National Wine Challenge / Top 100 SA Wine Results 2020

The National Wine Challenge, incorporating Top 100 SA Wines, the premier fine-wine-only wine competition in SA, launches the industry’s first set of key results for 2020.
 
Given the nature of lockdown, it was of course not possible to host the annual celebratory fixture this year.  A strong line up of well over five hundred fine wine entries made for a very competitive challenge, albeit in exceptionally difficult industry circumstances.  Not a record number, but given the lockdowns, ban on sales, logistical issues to deliver and move wines and so on, we felt really very pleased with this result.  Moreover, the wine quality this year was absolutely outstanding.  It has brought out the best and this always makes for a great set of results.  Most importantly, vineyards can now use these results to aid their much needed wine sales and to further enhance their brand, for the balance of 2020.
 
Onto the results… 

WHITE WINES 
 
Overall, white wines gained a total of thirty four wins, six more than those achieved in 2019 and close to the 2018 record number of wins.  Within this, Sauvignon Blanc led the charge, gaining 10 victories.  This was ahead of Chardonnay which gained a total of 9 gongs, reversing last year’s trend.  Chenin dropped once more in the ranking, achieving 5 nods from judges.  The ‘unusual cultivar’ category gained 7 victories of which Riesling gained 3 awards, while Viognier gained 2 awards.  The ‘other blend’ category scored 2 awards while white Bordeaux had one single fine wine crossing the finishing line.

The ‘Top 10’ winning white wines overall included six Sauvignon Blancs (three last year). A single Chardonnay and a single Chenin Blanc were there too, together with a Semillon and a Riesling.

RED WINES

The red wine category again did very well in 2020.  A total of fifty eight winning wines found favour with judges and gained Top 100 podium positions.  This was however 10 less than in 2018.  Cabernet aced it this year achieving 12 podium slots, while Shiraz dropped back somewhat to gain a total of 9 awards. Bordeaux Blends and Pinotage both did very well, gaining 6 awards each.  Merlot and Rhone Blends also tied with a total of 4 wins each. The category of ‘other blends’ achieved 7 podium slots, 5 of which were Shiraz lead.  Cape Blends won 3 awards while ‘other cultivars’ gained 6 victories.  Of these, Malbec won 2 awards with Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Petit Verdot and Touriga each gaining a single gong, as did Pinot Noir.                   
 
The ‘Top 10’ red wines included a strong showing of four Cabernet Sauvignon and four Bordeaux Blends.   Shiraz gained two positions with a Shiraz led blend gaining one position, as did a single Pinotage. (Three wines tied in 10th place hence making for a total of 12 wines.)   
 
Regionally for the Top 10 white wines, broader Stellenbosch led the charge, followed by Elgin and Constantia.  For red wines meanwhile, Stellenbosch also dominated, with Constantia and Franschhoek both doing well. 

ROSÉ

For the fourth year a fine rosé wine cracked the nod and achieved a Top 100 slot. 

MCC & SPARKLING WINES
 
This was an excellent, indeed record year for MCC.  Seven top slots were awarded to this category.   Robertson gained four of these awards, Stellenbosch gained two awards and Constantia gained a single award.

NATURAL SWEET WINES
 
This category enjoyed three fine winning wines, from Constantia, Elgin and Stellenbosch. 

FORTIFIED & MUSCADEL
 
Three delicious wines sailed through to the podium.  They included a single Muscadel, a Jerepigo  and a fortified wine.

PORT STYLE
 
Two fine examples passed the finish line to win awards.
 
VINTAGES
 
For white wines, vintages 2017 had six winners, with twelve victories for 2018, together with fifteen wins for 2019 vintage. By comparison, for red wines, vintage 2015 enjoyed eight wins.   Vintage 2016 enjoyed 7 wins, vintage 2017 gained nineteen wins, 2018 gained twenty three wins while 2019 gained a solitary win.  

