Experience the winning flavours of the Cape Winelands through various challenges which we organise…..Why these particular challenges?

The main reasoning behind the wine challenges is to inform the local market and shine the spotlight on normally neglected categories, such as Red Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec. The reasoning behind the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay Challenge is we feel that this variety doesn’t receive enough time in the spotlight other than in large competitions. On the Blends categories, sadly many SA consumers still think blends are made with the leftover wines and that only the very well-known blends are made with quality grapes.

We do this at the lowest cost to the wineries. There is a R800 entry fee to cover costs and two bottle requirement for the judging.

All the challenges are audited by Cecil Kilpin & Co.  The judging panel consists of a very experienced Chairperson, plus 2 judges who are possibly younger but also experienced.  Depending on the category and intricacies of the category we might have all 3 judges with intensive experience, who are capable of judging these complex wines.  A lot of thought and due diligence goes into selecting the correct judges for each panel.

The judging is blind and they only know the categories.  The vintages are mixed up and we do believe all of our judges are experienced enough to realise when the wine in their glass is young or older

We also sometimes include what I call a training seat, for a person who wishes to experience tasting various categories whether they are studying wine or working in the industry.  Their scores are not taken into consideration of the final score.

The set up and management of the judging is done at International standards and including my 25 years of experience in this field Most consumers who purchase in bottle stores and retail chains purchase their wine via the stickers on the bottles and because they have seen the wine being written about on social media/online or in the papers. 

We award gold and silver medals in most of the categories and some categories an overall winner as well as gold and silver.  Should a winery wish us to we will not publish their results.  This is a positive experience, and we are not here to find fault with the wines.

As most of the categories are quite small it gives the judges a lot more time to spend on each wine.

We receive exposure by various online and printed media platforms.

JARNAC COOPERAGE MALBEC CHALLENGE 2025

The Challenge judging by a panel of three tasters using the international 100 point system, took place on September 25th in Cape Town. The panel consisting of three Cape Wine Masters, was chaired by Christine Rudman, and included Janine van Zyl, qualified sommelier and recent CWM graduate, and Lizette Tolken HR Manager at Boekenhoutskloof Winery in Franschhoek. The wines were judged blind, as is usual with these Challenges, and no discussion took place until after the score sheets had been handed to the auditor. Audited by Cecil Kilpin & Co.  Organised by Events by Celia in accordance with international standards.

A juicy, soft-skinned variety, Malbec requires care in the vineyard to avoid over-cropping or sunburn damage, and in the cellar quick and careful fermentation to prevent oxidation. The winning wines mainly used either only older oak or a combination of new and used barrels, to showcase the succulent drinkability part of its character. Clearly there is a growing understanding of what the variety needs, and growing winemaker and viticulturist  confidence was reflected in the wines, stylistically different but most of them admirable. Plantings are still small, well under 1% of vineyards.

There was more of a geographic spread of origins than in the past, the wines came from Stellenbosch or Simonsberg-Paarl, from Banghoek, Paarl, Cape Town, and further afield, from Breedekloof, Nuy, Robertson, Darling and Walker Bay. The different origins reflected in the wines, and overall the panel was impressed by the fruit concentration and typicity, agreeing that the majority had the ability to age, with well-considered oaking and tannin structure.

Prices ranged from under R100 up to R655 for a 2018 vintage, with the majority in the R200 – R400 bracket. It is a measure of the growing market appreciation of quality that the prices have been increasing, justifyingly so, in the opinion of the panel. Vintages ranged from 2018, as already mentioned, through to 2025, with the majority in the 2021 to 2023 bracket. The older wines confirmed how well Malbec can age, while the younger ones showed just how attractively drinkable even current release wines can be.

As a category, Malbec performed very well, with 15 wines earning a Gold medal (90+ points), and 5 wines Silver (80 – 89 points).

The winning wine was Bellevue 2022, from an historic estate in the Bottelary area of Stellenbosch. Bought in 1861 by Dirk Cloete Morkel, it has been farmed by four generations of his family. Besides old vineyards, its significance includes planting one of the earliest Pinotage vineyards, in 1953. As written on their website “Bellevue’s Malbec is one of kind, bold and enchanting, our Wild Child.”  A delicious one at that.

The competition has a generous sponsor, Tonnellerie de Jarnac. The winning winery will receive a Tonnellerie De Jarnac barrel either 225, 228 or 300L according to the winning wineries specifications. The official local agent is Vinco Enology.

In previous Challenges, when the winning winemakers were asked what had inspired them to plant Malbec, the answers ranged from for it to be part of the classic 5-variety Bordeaux blend, or because they had visited countries where Malbec is widely grown, like Argentina or Cahors in France, and were impressed by it. Written By Christine Rudman CWM Panel Chair

WINNER (Highest Scoring Wine)
Bellevue Estate (Pty) Ltd Bellevue Malbec 2022

GOLD (90 –100)
Arno Smith Wine Company Saartjie Single Vineyard Selection Malbec 2022
Benguela Cove Investments Benguela Cove Vinography Malbec 2023
Darling Cellars (Pty) Ltd Darling Cellars Bushvine Reserve Malbec 2024
Deetlefs Wines (Pty) Ltd Kobus Deetlefs Signature Malbec 2023
Deetlefs Wines (Pty) Ltd Kobus Deetlefs Signature Malbec 2021
Dornier Wines Dornier Malbec 2023
Excelsior Estate Excelsior The Coach House Malbec 2025
Excelsior Estate Excelsior Purebred Malbec 2025
Le Pommier Estate Le Pommier Jonathan’s Malbec 2024
Leipzig Winery Leipzig Malbec 2021
Mitre’s Edge Vineyards Mitre’s Edge Malbec 2021
Mt Vernon Farms Mt Vernon Malbec 2022
Niel Joubert Wines Niel Joubert The Proprietor Malbec 2018
Vergenoegd Estate Vergenoegd Lőw Ottilie Malbec 2023

SILVER (80-89)
Anura Vineyards (Pty) Ltd Anura Reserve Malbec 2023
Deetlefs Wines (Pty) Ltd Deetlefs Stonecross Malbec 2024
Lozarn Wines Lozarn Malbec 2023
Peter Falke Wines Peter Falke Malbec 2023
Vrede en Lust Estate Vrede en Lust Malbec 2023

Pinot Noir Challenge 2025

Pinot Noir is often described as the most transparent of grapes. It reveals not only its place of origin but also the hand of the winemaker, rewarding finesse and patience while punishing excess. At this year’s Pinot Noir Challenge, the judging panel was unanimous: South African Pinot Noir has reached a level of maturity where it no longer asks for allowances. These are wines of conviction, delicacy and typicity, and they stand proudly alongside examples from the world’s established regions.

Judged blind by Clive Torr, Cape Wine Master, Janine van Zyl Sommelier & Cape Wine Master and Suzaan Potgieter, Editor of the Versnit, the wines showed purity, clarity and elegance across the board. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, strawberry and plum were lifted by florals and spice, while the finest examples layered in savoury earth and forest floor. Texture was where many shone brightest. The top performers carried supple fruit wrapped around taut acidity, with tannins so fine they felt like silk threads. Oak use, once a common pitfall, was more restrained this year, lending quiet support without masking the variety’s perfume.

What made this Challenge particularly exciting was the breadth of origins represented. The cool slopes of the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley produced two of the highest-scoring wines, marked by vibrancy and length. Franschhoek confirmed its growing reputation for Pinot with wines of polish and detail, while Walker Bay delivered consistency across multiple entries, proving why it remains a benchmark. Elgin contributed finely etched wines with precision and lift, while Breedekloof surprised with a riper, yet still balanced, expression. Even Lower Duivenhoks River and Stellenbosch added their voices, underscoring Pinot Noir’s adaptability when grown in carefully chosen sites.

The overall calibre was outstanding. There were no faulty wines, only varying shades of expression. The Gold medallists stood out for their completeness: wines that were harmonious, textural and layered, wines that left the panel confident they would both drink beautifully now and develop gracefully with time in the bottle. The Silver medallists, too, impressed with their charm and varietal clarity. Together, the results reflect a category in full stride.

As a sommelier and judge, what struck me most was the confidence of style. These wines are no longer tentative or imitative. They are distinctly South African in accent, yet they carry the elegance, nuance and finesse that make Pinot Noir such a beloved grape all over the world. The judging was audited by Cecil Kilpin & Co. Written by: Janine van Zyl CWM

GOLD MEDALS (Alphabetical Order)
Baleia Pinot Noir 2023
Chamonix Reserve Pinot Noir 2023
Chamonix Feldspar Pinot Noir 2023
Haute Cabriere Reserve Pinot Noir 2021
Highlands Road Pinot Noir 2022
Terra Loci Babilon Pinot Noir 2023
Walker Bay Pinot Noir 2022
Whalehaven Terroir Series Shale Summit Pinot Noir 2018
Whalehaven Terroir Series Granite Rock Pinot Noir 2017

SILVER MEDALS (Alphabetical Order)
Haute Collection Pinot Noir 2022
Peter Falke Pinot Noir 2020
Silkbush Winemakers Selection Pinot Noir 2022
Terra Loci Babilon Pinot Noir 2022
The Fledge & Co Katvis 2023
Walker Bay Pink Pinot Noir 2024
Whalehaven Cloudscape Reserve Pinot Noir 2022

Peter Falke Head Winemaker – Werner Schrenk

Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge 2025

Cabernet is a widely grown thick-skinned variety that’s been in South Africa long enough for the majority of winemakers to have had some experience of making wine from it. Regarded as one of the premium varieties, it is often the top wine of producers’ ranges.

The expectation was therefore high for the three judges of this Challenge on June 19^th in Cape Town. Organised by EventsbyCelia, it’s the third time a Cabernet Challenge has been run. The experienced tasters were Cape Wine Masters Christine Rudman (as chair) and winemaker Clive Torr, with Suzanne Potgieter, editor of Versnit, the wine section of Die Burger.

The wines were judged blind, as is usual with these Challenges, using the 100 point system. No background information about origin, vintage or oaking was available, and no discussion took place until after the individual score sheets had been handed to the auditor. In addition, no pre-tasting guidance was given, the panel tasted what was in the glass then gave the score he/she thought the wine deserved. The judging was audited by Cecil Kilpin & Co.

Although the majority of the wines came from Stellenbosch/Simonsberg, other areas were also represented, as far afield as Robertson. Prices ranged from R880 to R135, but R200 – R300 was where most producers pitched their prices. Vintages ranged from 2019 to 2023, with 2022 accounting for just under half the wines entered.

Unsurprisingly, the panel awarded ten of the wines Gold (90 – 100 points), and many receiving Silver medals (80 – 89). There were no faulty wines, which spoke of the high standard of the line-up.

For the discussion after the judging the panel was given the vintages, where they commented that in general the wines had Cabernet typicity, and most were accessible for current enjoyment, even if the vintages were youthful. There was good tannin management: gone were the days of having to cellar a cabernet for a few years before it could be served. Overall the wines reflected vineyard health and winemaker expertise.

The Golds stood out with their well-defined fruit, complexity, structural harmony and enough concentration for further ageing. The consensus was that they were all drinking beautifully. The overall winner was Peter Falke Signature Kailani 2020 from Stellenbosch, which scored a significant point higher than the other Golds.  

The wines rated Silver, were either found to have quieter aromas, or were a lighter style, or could have benefitted from a bit more time in bottle to fully integrate, but even these were of good quality.  

The overall winning wine receives a floating trophy.

WINNER
Peter Falke Signature Kailani 2020

GOLD (Alphabetical order)
Ayama Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vine 2023
Conviction Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Koelenhof Stellenbosch 1679 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Kruger Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Lynx Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Merwida Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Mitre’s Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Mt Vernon Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Niel Joubert Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

SILVER (Alphabetical order)
Benguela Cove Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Cape Five Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Conviction Wines C3 Cool Climate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
De Wetshof Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Dieu Donné Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Lovane Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Lynx Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Peter Falke Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Vergenoegd Lőw Lara Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Vredenheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Cabernet Franc Challenge 2025

10th Anniversary

Thierry Haberer – winemaker of Holden Manz Wine Estate, Johan van Dyk – Commercial manager at Ridgeback, Lauren Hulsman- winemaker at Thokozani/Diemersfontein, Salome Buys – Winemaker at LozarnWines,  Toit Wessels- winemaker at Ridgeback, Wilhelm Kritzinger – Winemaker at Bellevue, Jana Cloete, Marketing Manager at Rainbow’s End, Fennel Adams, Tasting Room Manager at Rainbow’s End and Greg Holden, owner of Holden Manz Wine Estate.

