Lanzerac Wine Estate continues its winning streak walking away with no less than three awards at this year’s Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. The Estate was presented a Platinum Award for the Lanzerac Syrah 2015, a Double Gold for the Lanzerac Chardonnay 2016, and a Silver for the Lanzerac Merlot 2015. The results were announced at a gala event held in Cape Town on 29 September.

These latest accolades follow hot on the heels of leading UK Master of Wine Tim Atkin’s highly anticipated 2017 South Africa Special Report, where the Mrs English Chardonnay 2016 received an impressive rating of 93 points.

The 21st Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, which was attended by the who’s who of the wine and media fraternities, is regarded as one of SA’s prestigious competitions. Wine entries are judged by a panel of highly esteemed local and international wine experts. Representing a total of 22 countries, the judges are hand-picked to exclusively serve on the by-invitation only panel.

As its name implies the Lanzerac Syrah 2015 personifies the cooler climate of the Jonkershoek Valley, and Cellar Master Wynand Lategan describes this lighter styled premium red wine – the first from Lanzerac in more than 10 years – as showing aromas of white pepper, coriander, fynbos and red wine poached plums. These aromas follow through to a complex palate of ripe red and black berries with a savoury undertone. Ready to enjoy now, but will benefit with further maturation for another three years. A culinary match made in heaven the wine pairs perfectly with a platter of cured meats, Paprika-roasted leg of Lamb, grilled Ribeye Steak and Lamb Shanks prepared in a Syrah jus. Available directly from the Tasting Room at R140 per bottle.

Viticulturist Danie Malherbe, describes the Lanzerac Chardonnay 2016 as a spicy fruit-bomb wine with lashings of ginger biscuit aromas overlaying soft cooked apples with caramel and cream. This is indeed a wine jam-packed with flavor. A soft buttery mouthful of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples and bananas, edged wit toasty oak is balanced by good acidity and finishes with a toffee-cream tail. This full-bodied, just-dry wine is the ideal partner for spicy food such as a fruity Cape Malay chicken curry. A classic Korma or seafood Biriyani should also work really well. Available directly from the Tasting Room at R115 per bottle.