SCORES & TOP WINE QUALITY 

Winning wines gaining Double Platinum/Top 100 status awards, achieved scores of between 91/100 and 96/100.  This is similar to the score bands in both the 2018 and the 2019 NWC events.  There was an even spread across the band although only a very tiny number of wines gained more than 94/100.   SA fine wine remains clearly in ascendancy,  improving across most cultivars and blends.  This year’s sets of results again lend credence to the steady gains  found across many regions and across a number of styles.

HIGHEST THREE SCORES FOR WHITE WINES
 
One Elgin Semillon
Two Elgin Sauvignon Blancs
 
HIGHEST THREE SCORES FOR RED WINES
 
One Wellington Cabernet
One Constantia Bordeaux Blend
One Stellenbosch Shiraz

HIGHEST SCORING MCC
 
A Robertson Blanc de Blanc
 
HIGHEST SCORING SWEET, FORTIFIED & PORT

A white Fortified
A red Muscadel
A white Jerepigo (joint)
A vintage Port (joint)
A natural sweet (joint)

STATISTICS & RATIO OF ENTRIES TO WINS - Top 100/Double Platinum awards
 
Red wines accounted for 52% of entries. White wines representing 37% of all entries.
Rosé wines accounted for just 1% of entries, while MCC increased substantially this year to 5% of total entries, a similar figure to total entries submitted for Natural Sweets wines, Fortified wines, Muscadel, Jerepigo and Ports style wines. 
 
20% of the high quality red wine entries gained Top 100 status.  This is marginally up on the 2019 figure. White wines enjoyed a winning ratio of approximately 17% for a similar winning status. This was a substantial improvement on 2019.  About 20% of MCC’s entered, gained Top 100 status, again a significant jump from 2019.  Sweet, Fortified and Port also improved substantially on last year, as did rosé.

ROBIN VON HOLDT reviews the 2020 NATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE (NWC), now in its 10th successful year:

“We are totally thrilled with this year’s success! Now in our 10th year running this premier fine-wine competition, we highly value the positive, strong levels of support and commitment offered to us by many of SA’s leading vineyards.  We find it both stimulating and rewarding to work with SA’s talented wineries. There continues tremendous respect for the manner and approach applied by our professional team as it goes about its business to support and promote SA fine-wine through the National Wine Challenge. Wineries continue to see valuable commercial advantages and brand enhancement opportunities competing for the acclaimed array of awards. Industry and public recognition of stellar performances provides independent credibility for high performing wines.

SA fine wines remain on the ascendency. Their quality continues to improve and many critics support the SA fine wine scene against strong competition worldwide.  Cellar practices have further improved  together with more stringent viticulture applications.  The result is better fine wine generally, showing more favourable structure and balance in our best wines, with less extract and manipulation.  Despite the global negatives of Covid 19, together with our own local and peculiar industry sanctions and issues, the future, once we overcome these obstacles, remains a bright one.   Thus, we too continue our justified praise of SA’s fine wines at every opportunity. And especially the current, now- awarded Top 100 SA wines.  They totally deserve it!

The results in 2020 are particularly strong.  They showcase a diverse portfolio of exceptional wines.  This award is always a tough nut to crack.  Attracting more fine wine entries simply makes it that much harder to achieve the coveted win.  A good number of new vineyards again entered the 2020 NWC for the first time. Pleasingly a few managed to crack a win! The quality of judges, the judging protocols and rigorous audit, leads the way and sets the standard that others follow. Our warm thanks again go to all of our supporters. Our special congratulations go of course to all 2020 winners.”
  

DOUBLE PLATINUM  / TOP 100 WINNERS 2020

The following vineyards were major winners in the 2020 National Wine Challenge /Top 100:

Groot Constantia (9)
Jordan (6)
Vrede en Lust (6)
Stellenbosch Vineyards (5)
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar (4)
Fairview Wines (4)
La Couronne Wine Estate (4)
Paul Cluver Wines (4)
Babylonstoren (3)
De Krans (3)
Graham Beck (3)
Saronsberg (3)

Fourteen vineyards gained 2 victories each
Twenty five vineyards gained 1 victory each
 

NEW WINNING WINERIES INCLUDE

Backsberg Estate Cellars
LÃvenir Wine Estate
Le Bonheur Wine Estate
Maree Family Wines
Ridgeback Wines

WINNERS SHARE THEIR COMMENTS 

Groot Constantia (9)
Jean Naude, CEO: "I am very proud of my team for having achieved this. It is the result of years of hard work towards a common goal of improving vineyards and at the end improving wine quality. The result also underlines the versatility of the Groot Constantia Estate and our ability to produce excellent wines across a wide varietal spectrum."
 