Cabernet Franc Challenge 2025 produces yet another winner

Since its inception, the Cabernet Franc Challenge has appointed ten different winery winners over the same number of years.  What makes this even more astonishing is the fact that this competition is tasted totally blind and all judges can see during the tasting, are the numbers on the glasses when tasting through the line-up.  Scores are given through to the auditor who sits in the same room as the judges and these scores are captured and calculated. 

Chairperson Carrie Adams, Lizette Tolkien – Cape Wine Master and Janine van Zyl – Cape Wine Master candidate, had a total of 37 wines to judge the three categories being Top 6, Best three Blends and the Best Value scoring wine.

The Overall winning wine with the highest score was the Ridgeback Cabernet Franc 2022, winning the Cobie van Oort Cabernet Franc Challenge trophy for 2025.

Rounding out the Top 6 wines, in no specific order, were the Rainbow’s End Limited Release Cabernet Franc 2023, Holden Manz Reserve Cabernet Franc 2020, Holden Manz Reserve Cabernet Franc 2022, Thokozani Cabernet Franc 2022 and the Bellevue Reserve Cabernet Franc 2023.  The top three blends for 2025 were the Lozarn Kay’s Legacy 2021, Ridgeback The Journey 2021 and Ridgeback The Journey 2022.  The Best Value wine for 2025 is the Thokozani Cabernet Franc 2022.

A total of 25 gold medals were awarded, with Ridgeback achieving gold with all three their entries, including the Blends.

Carrie Adams said in her report that as limited quantities are produced of this varietal by wineries, Cab Franc lovers should be quick to visit and purchase their stock to avoid missing out.  “The standard was high and most of the entries demonstrated just what one looks for in a Cabernet Franc…delicately perfumy and aromatic with chocolaty edges and splashes of lead and liquorice” Carrie said.

Cabernet Franc is going from strength to strength with over 90 single varietal Cab Franc’s annually being produced in South Africa.  In 2003 there were a mere eight wineries who produced Cab Franc in its purest form.

WINNER
Ridgeback Cabernet Franc 2022
TOP 6 (Alphabetical order)
Bellevue Reserve Cabernet Franc 2023
Holden Manz Reserve Cabernet Franc 2020
Holden Manz Reserve Cabernet Franc 2022
Rainbow’s End Limited Release Cabernet Franc 2023
Thokozani Cabernet Franc 2022
TOP 3 BLENDS (Alphabetical order)
Lozarn Kay’s Legacy 2021
Ridgeback The Journey 2021
Ridgeback The Journey 2022
BEST VALUE
Thokozani Cabernet Franc 2022
GOLD MEDALS (Alphabetical order)
Backsberg Patriarch 2021
Chamonix Reserve Troika 2022
De Meye Cabernet Franc 2021
Druk My Niet Cabernet Franc 2019
Eikendal Infused by Earth Cabernet Franc 2018
Journey’s End V3 Cabernet Franc 2022
Landskroon Paul de Villiers Cabernet Franc 2022
Le Pommier Angel Peur Cabernet Franc 2023
Lozarn Cabernet Franc 2023
Lynx Cabernet Franc 2021
Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2022
Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2021
Rainbow’s End Cabernet Franc 2023
Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap 2020
Villiera The Clan 2020
Vrede en Lust Cabernet Franc 2020
SILVER MEDALS (Alphabetical order)
Backsberg Patriarch 2023
Chamonix Reserve Cabernet Franc 2022 Joubert-Tradauw Reserwe Cabernet Franc 2021
Lynx The Cabernet Franc 2021
Mitre’s Edge Cabernet Franc 2022
Mitre’s Ege Cabernet Franc 2017
Morgenster Cabernet Franc 2023
Raats Jasper Blend 2022
Saartjie Single Vineyard Selection Cabernet Franc 2021
Vrede en Lust Cabernet Franc 2021
Wilderkrans Barrel Select Reserve Cabernet Franc 2021

Red Blend Challenge 2025

The judging of Red Blends took place in Cape Town on March 6^th. Organised by EventsbyCelia, the panel consisted of experienced judges Cape Wine Masters Christine Rudman (as chair) and Clive Torr, sommelier Janine van Zyl and Suzaan Potgieter, Editor of Versnit in Die Burger. Wines were tasted blind, in the presence of an auditor (Cecil Kilpin & Co) and the international 100 point system was used, where 90+ points meant Gold and 80 – 89 was Silver. No discussion was permitted until after all the tasting sheets had been processed.

In general, the panel was impressed by the overall quality of the entries, which was reflected in the high ratings – no wine scored below silver. This is confirmation that cellars were being selective in their submissions, entering only those wines they believed were of high enough quality to do well. This sense of pride made the panel’s job not only easier but a pleasure.

Although ‘Other’ Blends (ie. not Bordeaux, Rhône or Cape) constituted the majority of the entries, the Bordeaux Blends were the most impressive, earning 11 Gold medals, most of which came from Stellenbosch.

The winning, highest scoring  wine was The Mitre 2020 from Mitre’s Edge, a blend of 82% Cabernet Franc, with 9% each Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. What the judges particularly admired about this category, was the seamless integration of the varieties, their supple texture and careful use of oak, all contributing to their quality. Although already accessible, these wines still had the foundation for ageing. Well-tended vineyards for grape quality plus expert winemaking shone through. With this internationally well-proven blend of up to 5 varieties, South Africa showed it can proudly hold its own.

Rhône Blends (any combination of Shiraz with Mourvèdre Grenache Noir, Carignan, Cinsaut, Viognier) had luscious drinkability, with enough seductive plushness to earn 3 Golds. Only 2 Cape Blends (where Pinotage is the major component) were entered, both earning Silver Medals.

Although Cabernet and Shiraz formed the foundation of many of the ‘Other’ Blends, with liberal use of other Bordeaux varieties, some creativity was evident in some of the other inclusions, like Tannat, Cinsaut, Carignan, Pinotage and Alicante Bouschet, amongst others. There were 5 Golds amongst ’Other’ Blends, the rest being Silver, an impressive record for a relatively new category, with the overall comment from the panel that while not all combinations fitted comfortably together, there was clearly future potential here.

In general, wines came from a spread of regions, with Stellenbosch, Coastal and Western Cape in the majority. Vintages ranged from 2018 to 2024, with 2022 and 2021 accounting for more than half of the wines entered.

WINNER

Mitre’s Edge The Mitre 2020

GOLD MEDALS (in alphabetical order)

Arendskloof Shiraz Tannat 2023
Asara The Bell Tower 2022
Asara The Spendid Steeple 2022
De Meye Little River Red Blend 2021
Eagle’s Cliff Shiraz Pinotage 2023
Hoopenberg Guru Cabrenet Sauvignon Merlot 2020
Hoopenberg Integer Bordeaux Blend 2020
Hoopenberg Integer Bordeaux Blend 2020 (2nd bottling)
Hoopenberg Integer Bordeaux Blend 2021
Hoopenberg Integer Bordeaux Blend 2022
Hoopenberg Integer Rhone Red 2019
Idiom Bordicon 2021
Idiom Bordicon 2022
Idiom Rodanico 2022
Mitre’s Edge Vineyards Sholto 2021
Terre Paisible Vigne D’Or Red Blend 2021
The Hub Shiraz Granache Noir 2021
Villiersdorp Slow Bossieveld 2024

SILVER MEDALS (in alphabetical order)

Adama Wines Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel 2024
Arendskloof Shiraz Tannat 2021
Asara The Bell Tower 2019
Boplaas Family Reserve Gamka 2021
Boplaas Ring of Rocks 2022
Cape Five Reserve Organic 2022
D’Aria Music Red Winter Ballad 2023
Dieu Donné Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2022
Fledge & Co Red Blend
Fledge & Co Veld Versnit 2022
Hoopenberg Integer Rhone Red 2020
Idiom Cape Blend 2022
Le Ricmal Lerato Classic Red NV
Rosendal Reserve Mistral 2022
Terre Paisible Vigne D’Or Red Blend 2018
Villiersdorp Slow 1922 Heritage Range Kiara 2021

Chardonnay Challenge 2024

Tuesday, 29 October 2024 saw the above Chardonnay tasting take place.  Tasters were Christine Rudman CWM, Janine Van Zyl and myself.   The tasting was done blind with no disclosure of vintage or vinification.  Independent auditing of the tasting was carried out by Cecil Kilpin Auditors

The line up comprised mainly of 2022/3 and some 24, delivered the two main styles of chardonnay that we are growing accustomed to  from South Africa.  Namely  somewhat flinty, mineral and linear as opposed to a more lemony/limey/graprefuit style .  And of course oaked vs unoaked.  Chardonnay is emerging as an extremely strong white contender in this country  and with just one or two exceptions the wines were clean, bright, well put together and extremely good value for money given the quality.  Each year when I taste chardonnay I am reminded of the upward trajectory of this varietal.  South Africa is really good at making chardonnay!

As I mentioned, most of the wine was oaked but careful and intelligent use of oak is making such a difference to this category.  One or two very well made in the big, bold, buttery style but done in such a way as to entice you into another and another sip!  Really delicious.  Even in the presence of oak, the fruit shone through in the category, and I would seriously urge the South African public to toss out any previous ABC (anything but chardonnay) attitude and spend the holiday season exploring and discovering this lovely category.

Thanks to Celia Gilloway for organizing another successful tasting event that really does offer regular, reliable results for everyman. 

My last tasting for the year so a good time to wish the entire wine industry and wine-drinking public a very happy Festive Season and safe summer holidays

Carrie Adams (Panel Chair)

GOLD MEDALS (in alphabetical order):

Highlands Road 2020
Lynx Chardonnay 2023
Stellenzicht Acheulean 2024
Stellenzicht Thunderstone Chardonnay 2024
Survivor Cellar Master Series 2022
Survivor Chardonnay (Elgin) 2022 (95 points)
Villiersdorp 1922 Heritage Range Mosko 2023
Villiersdorp Chardonnay 2024
Vredenheim M’Lord Chardonnay 2023
Weltevrede Place of Rocks Chardonnay 2023
Weltevrede Poets Prayer Chardonnay 2023
Whalehaven Sandstone Strata Chardonnay 2021
Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2023

Malbec Challenge 2024

The Challenge judging by a panel of three tasters using the international 100 point system, took place on September 26th in Cape Town. The panel, chaired by Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman, consisted of Janine van Zyl, qualified sommelier and CWM candidate, and Joseph Dhafana, sommelier and owner of Mosi wines. The wines were judged blind, as is usual with these Challenges, and no discussion took place until after the score sheets had been handed to the auditor, from Cecil Kilpin and Co.

A juicy, soft-skinned variety, Malbec requires care in the vineyard to avoid over-cropping or sunburn damage, and in the cellar quick and careful fermentation to prevent oxidation. The winning wines mainly used either only older oak or a combination of new and used barrels, to showcase the succulent drinkability part of its character. Plantings are still small, well under 1% of vineyards.

More than half the wines came from Stellenbosch or Simonsberg-Paarl. The rest were from Banghoek, Paarl and Agter-Paarl, Wellington, Cape Town, and further afield, from Breedekloof and Swellendam. The different origins reflected in the wines, and overall the panel was impressed by the fruit concentration and typicity, agreeing that the majority had the ability to age, with well-considered oaking and tannin structure.
Prices ranged from R125 to R365 for a Limited Release, with the majority in the R200 – R300 bracket. Vintages ranged from 2015 to 2023, with the majority of 2022, the current industry release.

As a category, Malbec performed very well, with half the wines earning a Gold medal (90+ points), and the rest all in Silver (80 – 89 points). The winning wine was Niel Joubert Proprietor 2015, an excellent example of how well a high quality Malbec can age. It was already accessible, deliciously drinkable, yet had the potential to age further.

The competition has a generous sponsor, RX South Africa, agents of Tonnellerie de Mercurey wine barrels, an internationally respected family-owned specialist Cooperage based in Burgundy, France. Tonnellerie de Mercurey is reputed for its precision in blending oak, using wood from three different forests in each barrel to ensure consistency.

