Committed to upholding the highest standards in this unique celebration of South African wine, The TAJ Classic Wine Trophy hosted a prestigious panel of French judges who adjudicated South African wines in order to recognize, reward and promote the elegance, balance, finesse and ageability in South African Wines.
The panel of French judges comprised: Olivier POELS – Editor and managing partner of La Revue du VIN de France; Emmanuel NASTI – Sommelier and co-owner of the Chambard Hotel restaurant in Kaysersberg . Alsace. Jacky BARTHELME – Cellarmaster and co-owner of the Domaine Albert Mann. Alsace; Jean Luc JAMROZIK – President of the Sommelier Association of Paris and sommelier of Baltimore Hotel; Denis GARRET – Sommelier consultant and expert in spirits and Champagnes; Philippe DIETRICH – Winemaker and director of Michael Petzold Wine Services (Pty) Ltd; Pieter DE VILLIERS – French rugby legend, Springbok trainer and co-owner of Domaine Mas Angel; Claude GILOIS – Wine writer, consultant and wine blogger; Christophe DURAND – Taj Classic Wine Trophy organiser and proprietor of Vins D’Orrance; Michael BONGRAND – Head Sommelier of Le Saint Geran, Mauritius; Germain LEHODEY – Sommelier Orient Hotel and Mosaic Restaurant, Pretoria
There were 14 Trophies awarded this year. The winning wines were as follows:
- Beyerskloof Pinotage Reserve 2010
- Groot Constantia Shiraz 2010
- Chamonix Pinot Noir Reserve 2011
- Chamonix Chardonnay Reserve 2011
- Chamonix Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2010
- La Motte Pierneef Shiraz Viognier 2010
- Saronsberg Full Circle 2010
- Saronsberg Viognier 2011
- Vergelegen V Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
- Whalehaven Merlot 2010
- Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2011
- Franschhoek Cellars Semillon 2012
- Delaire Graff Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009
- Perdeberg Weisser Riesling Reserve 2011 Natural Sweet
Apart from being presented with certificates and designer trophies by Master of Ceremonies Neil PENDOCK, each of the 14 winners will: Have the opportunity to be represented by Christophe DURAND at the annual La Revue du VIN de France event in Paris at the Palais Brogniart on the 24 and 25 of May 2013; Have their details to appear in the 2013 edition of La Revue du VIN de France which is distributed to all Francophone countries and now also via La Revue du VIN de France CHINA; be represented in master class on South African wine by Olivier POELS at the RVF event.
The OVERALL TAJ ClASSIC WINE TROPHY WINNER, given to the most iconic entry for 2013, was awarded CHAMONIX WINERY Franschhoek who received the OVERALL TROPHY and two brand new 225 litre barrels to the total value of 1400€. The barrels originate from our partners Darnajou of Saint Emillion, Bordeaux, and Gillet of Saint Romain, Burgundy; coopers with world-renowned reputations for quality and excellence.
The Taj/GQ Wine selection was decided by a panel of: Jonathan STEYN – OIV MSC in Wine Management and Tasting Academy Graduate; Christian EEDES – Editor and owner of www.whatidranklastnight.co.za and prominent wine judge; Cayleigh BRIGHT – GQ magazine South Africa; Michael POWNELL – Group General Manager of Taj Cape Town; Tatiana MARCETTEAU – Sommelier at TAJ Cape Town; Andrew CHIGORIMBO – Tasting Academy Graduate.
The selection decided on was:
- Chamonix Pinot Noir Reserve 2011
- Chamonix Chardonnay Reserve 2011
- Chamonix Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2010
- Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2011
- Delaire Graff Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009
- Perdeberg Weisser Riesling Reserve 2011 Natural Sweet
Apart from the wineries receiving certificates of recognition, these wines will be included in the GQ wine selection for the July issue as well as the TAJ Cape Town newsletter. In addition, this selection will also be served in the Restaurants of the Taj Hotel Cape Town for the month of June 2013.
The Classic Wine Trophy Team wish to congratulate all the winners and look forward to another successful event in 2014. We also wish to thank all our partners and sponsors, without whom this would not have been possible. Get all the details on the 2014 competition at www.classicwinetrophy.co.za