Jordan (6)
Sjaak Nelson, winemaker:  “Having 6 wines win a Double Platinum award is an amazing achievement. This showcases the effort of our entire winemaking team and the quality of the estate across our whole range of wines.”
 

Vrede en Lust (6)
Dana Buys, co-owner of Vrede en Lust and Caseys Ridge : "6 Top 100 wines in the 2020 NWC is a fantastic outcome and welcome recognition for the team work that goes into the Vrede en Lust wines. Great wines start with great grapes! Our teams at both our vineyards and in the cellar are stars, led by Etienne, Karlin and Annette."
 

Stellenbosch Vineyards (5)
Abraham de Villiers, Senior Winemaker : “What an achievement to have five of our wines selected into the Top 100, I am very proud of our Stellenbosch Vineyards Bushvine Pinotage 2019 cracking the Top 100 for the first time. As always, it is an honour and great motivation for the future.”
 

Alvis Drift (4)
Dr Alvi van der Merwe, winemaker & owner (pictured with his wife Junel):  "Thank you to all involved in the NWC Top 100 awards this year – it could not have been easy. These awards remind us how important it is for us as an industry to stand together as we all face the terrible consequences of the difficult decisions that have had to be made worldwide. While we are excited to receive such wonderful recognition and can’t wait to share it, we are mindful of our partners and friends who have suffered unfathomable losses during this time. We receive with gratitude this auspicious award and have confidence that by so doing we contribute in our small way to the great momentum and excitement that the world has come to expect from the South African wine industry.
 
221 Special Cuvee 2018 a newcomer to our ‘family’ and we are extremely proud that it received this award. The 221 Special Cuvee draws inspiration from my grandfather who famously scored the first try on African soil against the All-Blacks in 1928 and was later selected as Springbok number 221. Verreaux 2017/ Verreaux 2018 our Icon Pinotage, named after the majestic Verreaux’s (Black Eagle,) Eagle, found around the cliffs and mountains surrounding the farm, did not disappoint us, flying ‘high”’ with two vintages that won this award, the 2017 as well as the 2018. Albertus Viljoen Chenin Blanc 2019, our stalwart white wine, with great elegance, memorable aftertaste, and ability to mature for many years.Finally, my thanks to the Alvi’s Drift family and the winemaking team for their outstanding work."

Fairview Wines (4)
Anthony de Jager, winemaker: "It's been great to see our Eenzaamheid Shiraz come through year after year, receiving Top 100 status for our 2014, 2015 and now 2016 vintage. It's a fantastic site that is farmed meticulously and we feel privileged to be able to work with these grapes in the cellar! Our La Beryl Blanc is a labour intensive experience and rather nerve racking! However it is a labour of love which comes through with every sip."

Spice Route (Fairview Wines 4)
Charl du Plessis, winemaker : "The 2015 Malabar vintage really stood out for us, producing one of our finest flagship reds in recent memory. Our Amos Block Perpetual Reserve is just going from strength to strength."

La Couronne  (4)
Marketing and Sales Manager  Juan du Toit: "Receiving double platinum for 4 of our wines at the NWC is definitely a highlight in 2020.I believe our 2 new brands, Franschhoek 1688 and Jacques Mouton will definitely benefit from these great awards and gain more traction in South Africa."

Paul Cluver (4)
Paul Clüver, Managing Director (pictured with winemaker Andries Burger):  "I am so proud of our team.  They are continuously trying to improve while at the same time trying to manage the variables that we are dealt with by nature.  We are not only fortunate to have an incredible terroir, but also an incredible team that manages it and produces our wines."

