Benguela Cove Lagoon wine estate has won four gold medals, including one double gold in the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. Now in its 24th year, the South African competition has judges representing all seven continents.
Johann Fourie, cellar master at Benguela Cove says:
“Following recent successes for our Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon wines, now the Bordeaux red varietals and Pinot Noir have won accolades.
“We only produce Noble Late Harvest wine in those years that the growing conditions are suited to Botrytis cinerea, noble rot – for the first time since 2015 we felt that the level of Botrytis was high enough to make this style of dessert wine. Patience in waiting for the right conditions together with meticulous care in both the vineyard and the cellar paid off in the Michelangelo gold medal.”
The estate’s Lighthouse Collection Moody Lagoon red blend won a gold medal which again highlights Benguela Cove’s quality across various wine ranges but also for both red and white wines, says Johann Fourie
The Judges’ tasting notes on the Benguela Cove wines included:
Benguela Cove Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – Gold
‘Cab is King’ they say and a cool climate wine region carries that crown with flair. Assertively Cabernet Sauvignon with those quintessential aromas of dried herbs, salty liquorice, robust dark fruit and astute tannins. The broody fruit is elevated by a youthful acidity that adds to its power with sour cherry and a silky texture that trails behind.
Expressive fruit anchors the wine in the New World but the restrain and smart use of oak adds that elegant and sophisticated old-world charm. Great concentration and palate weight are indicative of the attention to detail from start to finish. A wine made to go the distance.
Benguela Cove Estate Malbec 2018 – Silver Award
This wine delivers on pure fruit that will benefit the wine in the long run. The fruit is caressed with a cool, spicy note that adds freshness. Tightly knit tannins and an electric purple hue are indicative of youth and longevity. Distinct and delivering on intensity, length and balance.
Benguela Cove Estate Noble Late Harvest 2020 – Gold Award
The quest to produce quality across the board is concluded with this luscious wine. Elegant and classy, the wine commands attention with great intensity and dimension. The balance between sweetness and acidity will certainly aid longevity, making this wine a force to be reckoned with in its class.
Benguela Cove Estate Pinot Noir 2019 – Gold Award
Expect an intriguing wine where fruit is balanced with an umami character that makes this wine bold in flavour but with the finesse that Pinot Noir is known for. Turkish delight and baking spice suit the soft, creamy tannin and lean acidity with whiffs of violet that announce its cool climate home.
Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Moody Lagoon Red Blend 2018 – Gold Award
Five red cultivars combine forces to introduce a wine that delivers on fruit purity with enough gravitas to announce intensity, balance and a charming freshness. The balance of dark fruit and wild cherries in this blend will mould this wine to an array of dishes. Mulberry and blueberry are embraced with notes of cedar, both dried herbs like coriander seeds and the smell of crushing fresh herbs in your hand, leaving faint hints of rosemary behind. This wine is a culinary gem as well as a trusted companion on the table when old friends get together for a hearty meal.
Benguela Cove Vinography Cabernet Franc 2017 – Double Gold Award
This wine is the quintessential balancing act of fruit, tannin and acidity that absolute persistence delivers. Commanding yet sophisticated, this Cabernet Franc fulfils the aim of producing a cool climate wine that was picked at the proper ripeness level and still portrays that old world restraint that benchmarks finesse and elegance.
This is a standalone stalwart that is made to accompany intense flavours but also to be savoured on its own.
