Tag Archives: Landskroon

Pinotage Rosé champs again: Landskroon, Rooiberg, Windmeul …

THE PINOTAGE Association’s competition for ‘pink’ wines made from South Africa’s Pinot Noir Cinsault cross was introduced fairly recently, yet already many Pinotage producers are trying their hand at it, if not perfecting the craft. Wine lovers might well wonder when certain champions of the variety including Kanonkop of Stellenbosch and Rijk’s of Tulbagh will enter the fray, so to

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Merlot Forum’s Top 10 include one from Paarl at just R95pb

  WHAT TO MAKE of the inaugural Top 10 Merlot Competition organised by the South African Merlot Forum, an industry association whose members include over 40 wine farms. 71 entries from the various districts around the Cape winelands. Not bad, considering it’s the first edition of this challenge, but a way to go given that there are in excess of

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Best value red under R100 this year to date: Paul Hugo 2020

WITH SOME vintages it’s recommended that for a refreshing drink you can chill this blend, described by the De Villiers family as a “fun-loving” wine. In recent years, however, the Paul Hugo Red has over-delivered relative what you might expect from the second tier in Landskroon’s portfolio. The 2020 is one of the standouts since the maiden vintage 2006. Judged

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Once again Cab Franc Challenge won by a cellar in Franschhoek

CHAMONIX of Franschhoek are on track in building a good track record with their Cabernet Franc, but who would have given short odds on them coming top of the class in South Africa’s 2022 Cab Franc Challenge? Congrat’s to the team – more respected for their Chardonnay, Troika red blend and Pinot Noir – whose Challenge entry was fancied ahead

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Showcasing “superior” Syrah from the foot of Africa – Shiraz SA

THE ONLINE award presentation was a rather dumbed-down affair, not without technical hiccups, but the panel of judges for the 2021 Challenge convened by the industry association Shiraz SA was strong on experience. Among the selectors were Cape Wine Masters Andy Roediger (chair for the ninth year) and Paul Benadé, cellarmasters Frans Smit (Spier) and Richard Kershaw MW, as well

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Couple of newcomers challenge stalwarts at 2019 Cab Franc awards

WHAT A GREAT year already for leading Cabernet Franc specialist of South Africa Bruwer Raats. Beginning with 5 Star ratings in Platter’s SA Wine Guide for two wines from the 2016 vintage, the Stellenbosch maverick then came top of the class on Winemag.co.za before placing among the Top 6 gold medallists at the 2019 Cab Franc Challenge. Two of the

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Top 20 Wines from the Cellars of Paarl – 2019 Classification

A CHECKLIST that will come in useful when next you head out wine-tasting or shopping on the Paarl wine route, the following are those whites, reds, bubblies and sweets with the very best track records from the cellars of the area according to the 2019 SA Wine & Cellar Classification. • For the full Paarl Wine Classification, click here. •

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Lifting the lid on a red gold medallist from Paarl at under R50 a bottle

IT BEGGARS belief on hearing that a red wine from one of the main drags on South Africa’s Paarl wine route can be judged good enough to win a gold medal yet sell for just R48 per bottle at the cellar door on the farm. Believe it. Landskroon pulled it off as a laureate at the 2018 Cab Franc Challenge!

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Unbelievably good: Boplaas dominates SA Port Challenge

Calitzdorp might be the ‘Port Capital’ of South Africa, but it’s not the only place in the country where they know how to do it Portuguese style THE JUDGING PANEL was sound and the competition has a good track record, but the announcement of the Cape Port Producers’ Association’s 2013 Challenge results prompted as many questions as it provided answers.

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Very best value SA red blends at R70pb or less in 2012

GREAT BUYS for the festive season… Red blends that have been highly recommended this year by one or more of the expert tasting panels around the world AND which cost no more than R70 a bottle – with prices given ex-cellar, or approximate retail if the public can’t buy directly from the producer: BERNHEIM Classique 2008 – R70 BONNIEVALE CELLAR Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011

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Very best value SA Chenin at under R50 a bottle in 2012

SA CHENIN BLANC highly recommended this year by one or more of the expert tasting panels around the world AND which costs less than R50 a bottle – with prices given ex-cellar, or approximate retail if the cellar is closed to the public:   ALVI’S DRIFT 2012 – R29 ARABELLA 2012 – R38 BON COURAGE Like Father Like Son 2012 – R29 BOSCHENDAL 2011 – R41

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