On Wednesday, June 4th, at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, the 2019 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show results were announced.

Of the 13 gold medals awarded, Glen Carlou Winemaker Johnnie Calitz accepted one for our 2017 Syrah. 

Now in its 18th year, the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show enjoys an unparalleled reputation for identifying the very best Cape wines, recognising the achievements of the country’s winemakers, and honouring excellence in the wine industry. 

The competition was described by Jancis Robinson MW OBE (Judge in 2003 and 2007) as possibly the toughest of its kind in the world. Kirk Bauer (this year’s international judge from Germany) commented: “With the composition of the jury – a combination of winemakers, sommeliers, distributors and international judges – it is a perfect set-up for the competition to deliver reliable results and recommendations to the consumers. The Trophy judging process is very precise and democratic.”

Johnnie describes the 2017 Syrah as, “a powerful combination of sweet cherry, mulberry and blackcurrant fruit combined with the clear yet subtle fragrance of dried peaches and star anise. Finely grained tannins support a full-bodied delicate Syrah, which unquestionably is the best of recent vintages”.

Recently listed on Iceland Air Business Class, the nuanced tweaks Calitz has made with the Syrah in the cellar, reflect a red wine with less new oak expression and presents a fresh and approachable wine to be enjoyed now.

The 2017 Syrah, along with the other Trophy, Gold and Silver winners, will be available for tasting at The Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show tastings in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Tickets for both tasting events are available through Webtickets.

After a super successful awards season in 2018, we look forward to the 2019 announcements after this great start. These accolades are an incredible acknowledgement to the hard working winemaking and viticulture team of Glen Carlou.