WE SEE where they’re going with their Winelist, but The Sommeliers Selection takes a bit of getting used to – adjusting to the calibration, you could say. Of over 300 entries, 72 made the cut, all accorded the same recognition, but with no scores given, no stars or medals. Although, among the Listed competition winners there is reference to four ‘Stand Out Wines’: the ‘Economically Savvy’ Bellingham Pinopasso 2016 (Pinotage-based blend), the ‘Voluptuous & Rich’ Ken Forrester FMC Chenin 2016, as well as the ‘Elegant & Classy’ Cape Point Isliedh 2016 (white blend) and Trizanne Reserve Syrah 2017.

According to panel chair Joakim Blackadder: “The Stand Out Wines were chosen categorically and, in essence, had to be faultless and great expressions, not solely judged on quality but with the price point very much taken into account. Some wines will have scored higher, but possibly have a price tag that made the value for money ratio not hit the same ratio.”

As the name of the competition implies, all of the judges are sommeliers of one sort or another. What also sets this selection apart from others is that the panel endeavours to group the wines according to broad descriptions that should hopefully be meaningful even to those not familiar with the terminology used by wine connoisseurs. A case of folk in the hospitality business offering recommendations to wine lovers while avoiding the subject of rankings or making anybody feel awkward.

For the names and credentials of all eight panel members, see here. Below are the wines described as ‘Elegant & Classy’ on the Sommeliers’ Winelist 2018. For info about the wines regarded as ‘Voluptuous & Rich’, ‘Fresh & Crunchy’, ‘Economically Savvy’ and then some, see here. And for more about the event in general, click here.

ELEGANT & CLASSY WHITES

Almenkerk Chardonnay 2016
R240 pb from the cellar in Elgin

Botha Barrel Fermented Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2017
R140 pb from the cellar in Breedekloof

Cape Point Isliedh 2016 (blend)
R260 pb from the cellar in Noordhoek

Cavalli Cremello 2016 (blend)
R135 pb from the cellar in Stellenbosch

D’Aria The Following Sauvignon Blanc 2016
R220 pb from the cellar in Durbanville

Darling Cellars Lady Ann Darling 2017 (blend)
R136 pb from the cellar in Darling

Eikendal Chardonnay 2016
R180 pb from the cellar in Helderberg, Stellenbosch

Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2017
R116 pb from the cellar in Simonsberg-Paarl

Glen Carlou Quartz Stone Chardonnay 2017
R313 pb from the cellar in Simonsberg-Paarl

Highlands Road Sine Cera 2015 (blend)
R140 pb from the cellar in Elgin

L’Avenir Chenin Blanc 2017
R140 pb from the cellar in Stellenbosch

L’Avenir Single Block Chenin Blanc 2017
R350 pb from the cellar in Stellenbosch

La Chataigne Semillon 2015
R160 pb from the cellar in Franschhoek

Lothian Chardonnay 2017
R199 pb from the cellar in Elgin

Mont Blois Hoog en Laag Chardonnay 2016
R295 pb from the cellar in Robertson

Paul Wallace Reflection Chardonnay 2017
R230 pb from the cellar in Elgin

ELEGANT & CLASSY REDS

Babylonstoren Babel 2017 (blend)
R150 pb from the cellar in Simonsberg-Paarl

De Grendel Merlot 2016
R140 pb from the cellar in Panorama

Druk My Niet Invictus 2013 (blend)
R220 pb from the cellar in Paarl

Ernie Els Big Easy Red Blend 2017
R155 pb from the cellar in Helderberg, Stellenbosch

High Road Classique 2014 (blend)
R175 pb from the cellar in Stellenbosch

Jan Harmsgat Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
R165 pb from the cellar outside Swellendam

Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
R210 pb from the cellar in Helderberg, Stellenbosch

Le Riche Richesse 2015 (blend)
R140 pb from the cellar in Helderberg, Stellenbosch

Mitre’s Edge Malbec 2016
Price N/A from cellar in Simonsberg-Paarl

Trizanne Reserve Syrah 2017
R210 pb from the cellar in Cape Town

Val de Vie Valley of Life 2014 (blend)
Price N/A from cellar in Paarl

Vrede en Lust Boet Erasmus 2014 (blend)
R205 pb from the cellar in Simonsberg-Paarl

Whalehaven Conservation Coast Pinot Noir 2014
R400 pb from the cellar outside Hermanus

Wildehurst Velo Red 2014 (blend)
R110 pb from the cellar in Swartland

Windfall Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
R100 pb from the cellar in Robertson

Zevenwacht Z Reserve 2013 (blend)
R245 pb from the cellar in Kuils River