As the pioneers of Pinotage, which today has a growing global following, Lanzerac Wine Estate can once again add an Absa Top 10 Pinotage trophy to its extensive list of local and international awards. The results were announced on 3 August at a special function held at Cavalli Wine Estate, which was attended by industry role players and media.

Lanzerac was awarded this prestigious accolade for its Pionier Pinotage 2014, which forms part of the Estate’s Heritage range of wines. Not stopping there, the Lanzerac Pinotage 1992 was announced a runner up in the Museum Class Category.  Wines receiving recognition in the Museum Class Category must be 10 years and older from date of vintage. The celebrations for Lanzerac had already started in July when the Absa Top 10 Pinotage finalists were announced. Two of the wines in the list of 21 finalists were from Lanzerac – the Pionier Pinotage 2014 and 2015 – which is a remarkable achievement in itself.

Cellar Master Wynand Lategan

The Absa Top 10 Competition, which is spearhead by the Pinotage Association, aims to advance and promote wines made from Pinotage grapes. The aim of the annual competition is to identify 10 Pinotage wines which will serve as a benchmark for the development of distinctive South African Pinotage as well as illustrate the unique qualities of Pinotage in the international wine world.

‘Having played such a vital role in the birth of Pinotage we regard the Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards as the ultimate recognition in wine competitions. We are absolutely thrilled with these results,’ says Lanzerac Wine Estate General Manager, Barend Barnard.

The added significance of the award for the Pionier Pinotage is that the wine pays tribute to the first world’s first bottled Pinotage – a 1959 Lanzerac Pinotage. Cellar Master Wynand Lategan describes the wine as showcasing dense, concentrated fruit with a multitude of layered flavours. Expect to find aromas of Christmas spices such as nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon which are surrounded by fruity aromas of plums, prunes, berries and currants. The well-integrated oak and soft, silky tannins add backbone and length. A robust wine with a velvety palate results in a perfectly well-rounded wine with a long and lingering aftertaste. This is the perfect wine to serve with a succulent Springbok fillet served with a red wine and cranberry jus. Available directly from the Tasting Room or via the website, www.lanzerac.co.za,  at R700 per bottle, this is without a doubt a collector’s dream.