Glen Carlou of Paarl was an icon wine property in the hands of Walter and David Finlayson (now focusing on Edgebaston in Stellenbosch) and that it’s still among South Africa’s leading producers was highlighted by the French-palate judges at the 2012 Classic Wine Trophy competition. One of only three cellars to scoop more than a single gold medal at the prize-giving function hosted by the Table Bay Hotel over the weekend, Glen Carlou was the centre of attention and their winemaker Arco Laarman the envy of his peers.


Other particularly interesting winners on the night? Mount Sutherland Syrah (a stunner from Daniel de Waal who is now flying solo), Sijnn Red Blend (am dying to explore De Trafford’s Malgas property) and Dr Jan Cats Chenin (in part because I want to know who the heck ‘Jan Cats’ is).


THE GOLD MEDALLISTS:

• Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut 2007
• Chamonix Reserve Pinot Noir 2010
• Delaire Botmaskop Red Blend 2009
• Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2010
• Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Shiraz 2008
• Groot Constantia Pinotage 2010
• Groot Constantia Shiraz 2009
• Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2010
• Julien Schaal Chardonnay 2011
• KWV The Mentors Shiraz 2009
• Mount Sutherland Syrah 2009 (Super Single Vineyards)
• Perdeberg Reserve Shiraz 2010
• Perdeberg Reserve Weisser Riesling Natural Sweet 2010
• Saronsberg Viognier 2010
• Sijnn Red Blend 2008
• Teddy Hall Reserve Dr Jan Cats Chenin 2010
• Tokara Reserve Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2010