Niel Joubert’s prize is a new 225l or 300L French Oak barrel in a toast of their choice. In addition, funding is provided for the Awards function.

In previous Challenges, when the winning winemakers were asked what had inspired them to plant Malbec, the answers ranged from for it to be part of the classic 5-variety Bordeaux blend, or because they had visited countries where Malbec is widely grown, like Argentina or Cahors in France, and were impressed by it.

WINNER

Niel Jooubert The Proprietor Malbec 2015

GOLD MEDALS (Alphabetical Order)

Bellevue Malbec 2022
Diemersdal Malbec 2023
Eenzaamheid Malbec 2022
Leipzig Malbec 2020
Mitre’s Edge Malbec 2021
Niel Joubert The Proprietor Malbec 2016
Olivedale Malbec 2021
Silkbush Altitude 2022
Spijker Malbec 2022
Vrede en Lust Malbec 2022

SILVER MEDALS (Alphabetical Order)

Anura Reserve Malbec 2022
Blaauwklippen Malbec 2022
Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Reerve Malbec 2023
Dornier Malbec 2022
Fairview Malbec 2022
Le Pommier Jonathan’s Malbec 2023
Mt Vernon Malbec 2022
Post House Holy Grail Reserve Malbec 2021
Arno Smith Wines Saartjie Single Vineyard Selection Malbec 2021
Vergenoegd Lőw Valentina Malbec 2022

Above: Left to Right Nicolette Senekal of RXSA & Tonnellerie de Mercurey and Erni Leicht of Niel Joubert

Pinot Noir Challenge 2024

Trawl the internet and you can find anything… like this quote: “Champagne makes you think of silly things: Bordeaux makes you talk about them; Pinot Noir makes you do them…”

There’s no doubt that Pinot Noir, be it in the South African, French, New Zealand, American or any other context, is a grape which makes otherwise sane wine makers do silly things – like try to pin down the unique characteristics of this will-o-the wisp grape.

Hermanuspietersfontein winemaker Wilhelm Pienaar and one of the judges of the recent Pinot Noir tasting held by Events by Celia, spoke both passionately and eloquently about the “titanium tension” and about being able to capture both the concentration and density of the variety without the resultant wine being ponderous, weighty or too muscular. “Too many examples we see on the retail shelves are a bit like a Mugg & Bean muffin, where more of the muffin is outside and above the casing than inside!”

Pinot Noir is a grape and wine style that requires precision and finesse. As Kritzinger pointed out, South African wine makers have no problem with extraction so power and muscularity are a given, but restraint and knowing when to leave a wine alone to express itself is a rare skill. South Africa has a small number of producers which understand this and are prepared to invest the time and effort, along with the proverbial blood, sweat and many tears, in the hope of attaining this level.

The top performers in this tasting reflected serious intent, all succeeding in capturing bright fruit notes of plum and cherry, forest floor and spice, but buffering and bracketing the delicate fruit with judiciously applied oak flavours, adding strength without overwhelming it. The result was succulence, delicacy, pliability and sheer drinking enjoyment.

Panel chair, Cape Wine Master, Dr Winnie Bowman noted the geographical spread of the wines which were deemed the best: Elim, Cederberg, Walker Bay and Franschhoek respectively for David Niewoudt’s Ghost Corner Pinot Noir 2023,  Driehoek Wines Mieke Pinot Noir 2022, Benguela Cove Pinot Noir 2023 and Haute Cabrière Reserve Pinot Noir 2020.

Just as there is great sympathy for the athletes who place fourth in their respective events at the Olympics, those occupying the “close but no cigar” section also reflect the diversity of terroir, with Ceres Plateau, Elgin, Overberg and Hemel-en-Aarde being mentioned.

Just as there are positives, so there are negatives. Enthusiastic use of oak – be it new barrels or staves on the examples intended for mass market appeal – remains something of a problem. “When it comes to Pinot Noir,” Dr Bowman said, “less truly is more!”

Written by Judge Fiona McDonald.

GOLD MEDALS (in alphabetical order)

Benguela Cove Pinot Noir 2023
David Niewoudt Ghost Corner Pinot Noir 2023
Driehoek Mieke Pinot Noir 2022
Haute Cabrière Reserve Pinot Noir 2020

SILVER MEDALS (in alphabetical order)

Baleia Pinot Noir 2022
Chamonix Reserve Pinot 2022
Cirrus Pinot Noir 2022
David Finlayson Camino Africana Pinot Noir 2023
David Finlayson Pinot Noir 2023
Elgin Vintners Pinot Noir 2023
Feldspar Pinot Noir 2023
Haute Collection Pinot Noir 2021
Leopards Leap Culinaria Pinot Noir 2023
Misty Lake Pinot Noir 2019
Misty Lake Pinot Noir 2023
Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
Terra Loci Babilon Pinot Noir 2022
Terra Loci Babilon Pinot Noir 2023
Walker Bay Vineyards Pinot Noir 2022
Whalehaven Shale Summit Pinot Noir 2023

Below left to right: The Judges: Wilhelm Pienaar, Dr. Winnie Bowman CWM (Chair), Fiona McDonald & Assoc. Judge: Suzaan Potgieter

Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge 2024

Organised by Events by Celia, a company belonging to Celia Gilloway, the Cabernet Sauvignon judging took place on April 23rd in Cape Town, by three experienced tasters, Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman (as Chair), Colin Frith, winemaker and member of the ICWM, and Janine van Zyl, qualified sommelier and CWM student.

Judging was according to the international 100 point system, and all wines were evaluated blind in the presence of an auditor, Chani Bosman of Cecil Kilpin & Co. No vintage or regional information was given and there was no discussion permitted until completion of the tasting, after score sheets had been given to the auditor. Gold medals, 90 points and above, were awarded to DGB (Pty) Ltd, Dieu Donné Vineyards, Dornier Wines, Hazendal Estate, KWV, Mount Vernon, Peter Falke Wines, Sondagskloof Wines, Stellenview Premium Wines and Survivor Wines.

The majority of the entries were from the Stellenbosch/Simonsberg area. Other entries came from Franschhoek, Sundays Glen, Montagu, and a few broader classifications like Coastal and Western Cape. The vintages were evenly spread across 2018 to 2022.

In summing up their impressions, the panellists were impressed with the general quality of the wines submitted. Even the younger vintages showed their potential, with a tannin structure for ageing, without any harshness that could interfere with current drinking. There was complexity, good palate weight and length, all qualities well-made Cabernet can display, and in particular most showed typicity.

GOLD MEDALS (Alphabetical order)

Brampton Roxton Black 2020
Cape Five Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Diue Donné Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Great Five Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Hazendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Mt Vernon Deborah’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Mt Vernon Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Peter Falke Signature Kailani Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Sondagskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Stellenview Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Survivor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

SILVER MEDALS (Alphabetical order)

Anura Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021
Kruger Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Mont Massif Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Peter Falke PF Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Polish Africa Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Sonklip Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Vergenoegd Lara Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

RED BLENDS CHALLENGE 2024

The first Wine Challenge of 2024 organised by Events by Celia, was Red Blends, which took place on February 22nd in Cape Town. It was judged by three experienced tasters, Cape Wine Masters Ginette de Fleuriot and Christine Rudman (as Chair), and well-known journalist and international judge Fiona McDonald.

The tasting was in fïve parts: Bordeaux styles, followed by Cabernet-dominant non-Bordeaux, then Cape blends with 30%+ Pinotage, Shiraz-dominant and finally ‘Other’. The tasters were told only what the blends or varieties were, without any vintage or origin information. Judging was according to the international 100 point system, and all wines were evaluated blind in the presence of an auditor – Cecil Kilpin & Co. There was no discussion until after the tasting, when overall impressions per category were called for.

There were 8 golds awarded, 90 points and above, of which half were Bordeaux blends. Out of these, Carmen Stevens’ Petrichor (WO Coastal) was the clear winner, the others being Lovane Isikhati 2019 from Stellenbosch, Mitre’s Edge Sholto 2020 (WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch) and Welbedacht Cricket Pitch 2022 from Groenberg-Wellington. The next best performing category was Cape Blends with two golds, Pulpit Rock Louisa 2019 ex-Swartland and Jakkalsvlei Mount Cuvee 2022 (WO W. Cape). One Shiraz blend earned gold, Truter Taste Shiraz-Cabernet 2023 (WO W. Cape), with Survivor Reunion 2022 (WO Coastal) representing blends that fell outside the above categories.

The panel was impressed with the overall creativity shown: of the Bordeaux blends Petrichor was a 5-part blend, which included 4% Carménère, a rare Bordeaux variety. Lovane and Mitre’s Edge were both Cabernet-led, while Welbedacht’s dominant variety was Merlot at 42%.  Of the Cape blends, Pulpit Rock included Pinotage, Cabernet and Shiraz while Jakkalsvlei was Pinotage/Shiraz, with the Truter wine using equal Shiraz/Cabernet. Survivor was the most individual, unusually had Pinot Noir at 45%, in partnership with Pinotage and Cinsaut.

The rest of the awarded entries were Silver, scoring well above the 80 -89 margin, more than half at 88/89, with no Bronze awarded, reflecting the general quality of the wines submitted. The vintages stretched from 2018 to 2023, with the majority at 2022.

In general, the panel was impressed with the judicious use of oak, most of the wines had harmonious tannins and were accessible, despite their youth. In fact, there was overall attractive drinkability. The most gravitas and ageing potential was found amongst the Bordeaux blends, not surprising given their varietal base. 

WINNER
Carmen Stevens Petrichor 2022

GOLD
Jakkalsvlei Mount Cuvee Cape Blend 2022
Lovane Isikhati 2019
Mitre’s Edge Sholto 2020
Pulpit Rock Louisa Cape Red Blend 2019
Survivor Reunion 2022
Truter Taste Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Welbedacht Cricket Pitch 2022

SILVER
Arendskloof Shiraz Tannat 2021
Baleia Vinho Rochas 2022
Brandvlei Halftien 2022
Carmen Stevens Nemrac 2021
Dieu Donné Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2022
Hazendal Heritage Red 2020
Louisvale Boris 2020
Peter Falke Ruby 2018
Survivor Cellar Master Pendulum 2022
Truter Agaat John David 2021
Villiersdorp 3L Slow Bossieveld 2023

Malbec Challenge 2023

A WORD FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – Carrie Adams

Malbec is an interesting and (I think), quite a difficult grape variety to vinify.  It is famously dark, sulky, juicy, tannic, sometimes alcoholic and an integral component of our much-loved Bordeaux Blends.  It can be quite fussy in both the vineyard and the cellar.  Loves higher altitudes and does well as a bush vine in places like Mendoza and Cahors.  We have a couple of producers of single varietal Malbec in South Africa, and I was treated to a tasting panel of Christine Rudman and Normal Ratcliffe last week where Celia Gilloway asked us to assess the entrants for this year’s Malbec Challenge for Events by Celia.   It was wonderful and the three of us slipped into a familiar and easy space that we have enjoyed together for a hundred years.  It is the second time I have chaired this panel and happily so.  Whilst the varietal is not everybody’s ride or die, it’s certainly capable of producing interesting, enjoyable reds.  We decided that with all the blockbuster spice-laced fruit, these Malbecs make the perfect Christmas wine. 

The standard was high, and the winning wine was Mount Vernon 2021.  It is the second time this property has taken the Tonnellerie De Mercurey barrel either 225, 228 or 300L according to the winning wineries specifications, thanks to RX South Africa home.  It is lovely wine, beautifully crafted.  A fabulous coming together of black and dark blue fruit with hints of the earthiness that can be Malbec.  Very grippy (yet polished) tannin.   I think it can go for a bit in the bottle but its certainly up for a spin on your Christmas dinner table this year.  At R300 a bottle (retail) it is a very good tipple

The typicity was good and the entries displayed the different styles of Malbec admirably.  It is a small, but meaningful category and I think that its natural charm (when well made) will attract a devoted following.

A most enjoyable and enlightening tasting of a not so well-known varietal in South Africa.

