2016 Sommeliers Selection recommends top winelist to suit most palates

Sommeliers Selection logo (cropped)THE SECOND annual Sommeliers Selection was announced with little fanfare – the names of the ‘listed wines’ only posted some days after the private awards function and various questions remaining unanswered at the time of writing. Nevertheless, the competition is interesting as regards the unique nature of the event and the calibre of entries.

The judges are all members of the South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) and the wines are entered and assessed in categories based mainly on styles and particular tastes, rather than according to varieties and types of blends. ‘Food appropriateness’ and ‘gastronomical relevance’ is also taken into account and the winelist is recommended to restaurants countrywide.

Of the 450 wines entered, 88 won awards as ‘listed wines’, with 12 of them highlighted…

Highlights of 2016 Sommeliers Selection

WHITE WINES

Almenkerk Chardonnay 2015
Highlands Road Chardonnay 2015
Longridge Chardonnay 2015
Paul Cluver Riesling Close Encounter 2015

RED WINES

Bergsig Icarus 2012 (Blend)
De Grendel Rubaiyat 2013 (Blend)
Fable Syrah 2013
Marvelous Blue 2014 (Blend, Yardstick Wines)
Paul Cluver Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2013
Running Duck Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage 2015 (Stellar Winery)

SPARKLING

Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2009 (MCC)

DESSERT

Bon Courage Noble Late Harvest 2015

On the jury: Higgo Jacobs (SASA chair), Neil Grant (Open Door, Bocca and Burrata restaurants), Tinashe Nyamudoka (Test Kitchen), Pearl Oliver (Taj Hotel), Marlvin Gwese (Cape Grace), Kimi Blackadder (Hoghouse), Greg Mutambe (12 Apostles Hotel), Ewan Mackenzie and Spencer Fondaumiere (Burrata).

For the full results of the Sommeliers Selection, click here. For all top SA wine reviews (with prices) over the past two years, click here.

 

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