Wine judge and academic - Yegas Naidoo
Authoring an MBA dissertation profiling the British wine community was what introduced Yegas Naidoo to the world of wine. She has since served on numerous wine judging panels, including the International Wine Challenge in London and the Calyon Trophy Bordeaux Blend Challenge in South Africa. By Jeanri-Tine van Zyl
What was the first bottle of wine that all made sense and why?
It was not a wine that triggered my interest but rather an immeasurable magnitude of data that had to be deciphered for my MBA [Marketing] dissertation, The British Wine Profile. I figured that to write with conviction, I had to understand the fundamental complexities, and so the lifelong thirst started...
What was your most memorable wine experience?
All 12 weekends of the Michael Fridjhon WINE Experience at the Hyatt Regency, Rosebank, since its inception in 1997.
What wine that you have not yet tasted do you most want to?
Krug Clos du Mesnil 1995.
What was the last wine that you bought?
Ironically it was replacement bottles at no charge from a producer who acknowledged a fault [not TCA] and graciously took corrective action without any mumble.
How big is your wine collection and where do you store it?
When not depleted: 700 bottles in my home cellar, and around 100 bottles in a bonded warehouse in London.
Which are your favourite South African wine producers?
Villiera for variety and good value, Rustenberg for consistency, Hamilton Russell for élan and focus and Hilenbrand for sheer originality and dedication.
What was your most embarrassing moment to do with wine?
Flirting with Steven Spurrier at a rather grand Decanter dinner in London, not realising that his wife, Bella, was seated directly opposite us.
What do you like least about wine?
That it boasts more calories than water or green tea.
Which three people would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Bernard Madoff , Tito Mboweni and Sol Kerzner.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Engineering my overseas business trips to coincide with wine events, tastings and exhibitions around the world.
How do you relax?
Earth Pigs are always on the move so this opportunity never presents.
What is your favourite city in the world and why?
I shall list three: London, having spent 10 of my formative years there; Dubai for its glitzy allure; and Shanghai because it is truly the New York of the East.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Realising that it is within your own reach and knowing when you have found it.