WINNER
Mount Vernon 2021

GOLD MEDALS (in alphabetical order)
Bellevue Malbec 2021
Blake’s Single Vineyard Malbec 2022
Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Malbec 2022
Dornier Malbec 2019
Dornier Malbec 2021
Fairview Malbec 2022
Glen Carlou Collection Malbec 2018
Le Pommier Jonathan’s Malbec 2022
Mt Vernon Malbec 2020
Olivedale Respect for Nature 2019
Sonklip Malbec 2022

SILVER MEDALS (in alphabetical order)
Bloemendal Estate Wine Malbec 2020
Diemersdal Malbec 2022
Doolhof Bloedklip Malbec 2021
Doolhof Single VineyardMalbec 2022
Doos Red 2023
Langrug Malbec 2021
Mitre’s Edge Malbec 2022
Silkbush Altitude 2022
Yerden Nosotros 2022

Chardonnay challenge 2023

Organised by Events by Celia, the judging of the Chardonnay Challenge took place on October 19th in Cape Town, by three experienced tasters, Greg Mutambe, sommelier at Rust en Vrede in Stellenbosch, Janine van Zyl, a Michael Fridjhon Judging Academy graduate and Cape Wine Master student and Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman as Chair.

The tasting was completely blind, without any vintage or origin information. Judging was according to the international 100 point system, and all wines were evaluated in the presence of an auditor. Cecil Kilpin and Co. There was no discussion until after the tasting, when overall impressions were called for.

Stellenbosch and Robertson accounted for the majority of the entries, others coming from Swellendam, the Overberg, Franschhoek, Paarl and Wellington. Vintages ranged from 2018 to 2023, although the majority were 2022. Stylistically there was diversity, some wines with minerality, others with citrus or stone fruit flavours. Generally speaking, the wines had balanced freshness which not only aided their appeal but promised some ageing ability.

There were 14 golds awarded, 90 points and above, and 7 silvers, 80 -89, making this one of the best performing competitions. A few of the wines were unwooded, but for the majority, the panel was particularly complimentary about the judicious use of oak, giving the wines flavour, complexity and balance, without dominating. Fruit purity was also commented on, reflecting good harvesting choices as well as careful cellar handling. Two Blanc de Blancs were entered, both gold medal winners, with the Graham Beck 2018 a clear competition winner.

GOLD MEDALS (in alphabetical order)

Bellevue The Reserve Collection Chardonnay 2021
Blaauwklippen Chardonnay 2022
Chamonix Reserve Chardonnay 2022
Christine-Marié Methodé Cap Classique NV
David Finlayson Chardonnay 2022
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2018
Lazanou Organic Vineyards Chardonnay 2019
Olivedale Respect for Nature Chardonnay 2021
Rietvallei Calcrete Chardonnay 2023
Rietvallei Classic Chardonnay 2022
Rietvallei JMB Chardonnay 2022
Seven Springs Vineyards Chardonnay 2020
Weltevrede Calcrete 2023
Weltevrede Poet’s Prayer Chardonnay 2022

White Blend & Niche Variety Challenge 2023

Organised by Events by Celia, the judging of the White Blend and Niche Varieties Challenge took place on September 10th in Cape Town, by three experienced tasters, Cape Wine Masters Christine Rudman (as Chair) and Clive Torr, and Norma Ratcliffe, previously winemaker and co-owner of Warwick Wine Estate.

The tasting was in two parts, first the White Blends were judged, followed by the Niche single varieties, white and red. The tasters were told only what the blends or varieties were, without any vintage or origin information. Judging was according to the international 100 point system, and all wines were evaluated blind in the presence of an auditor. There was no discussion until after the tasting, when overall impressions per category were called for.

There were 6 golds awarded, 90 points and above, in the Blend category, with Blake’s Tourmaline 2021 from the Swartland the clear winner. In a narrow score band, it was followed by Babylonstoren Candide 2023 from Simonsberg-Paarl, Leipzig White 2022 WO W Cape, The Fledge & Co’s Vagabond, also WO W Cape, Highlands Road Sine Cera 2017 WO Elgin and Neethlingshof’s The Six Flowers 2023 WO Stellenbosch. The panel was impressed with the creativity of the blends: Chenin, Chardonnay & Viognier for Blakes’s, while Chardonnay led the other 3, with the addition of Chenin plus Viognier for Leipsig; Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Verdelho & Chenin for Fledge, and Chenin, Semillon, Viognier and Roussanne for Babylonstoren, Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon for Highlands Road and Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier with a small percentage of Gewurztraminer and Weisser Riesling in the Neethlingshof. The balance of the entries were Silver, scoring well above the 80 -89 margin at 85 – 89 points, reflecting the general quality of the wines submitted. The majority of the vintages stretched from 2019 to 2023, with a few older.

There were 4 golds amongst the Niche varieties, with a winning top score for the Boplaas’s Alvarinho 2023 from Calitzdorp.  All these four reflect how far the wine industry has come in expanding its repertoire, in planting new varieties that have done well elsewhere in the world, and have clearly proven adaptability to South African conditions. The other 3 golds, also in a narrow scoring margin, were Carmen Stevens’ Carmenere 2021 from Wellington; Lynx Grenache Noir 2020 from Franschhoek; and Anura Tempranillo 2020 from Simonsberg.

There were no bronze scores, the rest of the wines were all silver, falling well above the margin. Vintages stretched from 2019 to 2023, proof of how well these wines age.

WHITE BLENDS

WINNER
Blake’s Tourmaline 2021

GOLD
Babylonstoren Candide White Blend 2023
Leipzig White 2022
The Fledge & Co Vagabond 2021
Highlands Road Sine Cera 2017
Neethlingshof The Six Flowers 2023

SILVER
Boplaas Gamka Branca 2022
The Old Man’s Blend White 2023
Highlands Road Sine Cera 2018
Villiersdorp Slow van der Stel 2023
The Pledge Our Planet Organic Planet Wine 2021
Celestina Sauvginon Blanc Semillon 2021
Cap Vino 2022
16MILE Beach Swemgat 2023
Villiersdorp Since 1922 Mosko 2019

NICHE WINES

WINNER
Boplaas Alvarinho 2023

GOLD
Carmen Stevens Carmenere 2021
Lynx Grenache 2020
Anura Tempranillo 2020

SILVER
Idiom Barbera 2019
Carmen Steven Petit Sirah 2021
The Fledge & Co Souzao 2022
De Krans Tritonia Verdelho 2022
The Fledge & Co Viognier 2022
The Fledge & Co Riesling 2022
Boplaas Tinta Barocca 2021
Idiom Grenache 2019
Morgenhof Pinot Gris 2023
Lynx Viognier 2021
Morgenhof Gewurztraminer 2023
Anura Pinot Grigio 2023
Boplaas Cape Portuguese Verdelho 2023
Idiom Zinfandel 2018
De Krans Touriga Nacional 2021
De Krans Tinta Roriz 2020

EVENTS BY CELIA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHALLENGE – 23 MAY 2023

Last week saw another well organised and happy challenge hosted by Celia’s Events in Cape Town where Janine Van Zyl, Greg Mutambe and I tasted a really impressive collection of SA Cabernets.

As expected, the Stellenbosch Cabernets screamed from the rooftops.  A very noticeable statement.  Purity of fruit is paramount, and it abounded in this particular line up with only a handful of wines disappointing and just two reflecting faults.  The Distell wineries really did shine.  The Fleur du Cap Essence du Cap Cabernet 2021 a beautiful example of refined and silky ripe fruit as was the case with the Nederburg Classic Cab 2022.  Knorhoek Cabernet 2020 shone brightest for most of us and scored an impressive 94. At under R70 a bottle, cellar door price, the Nederburg simply has to be on the shopping list.

One of the main objects of these tastings is to accentuate the positives that promote sales and so placing of wine doesn’t form part of a chairperson’s report.  However, the general public need to know that high scoring wines are rated professionally, and that guidance can be taken seriously when you are in a store and wondering what to purchase.  So, with winter upon us I am sure a few suggestions of what reds to buy would not go amiss.  Wines that really stood out for us on the whole that I would definitely recommend trying:  Peter Falke PF Cab 2020, Boplaas Reserve Cabernet 2021, Brampton Roxton Black Cab 2018, David Finlaysons Cabernet 2021.   Personally, I also liked the Mitre’s Edge Cab 2020.   Whilst there were a couple of older vintages in the mix, on balance, the 2020 vintage really did stand out as a cracker of a cab vintage. 

Thanks to Celia, Greg and Janine for a really enjoyable morning of tasting.

GOLD MEDALS (in alphabetical order)

Anura Res Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Benguela Cove Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Bonnievale Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Boplaas Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Boschendal Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Brampton Roxton Black 2018
David Finlayson Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Diemersfontein Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve The Castle of Good Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Fleur du Cap Essence du Cap Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
GS Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
GS Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Jakob’s Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Journey’s End V4 Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Kruger Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Le Grand Domaine Grand Vin de Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Le Grand Domaine The Pledge Our Stellie Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Mooiplaas Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Mooiplaas Tabakland 2020
Nederburg Classic Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Nederburg Winemakers Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Neethlingshof Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Peter Falke PF Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Ridgeback Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Stellenview Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Zonnebloem Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

SILVER MEDALS (in alphabetical order)

Backsberg Four Pillars Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Blaauwklippen Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Mitre’s Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Nederburg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Peter Falke Signature Kailani Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

On 7th March 2023, the Blends Trophy and Certificate was handed over to the Adam Tas Cluster Team in recognition for the Zonnebloem SMV 2020 receiving the overall highest score at the Red Blend Challenge 2023. Congratulations to an amazing team.

Red Blends Challenge 2023

Organised by Events by Celia, the judging of the Red Blend Challenge took place on February 23rd in Cape Town, by three experienced tasters, Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman (as Chair), Greg Mutambe, Chief Sommelier at The Twelve Apostles, and Norma Ratcliffe, previously winemaker and co-owner of Warwick Wine Estate and was audited by Alessandro Pettenuzzo of Cecil Kilpin & Company.

There were 46 entries across various styles: Bordeaux (any combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot); Rhône (any combination of Shiraz, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Viognier); Cape (30%+ Pinotage with other red varieties); and Others, not fitting any of the aforementioned styles. Bordeaux at 23 was the largest category, followed by Other Blends at 13.

Judging was according to the international 100 point system, and all wines were evaluated blind in the presence of an auditor. There were 15 golds awarded, 90 points and above, accounting for 33% of the entries, with 10 of these from the Stellenbosch/Simonsberg and Franschhoek areas. The balance of the entries were Silver, scoring 80 – 89 points, with no Bronze awarded, reflecting the general quality of the wines submitted. The majority of the vintages stretched from 2018 to 2021, with a few older.

The highest rated wines were the Bordeaux blends, a well-proven combination of varieties, capable of impressive quality in the right hands. Of the 9 Golds, four were Cabernet Franc-led, a new trend in this competition, while the rest were more conventionally Cabernet Sauvignon-led. The majority of the Bordeaux Blends comprised two or three varieties, rather than the conventional five. Only two Rhône blends were entered, both scoring gold, with one, Zonnebleom Shiraz/Mourvèdre/Viognier being judged the overall winner. As expected, Other Blends were diverse and creative, using Portuguese varieties as well as local like Pinotage and lesser known French such as Durif and Tannat, in combination with Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. There were four Golds awarded, with the wines being praised for their complexity and mouthfeel.

The panel was impressed the quality and balance of the Bordeaux Blends, which had wonderful typicity and accessibility. If there was any criticism it, was that some seemed to be created for earlier drinking, rather than for ageing. Of the eight Cape Blends, one earned a Gold, but overall they were considered creative and well-made, with interesting varietal combinations and good texture. Throughout all entries, there was good tannin balance, with no harsh wines, and most had good fruit expression, coupled with attractive oak spicing.