Babylonstoren (3)
Klaas Stoffberg, winemaker: "We are humbled by contributing to three of the Top 100 wines. The Nebukadnesar 2018, Shiraz 2018 and Sprankel 2015 (MCC) was made with great attention to detail from the growing of the grapes to the choice of barrels. May these wines bring good cheer to everyone who enjoys them."

De Krans (3)
De Krans winemaker Christoff de Wet:  "It is really great news to have our flagship dry red wine Tritonia Calitzdorp Blend, flagship red varietal Touriga Nacional and flagship port-style wine Cape Vintage Reserve all winning Top 100 and Double Platinum Awards this year! It is so special to have all three our best wines in the Top 100 this year, the best we have ever done at this competition!"

Graham Beck (3)
Pierre De Klerk – Winemaker:  "We are delighted with the news that Graham Beck has excelled at the annual National Wine Challenge/Top 100 Awards. Graham Beck has 3 Cap Classiques in the Top 100 / Double Platinum Awards. They are Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2015, Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rose 2015 and Graham Beck Cuvee Clive 2014.
To receive not one, but three of our distinguished Cap Classiques in the Top 100 is an incredible form of recognition from the judging circuit, and we are humbled by this coveted win. It also helps to confirm that we are no doubt on track to crafting sparkling wines of world standard. After years in the industry, I recognize how difficult it is to receive these sort of awards, and it makes me and my winemaking team eager to continue improving and refining our fine Cap Classiques year on year.”

Saronsberg (3)
Dewaldt Heyns, winemaker:  "We are delighted to be the recipient of three National Wine Challenge Top 100 awards. The NWC is a valuable benchmark, and is run and judged by reputable experts, making this achievement all the more meaningful."

Almenkerk (2)
Joris van Almenkerk, owner & winemaker: "Chardonnay 2018: our single vineyard 2018 Chardonnay is a continuation of our efforts to find the best possible expression of this site. The many awards and citations are a great reward to our team and an indication that our unwavering dedication to quality pays off. 
Merlot is our largest planted red variety on the farm since we've always believed Elgin's cool climate, when paired with right soils could yield world-class Merlot. Our single vineyard Almenkerk Merlot has received many awards and citations over the years. This award is another validation of the efforts of our whole team over the last decade."

Avontuur  (2)
Jan van Rooyen, winemaker: "Top 100 Double Platinum- Avontuur Estate 2018 Luna de Miel Chardonnay Reserve and 2018 Sarabande Sauv Blanc Reserve
”Two Top 100 and Double Platinum awards from the NWC for our two Première white wines celebrates almost a decade of work in progress at Avontuur Estate – a huge reward and much joy to team Avontuur.”

Bon Courage (2)
Jacques Bruwer, Cellarmaster: "We are immensely proud of this achievement. Being innovate & passionate about what we do, pays dividends. It shows consistent successin our brand. Our motto is that great wine is madein the vineyard & only guided through the process in the cellar. Perfection takes time."

Calitzdorp Cellar (2)
Jim de Kock, Winemaker:  "These two wines are a benchmark for the area and are made from Muscat varieties, with the White Muscadel 100 % varietal and the Golden Jerepigo a blend of Hanepoot and White Muscadel. The whole team of Calitzdorp Cellar are involved in the making of these two wines."

Cavalli (2)
Craig Barnard, winemaker / viticulturist: "A fantastic result to have our two flagship wines achieve Double Platinum, a true testament to the terroir at Cavalli."

Diemersfontein (2)
Francois Roode, winemaker: "Our Carpe Diem Pinotage has always been the top outstanding wine in our portfolio and a favourite of mine, great to see it achieving a Double Platinum."

Edgebaston (2)
Edgebastons David Finlayson : "From day one when I purchased the Edgebaston land and started planting vines, my focus for the red wines has been on producing premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The variety is perfectly suited to the soils and micro climate of the Simonsberg area where we are situated and this award is further proof of that."

Pieter van der Merwe, Edgebaston Winemaker: "It makes me proud to head up the Edgebaston cellar team and to receive these highly recognised awards for the hard work everyone put in to make these Cabernet Sauvignon wines!"

