Excitement is brewing as this year’s Perold/Absa Cape Blend finalists are announced. Since its inception in 2011 , the competition has grown in stature with winemakers grasping the opportunity to present their take on South African combinations using Pinotage as the key component.
Judging panel convener Jacques Roux indicated that it is always interesting to see how winemakers express themselves by creating distinctive South African red blends. He added that it is delightful to assess these premium wines from winemakers with different approaches to their craft.
The quality of the finalist wines is a testament to the fact that South African winemakers have embraced the wine style and committed to create truly South African blends of exceptional quality and uniqueness that can stand out on the world stage.
The entries are always from a wide array of South African wine regions in numerous styles and blend combinations, and this year was no exception.
The 10 finalists this year are from Cellars in Paarl, Stellenbosch, Worcester, Botrivier, Wellington and three of the finalist wines originate from the Swartland.
FINALISTS – 2018 PEROLD/ABSA CAPE BLEND COMPETITION
Anura Signature Cape Cuveé 2015
WO Paarl: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
Beyerskloof Faith 2015
WO Stellenbosch : Pinotage , Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot
Blake’s Amethyst 2016
WO Swartland : Pinotage , Cabernet Sauvignon , Shiraz , Petit Verdot
KWV Abraham Perold Tributum 2014
WO Coastal: Shiraz, Pinotage, Malbec , Cabernet Sauvignon , Petit Sirah
Leipzig Master Blend 2017
WO Western Cape : Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Lyngrove Platinum Latitude 2016
WO Stellenbosch: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz
Pulpit Rock Louisa Reserve 2014
WO Swartland: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot
Pulpit Rock Louisa Reserve 2015
WO Swartland: Pinotage, Shiraz, Petit Verdot
Wellington Wines – La Cave Cape Blend 2016
WO Wellington: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
Wildekrans Cape Blend Barrel Select Reserve 2015
WO Botrivier: Pinotage, Shiraz , Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
This competition is in its 8th year and the five winners will be announced at an award function on 30 August 2018 at Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