WINNER

Zonnebloem SMV 2020

GOLD (Alphabetical order)

Anura Layla Blaire Signature 2018
Arendskloof Shiraz Tannat 2020
Beau Joubert The Ambassador 2020
Cap Vino Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2021
Chamonix Troika 2020
Durbanville Hills Tangram Bordeaux Blend 2019
Holden Manz Big G 2018
Idiom Cape Red 2020
Le Pommier Mac Cabernet Franc Malbec 2021
Thor The Megan Mari 2020
Thor The Megan Mari 2021
Thelema Mountain Red 2019
Vendôme Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Zonnebloem Laureat 2020

SILVER (Alphabetical order)
Anura Legato 2020
Arendskloof Shiraz Tannat 2021
Bellevue Atticus Cape Blend 2021
Blaauwklippen De Blaauwe Klip 2018
Boplaas Gamka 2020
Boplaas Ring of Rocks 2018
Cavalli Warlord 2020
Chamonix Rouge 2021
Doolhof Jacques Potier Bordeaux Blend 2021
Druk My Niet Invictus 2016
Eagle’s Cliff Shiraz Pinotage 2021
Groot Constantia Lady of Abundance 2019
Hillcrest Atlantic Sloped Hornfels 2016
Idiom Conical Peak 2013
Journey’s End Cape Doctor “The Red” 2017
Mimosa Mysterium 2021
Mimosa Natus 2021
Mimosa Solus 2021
Mitre’s Edge Sholto 2018
Mitre’s Edge The Mitre 2019
Mountain Ridge De Liefde 2021
My Wyn Cape Blend 2020
My Wyn Les Grandes Horisontales Rouge 2020
Nederburg Baronne 2021
Nederburg Double Barrel Reserve 2021
The Fledge & Co Field Blend 2021
Thor Gentis Red 2021
Villiersdorp Since 1922 Kiara 2018
Villiersdorp Since 1922 Kiara 2019
Whalehaven Old Harbour 2019

Malbec Challenge 2022

A word from the panel

Another successful and very happy tasting that I was privileged to chair for Events by Celia this month.  Gregory Mutambe and Janine Van Zyl joined me on the panel to taste through 28 Malbecs. The judging out of 100 points was done blind with no regional or vintage information, and monitored by auditor Niel de Kock from Cecil Kilpin.

The winning winery (highest score overall) receives a Tonnellerie De Mercurey barrel of either 225, 228 or 300L according to their requirement, thanks to RX South Africa, the Malbec Challenge sponsor since 2019. The oak comes from three different French forests, to create a wide range of barrel styles and qualities for international wine cellar requirements, with the stave mill located in Champagne

The tiny, thick-skinned little grapes of the Malbec vine produce inky black wine with medium to robust tannins.  Well made Malbec smells and tastes of red and black plums, raspberries, chocolate and tobacco and works very well with intelligent oak management.   Whilst best known as a component of the classic Bordeaux blend, these wines were all 100% Malbec.   The standard was pleasing with a slight tendency towards heavy oak which personally, I think could be thought out  a little more carefully.   On balance, the wines were clean and bright and made for an interesting and enjoyable few hours of judging.

Not surprisingly, the winning wine was Fairview.  Charles Back wears the badge for innovation in South Africa when it comes to pioneering the lesser known grape varieties.  The wine is a serious crowd-pleaser.  Fermented and then aged for six months in a combination of French and American oak it exudes ripe raspberries, caramel and a spicy twist at the end.  At around R125 a bottle to the consumer it really does represent a fantastic buy.  Definitely worth a try.

The line up of entrants was impressive with farms like Anura, Dornier, Mt Vernon, Le Pommier, Hillcrest, Blaauwklippen, La Couronne, Doolhof, Spijker & Bessie, Sonklip & D A Hanekom Familie Wyne all scoring upwards of 90 points.  Prices for these wines range between R120 and R300 on average, making decent Malbec a serious contender for any serious wine drinking member of the public who is looking for something different that isn’t going to break the bank.

The judges agreed that the category was surprisingly strong and I look forward to Malbec growing in stature in the coming years.

Many thanks to Celia for hosting these tastings that enable grapes and wineries both humble and lofty, a place in the sun.

WINNER

Fairview Malbec 2021

GOLD MEDALS (Alphabetical Order)

The Judging

The Awards

The Malbec Challenge Awards lunch was held at SALT at Neethlingshof in their garden. We savored their delicious pizzas paired with the stunning winner and gold medalists.

They make the most unusual and delicious pizzas ever. Thank you to RX South Africa who sponsored the lunch. Here are some photos taken yesterday.

White Blends Challenge 2022

Events by Celia hosted the SA White Blends Challenge in Cape Town on Friday 22 July 2022.

The judging panel consisted of myself, Carrie Adams; Janine Van Zyl and Denzel Swarts.

The tasting was audited by Cecil Kilpin & Co.

The line up was impressive and promised a morning of happy tasting with a team very much in sync with each other.   An impressive array of blends offering a variety of cultivars.  The Rhone style blends delivered beautiful results as did a couple of the Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends.

The overall winner – Journeys End Brands’ Reign of Terroir 2019 proved an absolute stunner.  Unanimously the most delicious wine in a highly contested category.  On chatting to the winemaker I discovered that this blend of Viognier (38%),  Roussanne (31%) and Grenache Blanc (31%) forms  part of their Swartland project, originally initiated for an international customer but now available locally too.    The nose and first sip present as typical, pretty, perfumy, viognier followed by gorgeous layers of peach, nuts and honey redolent of really decent Roussanne.  Light, bright, natural  acidity merged with great balance leaves one  gagging for more – it really is a lovely wine.

Gold medalists that emerged :  Strandveld Adamastor 2020,  Bergsig Icarus White 2017, Haut Espoir Cloud Fall 2020, Groot Constantia Gouveneurs Reserve 2019,  Val du Carron Four White Legs 2022, The Fledge & Co Vagabond 2020,  Neethlingshof The Six Flowers 2022,  Jakkalsvlei River Cuvee 2022,  Highlands Road Sine Cera 2017 and Villiersdorp Since 1922 Mosko 2018

Check out eventsbycelia.com for full results and definitely make a plan to stock up on some of these medalists for the coming Spring – a burgeoning category in South Africa which we just happen to be handling extremely well by the looks of things.

Thanks to Celia and the judges for a fabulous morning of tasting

Carrie Adams (Chairperson)

WINNER

Journeys End Brands’ Reign of Terroir 2019

GOLD
Bergsig Icarus White 2017
Groot Constantia Gouveneurs Reserve 2019
Haut Espoir Cloud Fall 2020
Highlands Road Sine Cera 2017
Jakkalsvlei River Cuvée 2022
Neethlingshof The Six Flowers 2022
Strandveld Adamastor2020
The Fledge & Co Vagabond 2020
Val du Charron Fiur White Legs 2022
Villiersdorp Since 1922 Mosko 2018

SILVER
Blake’s Tourmaline 2020
Blake’s Tourmaline 2021
Boplaas Gamka Branca 2020
Silkbush Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Winemakers Selection 2021
Badlands Sauvignon Blanc Nouvelle Colombard 2022

Niche Challenge 2022

A word from the Panel Chair

A new wine competition was launched in Cape Town on June 1^st by Events by Celia. Encompassing white and red unusual varieties, it was judged by Cape Wine Master and panel chair, Christine Rudman, Twelve Apostles sommelier Greg Mutambe and Janine van Zyl, a Michael Fridjhon judging Academy graduate and Cape Wine Master student.

The international 100 point system was used, under auditor supervision, with golds awarded to wines scoring 90 points or more, and all wines were tasted blind, except for varietal identification. There were 15 different varieties entered, across the winelands, which on analysis showcased how different terroirs influenced the styles.

The panel applauded the overall quality of the wines, which had good varietal expression and balanced oaking; it was clear that trouble had been taken to allow the wine’s fruit and character to shine through, without undue cellar manipulation. Five wines achieved gold, while 18 were awarded silver.

By panel consensus, the clear winner was Niel Joubert Reserve Grenache Blanc 2019 from Paarl, which scored an impressive 95 points. The panel rewarded its purity, intensity and focus, and its overall balance. A splendid example of what this variety can achieve with the right vineyard and cellar care.

Erni Leicht, cellarmaster/winemaker at Niel Joubert since October 2000 received a pair of Veldskoene from Veldskoen, the shoe sponsors of our Olympic Team to Japan and the Siya Kolisi Foundation.

All challenges organised and run by Events by Celia are done so adhering to the internationally accepted standards and are audited by Cecil Kilpin & Co. while keeping the cost to the competing wineries as low as possible without stock requirement

WINNER

Niel Joubert Reserve Grenache Blanc 2019

GOLD MEDALS

Anura Reserve Petit Verdot 2017
Mitre’s Edge Cinsaut 2021
Niel Joubert Reserve Tempranillo 2020
Piekenierskloof Grenache Noir 2020

SILVER MEDALS

Anura Grenache Noir 2019
Anura Pinot Grigio 2022
Bellevue Cinsaut 2020
Boplaas Tinta Barocca 2020
Boplaas Touriga Nacional 2021
Boplaas Verdelho 2022
Carmen Stevens Carménère 2020
Carmen Stevens Petit Sirah 2018
Gentis The Pheonix 2021
Groote Post Riesling 2021
Leipzig Viognier 2021
Mellasat Tempranillo 2018
Nieljoubert Grüner Veltliner 2022
Pandora’s Box La Dolce Vita Muscato NV
Pandora’s Box The Godfather Pinot Gris
Piekenierskloof Cinsaut 2020
Piekenierskloof Tannat 2020
Strandveld Grenache 2020

Cabernet Franc Challenge 2022

CHAIRMANS REPORT
The Cabernet Franc Challenge is an independent event run by CVO Marketing and Events by Celia. It was tasted at Vrede en Lust Wine Estate on Wednesday, 13th April and the panel was chaired by myself, Carrie Adams, assisted by Lizette Tolkin and Greg Mutambe. There were 38 entries in total. 30 entries were 100% Cabernet Franc with the remaining 8 being Cabernet Franc driven blends.
The Judges all agreed that the standard of entry in this category was extremely high. The wines presented as bright and clean with great balance and purity of fruit. The overall winner – Cape Chamonix – sported the perfect framework of great Cab Franc with graphite and beautifully ripe, raspberry fruit on nose and palate. What a pleasure to be part of a judging panel where such beautiful wines were shown.
Cabernet Franc is most definitely a growing category in South Africa and since Norman Ratcliffe released the country’s first single varietal bottle of Cabernet Franc from Warwick in 1998 we have certainly come a long way.
I would personally recommend any of the 38 entrants tasted – a really happy day’s tasting!

News!! Cab Franc Carnival 2022 will be taking place on 27th August 2022 at Vrede en Lust Wine Estate. Time: 11:00 to 17:00; Entry Fee R300 which includes a branded glass, Cab Franc tasting and R60 food voucher.

Overall Winner
Chamonix Cabernet Franc 2020

Vintage Winner
Journeys End V5 Cabernet Franc 2017

Value
Landskroon Paul Hugo Red 2020

Top 6
Bushmanspad Cabernet Franc 2019
Chamonix Cabernet Franc 2020
Kaapzicht Cabernet Franc 2019
Rainbows End Limited Release Cabernet Franc 2020
Rainbows end Cabernet Franc 2020
Zorgvliet Cabernet Franc 2019

Top 3 Blends
Blaauwklippen Blending Competition Winning Blend
Delaire Graff Estate The Banghoek 2017
Thor Vintners Thor Gentis Red 2019

Gold Medalists
De Meye Cabernet Franc 2020
Holden Manz Reserve Cabernet Franc 2018
Holden Manz Reserve Cabernet Franc 2019
Landskroon Paul Hugo Red 2020
Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2019
The Garajeest Bruce Cabernet Franc 2017
Warwick Cabernet Franc 2019

Silver Medalists
Blaauwklippen Reserve Cabernet Franc 2019
Cape Collective Cabernet Franc 2020
Doolhof Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019
Druk my Niet Cabernet Franc 2015
Hogan Mirror for the Sun Cabernet Franc 2020
Joubert-Tradauw Cabernet Franc 2013
Joubert-Tradauw Cabernet Franc 2017
Journeys End V5 Cabernet Franc 2019
Le Pommier Cabernet Franc 2020
Lozarn Cabernet Franc 2020
Lozarn Kays Legacy 2018
Morgenster Cabernet Franc 2020
Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019
My Wyn Cabernet Franc 2010
Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2019
Raats Jasper Red Blend 2019
Rietvallei Esteanna 2016
Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2016
Thistle & Weed Knapskerel Cabernet Franc 2020
Thor Age of the Rebel The Mule Run 2018

Red Blends Challenge 2022

Red Blend Challenge 2022

The Red Blend Challenge is an initiative which is independently run by Events by Celia.  The aim is to shine the light on the Red Blends of South Africa,.  “Each blend a work of art, where the winemaker is the artist.”  The competition is run professionally and according to the international standards.  The aim is to do this at the least expense to the wineries and there is no expectation of extra stock other than the 2 bottles delivered for the judging.