Highlands Road (2)
Vanessa Simkiss, winemaker: Semillon 2018 - Oz Clarke describes his favoured wines made from this varietal as “big, round, slightly creamy but with a lovely aroma of fresh apples, which is exciting”.  I liked that, and I aspire to put that into the bottle with Highlands Road Semillon, especially because we also like apples.  I have high hopes for South Africa’s success with Semillon.  Our vineyard  delivers generous aromas and flavours, but the fruit requires focused guidance through the vinification process, with careful choices of French oak to add some drama to the tasting experience. 
Sauvignon Blanc White Reserve 2017 - The Sauvignon Blanc White Reserve is produced with discerning customer’s in mind.  The wine must be multi faceted, like an interesting journey, made up of many experiences.  This wine derives sophisticated charm from being fermented in French oak barrels with subtle toasting, no overt infusions, it is slightly reined in, and vinified to reflect grace and elegance.  In one of Jancis Robinson’s many wine books, she refers to the cultivar as “best in a blend”, it’s been a challenge to me ever since to prove her wrong.

Klein Constantia (2)
Matt Day, Winemaker : "We at Klein Constantia are delighted to once again be part of the National Wine Challenge, we are also proud to have taken part in every challenge since conception. To have achieved two wines that have received Double Platinum especially the Sauvignon blanc 2019 is incredible news.  One of our main focus at Klein Constantia is Sauvignon blanc and it is rewarding to see this wine do so well on this platform."

Ormonde
Theo Basson, proprietor: "A wise man once said, “True consistency is the jewel worth wearing, the anchor worth weighing, the thread worth weaving & the battle worth winning.” Consistency in quality, even in more challenging drought years shows the true character of the Ormonde terroir".

Ridgeback (2)
Toit Wessels, winemaker: "We are truly proud at the announcement that the Ridgeback Viognier 2019 follows on the success of the previous vintage as the most highly rated Viognier (Platter’s Viognier of the Year and 5 star) in the country. This bold, expressive wine with a focus on mouthfeel is ideally suited to the warmer Paarl region where the sun-kissed bunches generously exhibit their full stonefruit and floral flavour potential.
Precision viticulture is at the forefront of the success of the Ridgeback Cabernet Franc 2017 where leaf-plucking and bunch thinning ensures ripe tannins and full flavour development. Only the very best berries are harvested for this premium niche wine where flavours of blackcurrant and a hint of pepper promises remarkable ageing potential."

Stellenbosch Hills (2)
James Ochse, winemaker: “It’s great to see one of our champion wines sharing the limelight with a maiden vintage. Our sublime 1707 Reserve Red has always been a top gun, clinching numerous awards over the years. But this year we are especially delighted by the performance of our Kastanjeberg, a wooded Chenin Blanc from our Sense of Place range which we launched in 2019. A story of a showpiece vineyard has certainly been captured in this wine.”
 

Villiera (2)
Jeff Grier, Cellarmaster: "We use our Monro brand for a pair of flagship wines and it seems appropriate that they both achieved Double Platinum Awards. Cap Classique is our focus category and our Monro Brut is the pinnacle of what we can do at Villiera. It is a classic blend perfected by time.
Merlot is our focus red variety and through vineyard selection, techniques and preferential barrel use, we maximize what we can achieve with Merlot at Villiera."
 

Wildekrans (2)
Braam Gericke, winemaker: "A good winemaking team needs to be full of depth, balance, character and strong support - just like a good wine. Our team is extraordinary, and our success is all thanks to each member in this team.”

Akkerdal Wine Estate
Pieter Hanekom, winemaker and owner: "The remarkable Hanekom Family legacy dates back to 1714, Akkerdal is situated in the prestigious Franschhoek Valley.The unique warming Rhone blend AKKERDAL KALLIE’S DREAM , intertwined with layers of complexity, resembles the deep father-and-son bond between the winemaker of Akkerdal, Pieter Hanekom and his late father Kallie Hanekom. Pieter’s love and understanding of the soil and vineyards of Akkerdal, together with his passion and energy resulted in award winning wines, handcrafted in the estate’s boutique wine cellar."

