserve wine have been made with 20 6-bottle cases available on this year’s auction.

Another newcomer to this September’s showcase is Mountain Oaks, also the first winery to have an organically-grown and organically produced wine come under the hammer in the 36-year history of the event. The Slanghoek winery, accredited by the Norwegian Debio certification authorities, has produced a Chenin Blanc Reserve 2005 from vines that, according to owner Mark Stevens, are now between 60 and 90 years old. Originally bush vines, they have been trellised “to keep them going”, he explains, and receive water just once in the season before harvest.

He and his wife, Christine, who is the winemaker, bought the farm in 1999 and have been producing wines here since 2003, mentored by the late Ross Gower. Stevens says the wine, which is “on the dry side” has been variously described by journalists lucky enough to have sampled it, as “complex, very interesting and absolutely exquisite.”

There are three other newbies to watch out for, including the maiden vintage Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz Reserve 2004 from Francois Agenbag, a previous winner of the Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year Award.

Another example of telling it like it is, when owner Patrick Pols counted seven oaks on the Breedekloof farm, his wife, Jacqui decided that was enough to clinch the name of the property. Fifteen 6-bottle cases of the multi-award-winner will be on offer.

Vrede en Lust, owned by the Buys family and already establishing a sound prize-winning pedigree, is introducing a Sauvignon Blanc 2007, as well as a Viognier 2008 to auction-bidders. There will be 10 6-bottle cases of each.

Vilafonté, the collaborative label of Zelma Long, often referred to as America’s first lady of wine; her husband, Phil Freese, an internationally respected viticulturist; and South African Mike Ratcliffe, is represented by 20 6-bottle cases of the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend, Series C 2003.

Wines on offer can be purchased by members of the trade with a liquor licence, as well by anyone who belongs to the Vinotèque Wine Bank.

Details of these and other wines to be auctioned at Nederburg on Friday, September 3 and Saturday, September 4 can be found by going to the Wines on Auction page.