A word from the Chair

The judging of the Red Blend Challenge took place on March 16^th in Cape Town, by three experienced tasters, Cape Wine Masters Christine Rudman (as Chair) and Ginette de Floriot, and Honorary Cape Wine Master Colin Frith.

There were 43 entries across various styles: Bordeaux (any combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot); Rhône (any combination of Shiraz, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Viognier); Cape (30%+ Pinotage with other red varieties); and Others, not fitting any of the aforementioned styles. This and Bordeaux were the largest categories.

Judging was according to the international 100 point system, and all wines were evaluated blind in the presence of an auditor. There were 16 golds awarded, 90 points and above, accounting for 37% of the entries, with 9 of these from the Stellenbosch/Simonsberg areas. The balance of the entries were Silver, scoring 80 – 89 points, with no Bronze awarded, reflecting the general quality of the wines submitted. Vintages stretched from 2014 to 2020, with the majority from 2019 and 2020.

The highest rated wines were the Bordeaux blends, a tried and trusted combination of varieties, capable of noteworthy quality in the right hands. The winners here were both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-led, comprising at least three varieties, and in some cases all five. Of the five Rhône blends entered, three earned gold, with Grenache playing a dominant role in two of them. As expected, Other Blends were diverse and creative, using Portuguese and Italian varieties as well as local like Pinotage and lesser known French such as Durif and Tannat, in combination with Bordeaux and Rhône varieties.

However, the panel felt that although the majority were delicious, they were created for earlier drinking, rather than for ageing. Throughout all entries, there was good tannin balance, with no harsh wines, and most had good fruit expression, coupled with attractive oak spicing. Sadly there were only three Cape Blends submitted, not enough to do a general evaluation.  

Medallists listed below in Alphabetical order.

WINNER

• Holden Manz Big G 2017

GOLD MEDALS

Anura SMC Reserve 2020
Anura Symphony 2019
Boplaas Ring of Rocks 2018
Druk My Niet T3 2014
Ernie Els Signature 2016
Groot Constantia Gouveneurs Reserve 2018
Mimosa Reserve Natus MMX 2020
Rhebokskloof Flat Rock Red 2019
Rhebokskloof The Rhebok 2019
The High Road Director’s Reserve 2017
Vrede en Lust Ella 2019
Warwick Professor Pitch Black 2018
Warwick Three Cape Ladies 2017
Waterford Antigo 2019
Zorgvliet Sivermyn Argentum 2020

SILVER MEDALS

Alvi’s Drift 221 Special Cuvee 2020
Alvi’s Drift Albertus Viljoen Bismark 2020
Alvi’s Drift Rondebosch Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2020
Alv’s Drift Reserve Drift Fusion 2020
Bellevue Atticus 2020
Bellevue The Reserve Collection Tumara 2018
Bergsig Icarus 2018
Bob’s Your Uncle Head Over Heels Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot NV
Capaia Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018
Capaia ONE 2018
Casa Baleia Vinhos Rochas 2020
Daschbosch The Gift 2020
Druk my Niet Invictus 2014
Ernie Els Big Easy Red Blend 2020
Groote Post Salt of the Earth 2019
Hillcrest Alatic Slopes Hornfels 2016
Jason’s Creek Classic Red 2018
Jason’s Hill Izak Reserve 2018
Louisvale Boris 2019
Mimosa Mysterium 2020
Nitida Calligraphy 2018
Paul Wallace Crackerjack 2019
The Fledge & Co Red Blend 2017
The Fledge & Co Veld Versnit Stellenbosch 2020
The High Road Classique 2017
Val Du Charro Erasmus Den Deen 2020
Vrede en Lust Boet Erasmus 2017

Red Blends Trophy

Yesterday I visited Holden Manz Wine Estate to hand over the Red Blends Challenge Trophy. Holden Manz Big G 2017 was the highest scoring wine in the Red Blends Challenge 2022.

Viognier Challenge 2022

The Viognier Challenge is an initiative which is independently run by Events by Celia.  The aim is to shine the light on the smaller varieties like Viognier.  The competition is run professionally and according to the international standards.  The aim is to do this at the least expense to the wineries and there is no expectation of extra stock other than the 2 bottles delivered for the judging.

A word from the Chair

Tasting seventeen Viogniers from South Africa is not something you get to experience every day.  With references from France, Australia and Italy, it veered towards the new world packed with fruit and sunshine and tasting on a flower day; according to the Biodynamic calendar, some Viogniers indeed rode the wave of their innate floral and aromatic qualities.

Albeit promising with the provocative aromatics Viognier is known for, it’s a category that the judges felt is not thoroughly explored in South Africa to draw up a clear identity kit of what the winemakers want to achieve, somewhat lacking in quality and varietal typicity. However, having had the opportunity to spend enough time with the wines and return to them, the wines that achieved gold truly deserved it. The top wines were awarded for varietal expression and superb balance, reflecting what Viognier can be in South Africa.

On appearance, the wines were predominantly bright and clear, some deeper in colour, showing the stylistic preference of oak to using no oak at all. On aromatics, it varied from shy and austere to pronounced aromas of fleshy peach, apricot and tangerine with its quintessential floral and spicy aromas like elderflower, ginger and nutmeg. More complex examples and higher scoring wines showed a great balance of primary and secondary aromas with more layers of nut and warm spice arresting the senses.

Due to the nature of the grape with lower acidity and higher pH, it was noticeable that some wines had significant acid additions. These wines came across harch, slightly metallic and tart, derailing some innate oily, beeswax characteristic that adds mouthfeel. In addition, some being too stern and linear upset the finesse of what could potentially have been a very delicate wine.

Some wines had higher alcohols that gave a burning, almost fortified sensation, which added bitterness. However, where the alcohol was balanced, its viscosity added palate weight without the overtly phenolic bitterness seen in the past.

Besides the apparent aromatics, there were also some wild cards, pleasantly so, with aromas of wet stone, earth and khakibos, more mineral than aromatic and relatively lean.

Well balanced wines had perfumed aromatics congruent with an equally expressive and creamy palate. Good examples embraced the varietals affinity with a hint of sugar, judicious use of oak adding more nuances of vanilla and pastry, balanced with adequate acidity and alcohol adding length and definition. Oak contributed to texture and mouthfeel, yet in some cases, overpowered the fruit.

Prone to uneven ripening posing challenges in the vineyards, winemakers need to pay attention to freshness and alcohol levels to make a competing, stand-out Viognier. Top-scoring wines had generous, even quirky aromatics, with good palate weight, intensity, and complexity. On the other hand, wine scoring silver lacked the definition and ultimately fine-tuned balance to score 90+, but it still makes for a delicious drink.

In conclusion, the best wine will always be where its alcohol, acidity, and fruit are successfully balanced, allowing it to flaunt its unique attributes.

Medalists listed below in Alphabetical order

WINNER:

• Alvi’s Drift Signature Viognier 2021

GOLD MEDALS:

• Idiom Viognier 2019
• Ridgeback Viognier 2021

SILVER MEDALS:

• Axe Hill Tant Lenie 2021
• De Grendel Viognier 2021
• Eerste Hoop Viognier 2021
• Flagstone Word of Mouth Viognier 2020
• The Fledge Jikken Barrels “Redemption of a Rogue”  Elgin Viognier 2020
• Kleinood Tamboerskloof Viognier 2021
• La Couronne Franschhoek 1688 Viognier 2018
• Mitre’s Edge Viognier 2021
• Mont du Toit La Colline Viognier 2021
• Vrede en Lust Viognier 2021

Malanot Wine Launch

MALANOT WINES – PRINGLE BAY 24 NOVEMBER

Pringle Bay – an unusual destination for a new vintage wine launch but what a treat it was. The drive alone is always good for the soul but this was overshadowed by Marius Malan, his wines and 365 Bistro restaurant.

Marius is the joint owner of this thriving eatery in the heart of Pringle Bay. Marius decided  to live here and travel to Paarl for work rather than the other way round. Clever thinking indeed!  It was here that he decided to share his new vintages with a select view media and wine interested folk. These wines were perfectly paired with dishes from his restaurant.

A four course extravaganza accompanied the wines as Marius took us on his wine journey:

“I  was always destined to become a winemaker; it’s in my heritage and in my blood. After I matriculated in 2000, I decided to venture into the world, and soon realized that my destiny is waiting for me in the fruit of the vine. In 2002 I started my National Diploma at Elsenburg. After graduating at the end of 2005 I cut my winemaking teeth at Uva Mira Vineyards and worked there as an assistant winemaker and viticulturist. Thereafter I joined the team at Slaley as Chief Winemaker and Viticulturist till 2009, thereafter MALANOT became my life. After my first year, I was intrigued even more by the world of wine and what it’s all about. 

I decided to further my studies and successfully completed the Diploma with the Cape Wine Academy which encouraged me to carry on and pursue the dream of becoming a Cape Wine Master, which I accomplished and graduated in 2014.”

An entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and if we had not been driving back I think a lot more of these delicious wines would be consumed! They are available via Marius’s website and are truly worth looking at. The Barrel Fermented Chenin 2019 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 were particularly appealing.

A perfect way to spend an afternoon with a somewhat soporific drive back to Cape Town…….

Malanot Non Boise Chenin Blanc 2021 – Avo Tartare with fresh Norwegian Salmon chunks and black olive vinaigrette
Malanot Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2019 – Springbok Carpaccio served with bacon jam, parmesan and crostini
Malanot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – Grilled Beef Fillet served with potato rösti, long stem broccoli and beetroot
Malanot Cyclops Malbec 2019 – Pork Belly cooked bone in, with crackling – served with mashed potato and vegetable stir-fry drizzled with a sweet soya sauce vinaigrette
Malanot Triton Syrah 2018 – Dark Chocolate Tart

Malanot Wines are very reasonably priced and are available online at https://malanot.com/shop/

To reserve your table please call 079 727 0339

Malbec Challenge 2021

PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE CASUAL GET TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE MALBEC CHALLENGE 2021

RX SA our sponsor decided to host a wonderful relaxed get together at the beautiful Neethlingshof where the gold medal winemakers could taste each others wines. We also handed over the certificates and enjoyed delicious pizzas served at SALT at the the Wine garden. If you want a delicious pizza and wines in wonderful surroundings this is the place to go.

The Malbec Challenge is an initiative which is independently run by Events by Celia.  The aim is to shine the light on the smaller varieties like Malbec.  The competition is run professionally and according to the international standards.  The aim is to do this at the least expense to the wineries and there is no expectation of extra stock other than the 2 bottles delivered for the judging.

A word from the panel

In its 3^rd year of running, the 2021 Malbec Challenge had its highest number of entries to date, 32 wines from the 2015 to 2020 vintages, which is just over half of the Malbecs listed in the current Platter Guide. Particularly pleasing was the increase in first-time entries, and in fact one of them, DA Hanekom Familie Wyne Langrug Malbec 2018 from Durbanville was the overall winner.

Judging took place on October 21^st in Cape Town. There were 14 gold medals (90+ points) awarded by the three internationally experienced judges Carrie Adams from Johannesburg, and Cape Wine Masters Ginette de Fleuriot and Christine Rudman, the panel chair. The judging out of 100 points was done blind with no regional or vintage information, and monitored by auditor Niel de Kock from Cecil Kilpin.

Commenting on the quality of the wines, the panel agreed that the majority had plushness, good berry expression and lovely drinkability. The producers who did best respected the variety’s succulence by careful oaking so as not to overwhelm the fruit. While Malbec is a Bordeaux variety, the danger can be to treat it like its 4 siblings, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, by use of new oak or long barrel ageing, and there were a few such examples in the tasting.

A juicy, soft-skinned variety, Malbec requires care in the vineyard to avoid over-cropping or sunburn damage, and in the cellar quick and careful fermentation to prevent oxidation.

The winning winery (highest score overall) receives a Tonnellerie De Mercurey barrel of either 225, 228 or 300L according to their requirement, thanks to RX South Africa, the Malbec Challenge sponsor since 2019. The oak comes from three different French forests, to create a wide range of barrel styles and qualities forinternational wine cellar requirements, with the stave mill located in Champagne. While RX usually also sponsored the awards lunch, it was decided to donate that sum this year to Food for Hope Carmen Stevens Foundation which supplies breakfast and lunch to school children.

About the winning winery and wine.

“D.A. Hanekom Familie Wyne is a small, independent wine producer established in 2016 by the husband-and-wife team of Andri and Yvette Hanekom.”