Backsberg
Alicia Rechner, Winemaker: "To receive a double-platinum award is an immense honour. Year on year, this particular vineyard block has shown great potential. Add minimal intervention during the winemaking process, careful consideration of varietal character and gentle oaking and you have a recipe for success. The 4 Pillars Shiraz is a true celebration of the Simonsberg-Paarl terroir."

Bonnievale Wine Group
Marthinus Rademeyer, Head winemaker: “The increased consistency of Bonnievale’s recognition at high-level competitions is evidence of significant evolution in style. Our Cabernet Sauvignon especially has been an important ambassador for the quality of our vineyards, and the passion and precision with which they’re farmed.”

Boplaas
Margaux Nel, winemaker:  "This Vintage is inky black in colour a bouquet of crushed blackberries with hints of liquorice and plums on the palate. Great wine with braised meat dishes, venison and fine hard cheeses. Drink now or over the next 50 years."

De Wet Cellar
Phillip Vercuiel, winemaker: "This beautifully structured wine is a product of exceptionally good quality fruit and a great year of aging in barrels. The depth of colour, and fruit from day one, and a naturally awesome wine, made this wine easy to make. Enjoy."

De Wet Cellar
Ters Jonck, winemaker: "We are flattered with this achievement, especially with the 2020 harvest winners which were bottled only prior to the entry and will develop further in the coming months. The wines that won medals are all wines that are close to our heart and it’s always nice to see them achieve at competitions like this one."

De Wetshof Wine Estate
Johann de Wet, CEO: "A great honour to receive this award for a vintage celebrating the 30th anniversary of De Wetshof Finesse. This wine was introduced in 1989, the early days of Chardonnay in South Africa, to show consumers the bright freshness this cultivar can show with lesser oaking in older wood. Finesse is part of the De Wetshof DNA, one of our most popular Chardonnays that show us that an old stalwart still delivers the goods."
 

Elgin Vintners
Marinda Kruger-Claassen, Business Manager & Winemaker: "We at Elgin Vintners are ecstatic about the results at this year’s NWC/Top 100!
What this means for Elgin Vintners and me:
We are slowly but surely reaping the rewards of very hard work and perseverance, since the start of Elgin Vintners 17 years ago. We believe in the potential of the grapes from our vineyards in the Elgin Valley and that we can produce award winning wines, but not only for our reassurance but ultimately buying confidence for the end consumer and this is what this award means to Elgin Vintners. Expressing the complexity and quality of these grapes in the winery into an award winning wine and receiving recognition, is a sure privilege to me as Elgin Vintners’ winemaker."

Holden Manz Wine Estate
Gerard Holden, Co-Owner:  “Holden Manz Proprietors’ Blend 2015 is designed by the owners to be an elegant, sophisticated and complex red blend suitable for those special occasions.  We are delighted that the quality of this wine has been recognised by the Top 100 & Double Platinum Award.”

Jakob's Vineyards
Yvonne and André de Lange, Owners: "We are delighted with this award. 2015 marks the tenth vintage of Jakob’s Vineyards. Our vineyards are ageing well and our wines are expressing their cool area terroir with greater precision and consistency. We are particularly pleased with the beautiful fruit purity and fine elegance of our 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon."

Ken Forrester Wines
Ken Forrester, Owner: “If The Gypsy could tell her own fortune, she would probably have known that a Double Platinum Award was on the cards, but for her creators here at Ken Forrester, we are overjoyed at the news! The Gypsy 2015 is a pure expression of Rhone varietals, with elegant, fruit driven Grenache at the core somewhat wild and free spirited, yet alluring and interesting."

La Motte
CEO Hein Koegelenberg: “In a year with more challenges than anyone could anticipate, it is a relief that we can still trust in consistent quality. We are delighted with the performance of the 2018 La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon. It is an intricate, but elegant wine with exceptional maturation potential.”

