Choosing South Africa’s 2015 Wine of the Year not for faint-hearted

THE LATEST of the most outstanding achievements going the way of South African wines and cellars – the IWSC Winemaker of the Year award to Abrie Beeslaar of Kanonkop – inevitably raises the question about top contenders for 2015 SA Champion(s) status. The following ranked as favourites among the top tasting panels this year – 25 wines from 24 producers:

Bellingham The Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah 2013 – 5 Stars in Platter’s (SA), among Top 12 in Shiraz SA Challenge, Trophy in Classic Wine Trophy competition (SA)
Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintners Reserve Bin 1880 NV
(Port) – Winner of Cape Port Challenge (SA), Double Gold at Veritas Awards (SA), Highly Recommended in Platter’s (SA)
Cape Point Isliedh 2013
 (White Blend) – Trophy for Best SA White at International Wine Challenge, UK
Constantia Glen Two 2014 (White Blend) – 93/100 on Winemag.co.za (SA), Trophy at International Wine Challenge (UK), 5 Stars in Platter’s (SA)
DeMorgenzon Maestro White 2014 – International Trophy at Decanter World Wine Awards, UK
DeMorgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc 2014 – Trophy at Six Nations Challenge (Aus), Trophy at International Wine Challenge (UK), Trophy at Classic Wine Trophy competition (SA), victory in the Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge (SA)
Eagles’ Nest Shiraz 2012 – Grand Prix Trophy at Michelangelo Awards (SA), 5 Stars in Platter’s (SA), Double Gold at Veritas Awards (SA), among Top 12 in Shiraz SA Challenge
Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – Double Gold at Six Nations Challenge (Aus), Gold at Trophy Wine Show (SA), Trophy at Decanter World Wine Awards (UK)
Elgin Vintners Pinot Noir 2012 – International Trophy at Decanter World Wine Awards, UK
Fleur du Cap Shiraz 2013 – Best Red Wine Overall at Trophy Wine Show, SA
Groot Constantia Shiraz 2013 – Highly Recommended in Platter’s (SA), among Top 12 in Shiraz SA Challenge, among Top 10 at Syrah du Monde (Fr)
Iona Chardonnay 2014 – 91/100 on Winemag.co.za (SA), Gold at Trophy Wine Show (SA), Trophy at Six Nations Challenge (Aus)
Kanonkop Pinotage 2012 – Double Gold at the Veritas Awards (SA), victory in the Top 10 Pinotage competition (SA), Trophy at International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK)
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Chenin Blanc 2013 – Best White Wine at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Belgium
Lomond Cat’s Tail Syrah 2012 – International Trophy at Decanter World Wine Awards, UK
Morgenster White 2013 – Best White Wine Overall at Trophy Wine Show, SA
Mullineux Iron Syrah 2013 – Platter’s Red Wine of the Year, SA
Mullineux Olerasay Straw Wine NV – Platter’s Dessert Wine of the Year, SA
Nuy White Muscadel 2007 – Grand Prix Trophy at Michelangelo Awards, SA
Oak Valley Chardonnay 2014 – 92/100 on Winemag.co.za (SA), Double Gold at the Veritas Awards (SA), Trophy at Decanter World Wine Awards( UK)
Paul Cluver Marks & Spencer Ferricrete Riesling 2014 – International Trophy at Decanter World Wine Awards, UK
Perdeberg’s Dry Land Collection Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2013 – International Trophy at Decanter World Wine Awards, UK
Rustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – International Judges’ Trophy at Trophy Wine Show, SA
Saronsberg Full Circle 2013 (Red Blend) – Trophy for Best SA Red at International Wine Challenge, UK
Warwick The White Lady Chardonnay 2014 – Platter’s White Wine of the Year, SA

 

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  • SOME MORE CONTENDERS:

    Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2012 (Port)
    Cederberg Shiraz 2013
    De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2012 (Port)
    Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2014
    Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2012
    Saronsberg Shiraz 2013

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