What started off as a hobby, quickly became a small business for the couple as their passion and drive to produce wines of exceptional quality continued to grow.

During a decade of farming within the wine industry, producing and acquiring grapes for different prestigious cellars, Andri became familiar with a wide range of different parcels of vines in the Cape Winelands. This knowledge became invaluable in obtaining the grapes necessary to produce a growing, high-end range of wines.

The couple view their wines as a respectful embodiment of the terroir of the farms on which the grapes were grown, as well as the hard work of the individuals who tended to the vines and wine.

D.A. Hanekom Familie Wyneis steeped in a long and proud history of agriculture, on both sides of the family. Paying homage to the different agricultural regions in their family history, the couple named their wines after the beautiful Karoo farms where they spent many of their holidays.

The simplicity of the brand’s labelling hides the complexity of the wine within, much like delicate and complex ecosystems make up the seemingly barren beauty of the Karoo.

The Malbec is sourced from Bloemendal Wine Estate, were Andri works fulltime as the General Manager and Cellar Master. There is 1 ha of Malbec planted on the estate.

The wine was made as an experiment to better the quality of Bloemendal’s waterlily brand. The wine turned out to be too good to disappear into a larger blend, and it was decided to bottle this limited release Malbec under the “D.A. Hanekom Familie Wyne” – Brand.

The results in alphabetical order

OVERALL WINNER

D A Hanekom Familie Wyne Langrug Malbec 2018

GOLD (90+ points)

Anura Malbec Reserve 2018
Bellevue Malbec 2018
Blaauwklippen Malbec 2020
Diemersdal Malbec 2020
Doolhof Bloedklip Malbec 2017
Doolhof Bloedklip Malbec 2018
Dornier Malbec 2017
Druk My Niet Malbec 2015
La Couronne Malbec 2016
Mount Vernon Malbec 2018
Neethlingshof Malbec 2020
Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Malbec 2020
Spijker Bessie Wyne Spijker Malbec 2019

SILVER (80 – 89 Points)

Benguela Cove Malbec 2019
Blake’s Single Vineyard Malbec 2020
Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Malbec 2020
Doolhof Bloedklip Malbec 2020
Doolhof Single Vineyard Malbec 2019
Doolhof Single Vineyard Malbec 2020
Dornier Malbec 2018
GlenWood Chanteclair Malbec 2019
Hillcrest Saartjie Single Vineyard Selection Malbec 2019
La Couronne 1688 Malbec 2018
La Couronne Malbec 2017
Le Pommier Jonathan’s Malbec 2020
Mitre’s Edge Malbec 2018
Post House Reserve Malbec 2019
Val du Charron Reserve Malbec 2020
Withington Darling Malbec 2020

Red Blends Challenge 2021

Blends are a work of Art where the winemaker is the Artist

The Inaugural Red Blend Challenge judging took place in Edgemead.

The increasing effect of the pandemic continues to be felt and hit close to home as one of the Gauteng based judges was unable to attend. The panel was thus reduced to 4 made up of  Sommelier  Spencer Fondaumiere as the chair, respected journalists Jono LeFeurve and Malu Lambert and wine maker Praisy Dlamini.

The wines were judged blind using the 100 points scoring system. To keep the playing field as fair as possible no other information was available other than the makeup of the blends were available at the time of judging. In the subsequent panel discussions the basic blend components was available on request. The scoring bands were adjudicated as follows:

There are wines which were awarded medals to suit everybody’s pocket.

90+ Gold medal

80-89 Silver medal

70-79 Bronze medal

There were an encouraging number of entries for these trying times, 46 in total. Cabernet Sauvignon driven blends had the biggest representation with 13 in total, closely followed by Shiraz with 8 and Pinotage with 7. There were also notable interesting blends led by Tannat and Mourvedre. The wines were from a geographically broad spread with wines from the Klein Karoo to Bot River and everything in between.

The overall quality was excellent with no wines being excluded as faulty. Also a very pleasing indicator of the quality was that of the 46 entries 13 were awarded gold a return of 30%.

Judging blends is always challenging as the scope is quite wide with various styles and expressions, but the cream rises to the top regardless and the panel was able to pick out some really excellent wines.

Gold Medals  (in alphabetical order) 90+pts

• Babylonstoren Nebukanesar 2019
• Blaauwklippen Die Blaauwe Klip 2017
• Druk My Niet T3 2014
• Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend 2017
• Hillcrest Altantic Slopes Hornfels 2015
• Jakkalsvlei Mount Cuvée Cape Blend 2020
• Leipzig Grand Master 2018
• Lovane Isikhati 2018
• Mitre’s Edge The Mitre 2017
• My Wyn Les Grandes Horizontales 2016
• Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Joseph’s Legacy 2018
• Silkbush Altitude 2018
• Silkbush Hillside Red 2018

Silver Medals (Alphabetical Order) 80 – 89pts

• Aden’s Star 2018
• Allée Bleue L’Amour Toujours 2016
• Arra Cape Blend 2014
• Aslina Umsasane 2019
• Babylonstoren Babel 2020
• Bergsig Icarus 2017
• Bob’s Your Uncle Head Over Heels Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot NV
• Du Toitskloof Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2019
• Du Toitskloof Dimension 2017
• Du Toitskloof Pinotage Merlot Ruby Cabernet 2020
• Du Toitskloof Quest 2018
• Flagstone Dragon Tree Cape Blend 2019
• Flagstone Treaty Tree Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec Merlot 2019
• Le Pommier Cabernet Franc Malbec 2019
• Leipzig Master Blend 2018
• Louisvale Boris 2018
• Louisvale Dominique 2018
• Mountain Ridge Vino Rood 2018
• Niel Joubert Cinsaut Grenache 2020
• Rhebokskloof The Rhebok 2018
• Rosendal Reserve Aquataine 2019
• Silver Myn Argentum 2020
• Thokozani SMV 2019
• Viljoensdrift River Grandeur Cape Blend 2019
• Wildekrans Cape Blend 2018
• Wildekrans Cape Blend Barrel Select Reserve 2017
• Wildekrans Deep Purple 2019

Blends Challenge 2021

Blends are a work of Art where the winemaker is the artist.

After a very difficult 2020 we would like to assist with marketing your wines.

We have been approached to run a Blends Challenge 2021 to put the spotlight on ALL blends.  Many consumers relate to blends as cheaper wines even though many of the  iconic wines are blends. 

We will be beginning with ALL Red blends and will be tasting White and Rosé Blends later this year.

The challenge will be given plenty of exposure by The BizNews community and various other platforms. 

The Judging panel will consist of 5 experienced professional tasters. The tasting will be blind and audited by Cecil Kilpin and Co. Every step will be taken to ensure that the wines are judged in optimum conditions and guarantee no glass taint. Entry Fee R750.00 per entry and two bottles of the wine for the judging. No other samples will be required. We do require that the winery has a minimum of 100 x 6 pack cases available for sale to the consumer at the time of judging which will take place on 22nd June 2021. The results will be published shortly after the judging.

For more information please contact Celia Gilloway at 082 782 1977 or celia@eventsbycelia.com

Viognier Challenge 2021

The inaugural Viognier Challenge was held at Vrede and Lust on Tuesday March 16^th 2021.

There were 24 entries of single variety wines, with no limitation made on whether they were oaked or not.

The wines were judged blind, using the international 100 point system. The 5-person panel consisted of Christine Rudman (Chairperson); Michael Bampfield-Duggan; Greg Mutambe; Samarie Smith and Malu Lambert.

They were given no indication of origin or vintage, or whether then wines were oaked. No discussion was permitted during the tasting, with a general report of overall impressions taking place afterwards. The tasting was audited by Cecil Kilpin & Company.

The high number of gold medals awarded (75 %) reflect the quality of the entries. According to Christine Rudman, the panel particularly approved of the wide variety of styles, from fragrant and elegantly charming, to food-friendly and fresh, to bold and impressive. Viognier’s different personalities as reflected in this tasting made it an attractive alternative to other white varieties.

The wines were all dry and mainly from the 2020 vintage.

Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Western Cape dominated the origins.

Golden Medals (Alphabetical Order)

• Alvi’sdift Signature Viognier 2020
• Arendsig 1000 Vines Viognier 2020
• De Grendel Viognier 2020
• Idiom Viognier 2018
• Idiom Viognier 2019
• JailBreak Viognier 2019
• La Petite Ferme Viognier 2020
• Leipzig Viognier 2020
• Lowerland Witgat Viognier 2020
• Lynx Viognier 2020
• Mellasat Viognier 2018
• Mitre’s Edge Viognier 2020
• MyWyn Single Barrel Viognier 2020    
• Painted Wolf Penny Viognier 2018
• Ridgeback Viognier 2020
• The Drift Mary le Bow Viognier 2019
• The Fledge & Co Elgin Reserve Viognier 2020

Malbec 2020 Challenge Awards

At the awards function held at 96 Winery Road outside Somerset West on Thursday 15^th October, the winner of the 2020 Malbec Challenge was announced. First time entry Mount Vernon 2015 Malbec was the highest scoring wine in the line-up of 21 wines. There were 11 gold medals awarded, including Mount Vernon, well up on the five in 2019, a recognition of the quality of the wines and growing expertise of the winemakers.

Despite the Lockdown challenges, the 21 entries compares favourably with 26 last year, (which included multiple vintages), and while seven of those producers didn’t have wine to enter this year, that was compensated by 11 new producers who entered their wines in the 2020 Challenge. It bodes well for the future, for when things get back to normal, that there is such a high level of interest.  

The Challenge was organised by Celia Gilloway of Events by Celia.

Once again, judging was done blind (no origin or vintage given) by a panel of five tasters using the international 100 point system, and took place on September 29th. The panel, chaired by Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman, consisted of Anton Swarts, Cape Wine Master and senior winemaker at Spier in Stellenbosch; award-winning wine and food writer Malu Lambert, all of whom had judged in 2019; Samarie Smith, ex-editor of Versnit in Die Burger and currently PR consultant for the Cape Winemakers Guild; and Johannesburg-based sommelier Tinashe Nyamudoka, founder of Kumusha Wines.

When asked what had inspired them to plant Malbec at Mount Vernon, the answer from Debbie Hooper, cellarmaster and co-owner with husband Dave, was that it was on the advice of Walter Finlayson. That was in 1999/2000, and while initially they shared early harvests with David and Walter at Glen Carlou, as their own demand increased, the full crop was harvested for Mount Vernon.

Plantings nationwide are still small, well under 1% of vineyards, and production is limited.

A juicy, soft-skinned variety, Malbec requires care in the vineyard to avoid over-cropping or sunburn damage, and in the cellar quick and careful fermentation to prevent oxidation. The winning gold medal wines used either only older oak or a combination of new and used barrels, to showcase the succulent drinkability part of its character.

The competition has a generous sponsor, RX South Africa, agents of Tonnellerie de Mercurey wine barrels, an internationally respected family-owned specialist business based in France. The oak comes from three different forests, to create a wide range of barrel styles and qualities for international wine cellar requirements, with the stave mill located in Champagne.

Mount Vernon’s prize is a free new barrel, size of their choice, while additionally, RX South Africa provided funding for the Awards function.

WINNER
Mount Vernon Malbec 2015

GOLD (alphabetical order)
Anura Reserve Malbec 2017
Bellevue Malbec 2017
Benguela Cove Malbec 2018
Bizoe Idioglossia Malbec 2018
Bushmanspad Malbec 2018
Mitre’s Edge Malbec 2018
Morgenhof Vintage Select Malbec 2014
Sol & Pieter Willem Eksteen Nosotros 2018
Ondine Malbec 2018
Sonklip Malbec 2018

SILVER (alphabetical order)
Akkerdal Malbec 2015
Blaauwklippen Malbec 2019
Diemersdal Malbec 2019
Enfin Alice Malbec 2017
Hildenbrand Single Vineyard Malbec 2018
Hillcrest Saartjie Single Vineyard selection Malbec 2018
Le Pommier Jonathan’s Malbec 2019
Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Malbec 2019
Rustenberg Stellenbosch Malbec 2019

The winning wine and the gold medalists

Winner and Gold Medalists receiving their certificates.

Social Photographs taken at the lunch

MY WYN WINS INAUGURAL CAB FRANC TROPHY

2 Septembert 2020

My Wyn, a small winery in the hills of Franschhoek, has won the inaugural Cobie van Oort Cabernet Franc Trophy for the highest score during the 2020 Cab Franc Challenge. 