L'Avenir
Winemaker, Dirk Coetzee: "My greatest wine passion is to show the versatility of Pinotage. The Provenance Pinotage is an example of an elegant, feminine style of this variety, with luscious, fragrant notes of pomegranate, cherries and sweet spice."

Le Bonheur
Winemaker, William Wilkinson: “Le Bonheur has the distinct advantage of old vines and some of the Cabernet Sauvignon sites in Stellenbosch with the highest altitude. Combined, these two factors result in classic wines, with elegance, density and restrained power.”

Maree Family Wines
Jacques Maree, winemaker: "Really excited for our maiden vintage of Pieter and the Jackal to garner such a prestigious award. This is a culmination of a family dream to produce top quality wines."

Meinert Wines
Brendan Butler, winemaker: "Pinotage – It is immensely gratifying that our unbridled passion expressed in every bottle of Meinert is well received by consumers and critics alike, and with that, we’re immensely proud to receive a Top 100 award for our Printer’s Ink Pinotage 2017."
 

Oak Valley
Jacques Du Plessis, winemaker: "Our Chardonnay has again confirmed its reputation as Oak Valley’s flagship varietal. Even in a slightly warmer vintage by Elgin’s standards, we managed to maintain an excellent balance of fruit, texture and fresh acidity."

Paul Wallace Wines
Paul Wallace Proprietor:  "I am delighted that the Paul Wallace Nix NLH 2017, named after my wife, has been adjudged one of SA’s Top 100 Wines and been awarded a Double Platinum in this prestigious competition.  Both share many attributes, firmly planted in the soils of our high altitude Sauvignon Blanc vineyards, expressive and generous with just the right amount of backbone to stay the course."

Raka
Josef Dreyer, winemaker:
"We make wine to please a wide range of customers, and I dare to say we succeed! I feel honoured that the Biography Shiraz is again awarded a Top 100."

Rickety Bridge
Donovan Ackermann, Cellar Master: “We are extremely proud of this award as this range pays tribute to Paulina De Villiers, who was the original owner of the property in 1797. The Chenin Blanc is made from site specific blocks which are mostly old bush vines.”

Shannon
James Downes owner, viticulturist: “We are delighted that our Shannon Mount Bullet has achieved not just Top 100 Double Platinum status again, but also Grand Cru best in class status for a third time. Consistency at the Premium level is of utmost importance for us and we are chuffed that the superb 2017 vintage is delivering on its reputation.”

Zandvliet
Jacques Cilliers, Winemaker: "Hill of Enon “Small berry pick” Shiraz 2018: The result of this unique terroir on Zandvliet produced extraordinarily small berries. These berries were intensely flavoured and prompted us to harvest them separately. Blueberries, liquorice, spicy and dark chocolate on the nose, with subtle wood integration, plums and cigar box on the pallet that finishes with a velvety long aftertaste."

Walker Bay Vinayards
David Smit, winemaker: "Wine has a natural, living life cycle. Youth, maturity, old age and death. It will sicken and die if not treated with respect from vine to grape to glass."

Alphabetic list of winning Top 100 / Double Platinum awarded SA wines:

Akkerdal Akkerdal Kallies Dream 2015
Allee Bleue Wines Allee Bleue L'Amour Toujours 2015
Almenkerk Wine Estate Almenkerk Merlot 2016
Almenkerk Wine Estate Almenkerk Chardonnay 2018
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Alvi's Drift Verreaux Pinotage 2017
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Alvi's Drift Verreaux Pinotage 2018
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Alvi's Drift 221 Special Cuvee 2018
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar Albertus Viljoen Chenin Blanc 2019
Avontuur Estate Luna de Miel Chardonnay Reserve 2018
Avontuur Estate Sarabande Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2018
Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2018
Babylonstoren Sprankel 2015
Babylonstoren Shiraz 2018
Backsberg Estate Cellars Backsberg Checkers Collab 4 Pillars Shiraz 2018
Bon Courage Wine Estate Bon Courage The Gooseberry Bush Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Bon Courage Wine Estate Bon Courage Jacques Bruere Brut Reserve 2012
Bonnievale Wines Bonnievale Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Boplaas Landgoed Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2018
Calitzdorp Cellar White Mucadel 2017
Calitzdorp Cellar Golden Jerepiko 2017
Cape Wine Company Erasmus Family Shiraz 2017
Cavalli Wine and Stud Farm Warlord 2017
Cavalli Wine and Stud Farm Cremello 2017
D'Aria Winery The Soprano Shiraz 2018
De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2017
De Krans Touriga Nacional 2018
De Krans Tritonia Calitzdorp Blend 2017
De Wet Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
De Wetshof Estate De Wetshof Finesse 2019
Diemersfontein Wine Estate Diemersfontein Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Diemersfontein Wine Estate Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Pinotage 2018
Edgebaston Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Edgebaston David Finlayson GS Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Elgin Vintners Elgin Vintners Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Fairview Wines Spice Route Amos Block Perpetual Reserve NV
Fairview Wines Spice Route Malabar 2015
Fairview Wines Fairview La Beryl Blanc 2019
Fairview Wines Fairview Eenzaamheid Shiraz 2016
Graham Beck Enterprises Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2015
Graham Beck Enterprises Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rose 2015
Graham Beck Enterprises Graham Beck Cuvee Clive 2014
Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve Red 2017
Groot Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Groot Constantia Constantia Rood 2017
Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve White 2017
Groot Constantia Merlot 2017
Groot Constantia Rose 2019
Groot Constantia Grand Constance 2016
Groot Constantia Lady of Abundance 2017
Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2018
Highlands Road Semillon 2018
Highlands Road Sauvignon Blanc White Reserve 2017
Holden Manz Proprietors Blend 2015
Jakob's Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Jordan Chameleon Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018
Jordan The Real McCoy Riesling 2019
Jordan The Outlier Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Jordan The Prospector Syrah 2017
Jordan The Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Jordan Chardonnay barrel fermented 2019
Ken Forrester WinesThe Gypsy 2015
Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Klein Constantia Brut MCC 2016
La Couronne Wine Estate Franschhoek 1688 Shiraz 2016
La Couronne Wine Estate Malbec 2017
La Couronne Wine Estate Jacques Mouton Special Reserve no. 1 2018
La Couronne Wine Estate Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2019
La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
L'Avenir Wine Estate L'Avenir Provenance Pinotage 2017
Le Bonheur Wine Estate Le Bonheur Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Maree Family Wines Pieter and the Jackal 2016
Meinert wines"Printers Ink" Pinotage 2017
Oak Valley Groenlandberg Chardonnay 2019
Ormonde Vineyards Ondine Malbec 2018
Ormonde Vineyards Ormonde Barrel Selected Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Paul Cluver Estate Pinot Noir 2018
Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2018
Paul Cluver Estate Riesling 2018
Paul Wallace Wines The Nix Noble Late Harvest 2017
RAKA Biography Shiraz 2018
Rickety Bridge Winery Paulina's Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018
Ridgeback Wines Ridgeback Cabernet Franc 2017
Ridgeback Wines Ridgeback Viognier 2019
Rietvallei Wine Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Saronsberg Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Saronsberg Full Circle 2018
Saronsberg Viognier 2018
Shannon Vineyards Shannon Mount Bullet 2017
Stellenbosch Hills 1707 Reserve Red 2016
Stellenbosch Hills Kastanjeberg 2017
Stellenbosch Vineyards Pinotage 2018
Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Grenache 2019
Stellenbosch Vineyards The Flagship Petit Verdot 2015
Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo SMV2018
Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho 2019
Villiera Monro Merlot 2018
Villiera Monro Brut 2013
Vrede en Lust Anni Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Vrede en Lust Artisan Range Blanc Fume 2019
Vrede en Lust White Mischief 2019
Vrede en Lust Early Mist Riesling 2018
Vrede en Lust Boet Erasmus 2016
Vrede en Lust Kogelberg Chenin Blanc 2017
Walker Bay Estate Chardonnay 2017
Wildekrans Wine Estate Cape Blend Barrel Select Reserve 2016
Wildekrans Wine Estate Chenin Blanc Barrel Select Reserve 2018
Zandvliet Hill of Enon "Small berrie pick" 2018

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