For the first time since the inception of the Challenge in 2016, it was decided to award the highest scoring wine overall with a floating trophy.  This trophy is called the Cobie van Oort Cab Franc Challenge Trophy and the inaugural winner is My Wyn from Franschhoek.  Winemaker Jacoline Haasbroek felt it was a great honour and the trophy will be displayed in her tasting room for the next year!  Cobie passed away suddenly on 24 June and a suggestion was made to create this award in her legacy. 

Cobie, who together with Celia Gilloway from Events by Celia, started the Cabernet Franc Challenge in 2016 with 33 entries, which has subsequently grown by more than 50%. 

Celia suggested that a trophy, in honour of Cobie, would let her legacy live on in the minds and hearts of all producers and Cab Franc Lovers.  Cobie was extremely passionate about the varietal and felt that something had to be done to expose this “Bordeaux Grape” to a much bigger audience.  Cobie also initiated the first Cab Franc Carnival, which was held at Avontuur Estate in 2015.

The Cabernet Franc Challenge is a 100% blind tasting, judged by 5 well respected and experienced tasters from the industry.  This year’s panel was once again led by Chair Christine Rudman, Greg Mutambe, Malu Lambert, Lizette Tolken and Fiona McDonald.

Christine commented on the 2020 Challenge with the following:: “There were 52 entries, the same as in 2019, and while many of the previous winners participated, there were also some new entries. Judging out of 100.

With Covid 19 putting a stop to large gatherings of people and therefore making it impossible to host the 2020 Cabernet Franc Carnival at the Vrede en Lust winery in the Franschhoek Region, Cab Franc Lovers’ will need to wait until 2021 to attend this very popular event.

CAB FRANC CHALLENGE 2020 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The 5^th Cabernet Franc Challenge impressed with 52 entries (the same number as in 2019), with many wines entered by previous participants and a few new wineries who took the plunge this year. Winners were announced in the Top 6 Category, the Blends Category and the Vintage Category.  A Best Value Winner was also again selected by the organisors.  Thirty-Six additional Gold medals were awarded across all categories as well.

The Top 6 winners (in alphabetical order) are:  Anthology Cabernet Franc 2017, David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2017, High Constantia Cabernet Franc 2012, Rainbow’s End Limited Release Cabernet Franc 2018, Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2016 and Whalehaven Cabernet Franc 2015

Cape Wine Master and head of the judging panel since the start of the competition,  Christine Rudman commented about the geographical spread of entries; “Once again Stellenbosch, with the most plantings, dominated, but Franschhoek and Paarl had a significant number of entries. The rest came from Robertson, Darling, Elgin, Bot River, Constantia, Cape Town/Durbanville, Wellington and Coastal. Of the 31 producers represented, 13 entered more than one wine, showing a growing Cabernet Franc specialisation.”

The vintage winner for this year is My Wyn Cabernet Franc 2012 from Franschhoek, which was supported by excellent Gold Medal entrants in this category. The panel was particularly impressed by the 6 older wines (vintages 2012 – 2015), proving just how well Cabernet Franc with good credentials can age. The wines were delicious, in perfect drinking condition, yet still had a cellaring future.

Three winners emerged in the Blends Category. They are Landskroon Paul Hugo Red 2018, Morgenster Lourens River Valley 2011 and Warwick Trilogy 2016.  The Best Value Award was given to Ondine Cabernet Franc 2015 by Darling stalwart Ormonde Vineyards, which retails at R115 per bottle.

The judging panel was made up of Christine Rudman, Lizette Tolken, Greg Mutambe, Fiona McDonald and Malu Lambert.  Christine explains a bit more about the judging procedure: “Judging out of 100, the panellists were given no origin or vintage information, except being told the category – older wines, blends, main entries. The only discussion permitted was after the tasting, where general comments were asked for.”

“In the main judging category, the panel looked for attributes that define the variety, giving it uniquely its own personality. There were fewer herbaceous notes across the range than in 2019, a reflection of the vintages, mainly 2017, with some 2018 and 2016. The best wines had balance, elegance, suppleness and complexity, showing layers of fruit and tertiary perfumes and flavours,” she commented.

The judging took place at Cab Franc Carnival 2020 sponsor and venue host Vrede en Lust Estate in Simondium on Tuesday, 17 March.  The results were independently audited and verified by Cecil Kilpin & Co. The Top 6 can be tasted in two tutored tasting sessions at this year’s Cab Franc Carnival, which takes place at Vrede en Lust Estate on Saturday, 22 August from 11h00-16h00. Tickets for the event and the intimate tutored tasting sessions can be purchased from www.plankton.mobi.

TOP SIX SINGLE VARIETALS (ALPHABETICAL)

Anthology Cabernet Franc 2017

David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2017

High Constantia Cabernet Franc 2012

Rainbow’s End Limited Release Cabernet Franc 2018

Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2016

Whalehaven Cabernet Franc 2015

VINTAGE – WINNER

My Wyn Cabernet Franc 2012

TOP THREE BLENDS  (ALPHABETICAL)

Landskroon Paul Hugo Red 2018

Morgenster Lourens River Valley 2011

Warwick Trilogy 2016

BEST VALUE – WINNER

Ondine Cabernet Franc 2015

GOLD MEDALS SINGLE VARIETAL (ALPHABETICAL)

Chamonix Cabernet Franc 2016

Druk My Niet Cabernet Franc 2014

High Constantia Cabernet Franc 2015

Hillcrest Saartjie Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2018

Jordan Cabernet Franc 2018

Journey’s End V5 Cabernet Franc 2017

Kleinhoekkloof Cabernet Franc 2016

KWV The Mentors Cabernet Franc 2017

KWV The Mentors Cabernet Franc 2018

Leipzig Cabernet Franc 2019

Linton Park Louis Fourie Reserve Cabernet Franc 2017

Lisha Nelson Cabernet Franc 2018

Mitre’s Edge Cabernet Franc 2017

Mont du Toit Les Coteaux Cabernet Franc 2017

Môreson Cabernet Franc 2017

Morgenster Cabernet Franc 2018

My Wyn Cabernet Franc 2016

Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2017

Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2018

Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2016

Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2017

Rainbow’s End Cabernet Franc 2017

Rainbow’s End Cabernet Franc 2018

Ridgeback Cabernet Franc 2016

Ridgeback Cabernet Franc 2017

Vrede en Lust Artisan Range Cabernet Franc 2016

Whalehaven Cabernet Franc 2014

Wildekrans Reserve Barrel Select Cabernet Franc 2018

VINTAGE GOLD MEDALS (ALPHABETICAL)

Holden Manz Reserve Cabernet Franc 2015

Rietvallei JMB Cabernet Franc 2014

Whalehaven Cabernet Franc 2013

BLENDS GOLD MEDALS (ALPHABETICAL)

Chamonix Troika 2017

Landskroon Cabernet Franc Merlot 2018

My Wyn Les Grandes Horizontales 2016

Raats Jasper Red Blend 2017

Ridgeback Journey 2017

Malbec Challenge 2019 Awards

On Tuesday December 3^rd , the five gold medallists of the 2019 Malbec Challenge were announced at a function at The Wood Mill in Stellenbosch. The winning wines were Mitre’s Edge 2017 (also the top scorer); Blake’s Single Vineyard 2018 (only to be released in 2020); Bizoe Idioglossla 2017; Bellevue 2016 and Neethingshof 2013.

The Challenge judging by a panel of five tasters using the international 100 point system had taken place on November12th. The panel, chaired by Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman, consisted of Anton Swarts, Cape Wine Master and senior winemaker at Spier in Stellenbosch; award-winning wine and food writer Malu Lambert; Nomonde Kubheka ex-KWV winemaker and currently training facilitator for Winetech; and sommelier/wine writer Barry Scholfield.

There were 26 entries, just under half of all the single varietal Malbec bottlings on the market.

When asked what had inspired them to plant Malbec, the answers from the winemakers had a common theme, either for it to be part of the classic 5-variety Bordeaux blend, in the case of Lola Nicholls of Mitre’s Edge and Wilhelm Kritzinger of Bellevue, or because they had visited countries where Malbec is widely grown and were impressed by it.

Andries Blake of Blake Family Wines’ love affair with Malbec started about 10 years ago on a visit to Argentina, while Rikus Neethling of Bizoe remembers  the variety from a trip to Buenos Aires, deciding there and then to include it in their range. Bizoe buys in grapes, which for the winning 2017 vintage came from Swartland and Stellenbosch. De Wet Viljoen’s discovery was in the Cahors in France, where he and his wife went for their honeymoon.

A juicy, soft-skinned variety, Malbec requires care in the vineyard to avoid over-cropping or sunburn damage, and in the cellar quick and careful fermentation to prevent oxidation. The winning wines used either only older oak or a combination of new and used barrels, to showcase the succulent drinkability part of its character.

Plantings are still small, well under 1% of vineyards, and production is limited, except for Bellevue which is also to be found in Woolworths.

The competition has a generous sponsor, RX South Africa, agents of Tonnellerie de Mercurey wine barrels, an internationally respected family-owned specialist business based in France. The oak comes from three different forests, to create a wide range of barrel styles and qualities for international wine cellar requirements, with the stave mill located in Champagne.

Mitre’s Edge’s prize is a free new barrel, size of their choice, while all participants in the competition have been offered a 7.5% discount on barrel purchases for the 2020 season. In addition, funding was provided for the Awards function.

Finally, on a personal note, the Idioglossla part of Bizoe Malbec’s name refers to the language of twins, the 6 year-old boys of Rikus and Estalet Neethling, while Andries Blake has named his second boat Malbec, a name his first boat also carried.

and the sponsors’ are:

and the winner is: Mitre’s Edge for their Malbec 2017

and the Gold Medallists are:

Bellevue Malbec 2016
Bizoe Idioglossla Malbec 2017
Blake’s Single Vineyard Malbec 2018
Neethingshof Malbec 2013

and the Silver Medallists are:

Sonklip Malbec 2017
Ondine Malbec 2018
Diemersfontein Woolworths Reserve Malbec 2017
Kevin King BBK 2016
Diemersdal Malbec 2017
Benguela Cove Malbec 2017
Stellekaya Malbec 2018
Blake’s Malbec 2018
Neethlingshof Malbec 2018
Vergenoegd Löw Malbec 2015
Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Malbec 2017
Stellekaya Malbec 2017
Le Pommier Jonathan’s Malbec 2018
Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Malbec 2018
Diemersdal Malbec 2018

Malbec Challenge 2019

The Malbec Challenge Wine Competition 2019

Responding to producer requests, Celia Gilloway of Events by Celia organised a Malbec tasting competition which was judged on November 12th at Mitre’s Edge in Stellenbosch by an experienced panel of five. There were 26 entries out of the 55 single bottlings listed in the 2020 Platter Guide, making it admirably well-subscribed for its first appearance. The winners will be announced at an Awards lunch presided over by Chef Craig Cormack, at The Wood Mill in Stellenbosch on Tuesday December 3^rd.

The judging was done blind with no origin or vintage revealed, using the international 100 point system and was overseen by an auditor from Cecil Kilpin & Co. There were five gold medals awarded, which included a clear winner, and 15 silvers. Entries came mainly from Stellenbosch and its wards, and also from Darling, Elgin, Walker Bay, Franschhoek, Paarl, Cape Town/Durbanville, Coastal and Western Cape.

The panel, chaired by Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman, consisted of Anton Swarts, Cape Wine Master and senior winemaker at Spier in Stellenbosch; award-winning wine and food writer Malu Lambert; Nomonde Kubheka ex-KWV and currently training facilitator for Winetech and the Pinotage Youth Development Academy; and sommelier/wine writer Barry Scholfield. There was consensus on the top five wines, and all the other scores fell within a narrow band.

The competition has a generous sponsor, RX South Africa, agents of Tonnellerie de Mercury wine barrels, an internationally respected family-owned specialist business based in France. The oak comes from three different forests, to create a wide range of barrel styles and qualities for international wine cellar requirements, with the stave mill located in Champagne.

The winning Malbec’s producer gets a free new barrel, size of their choice, while all participants in the competition have been offered a 7.5% discount on barrel purchases for the 2020 season. In addition, funding has been provided for the Awards function.