International attention has again fallen on the southern tip of Africa as a result of Lomond wine estate’s gilded achievements at the esteemed Decanter World Wine Awards. Lomond, one of a few producers in the Cape Agulhas wine region, has added to its string of recent accolades with gold medals for the Lomond Cat’s Tail Syrah 2011 and Lomond Conebush Syrah 2011.

“We are very proud of the recognition that our wines received at this international show,” says Lomond winemaker Kobus Gerber. “Lomond is well known for its excellent quality Shiraz. To receive gold for both Syrah wines in our single vineyard range and both of the same vintage, is a reflection of the great terroir and consistent, high standards in viticulture and the cellar.”

The medals for Lomond Syrah wines have included gold and trophy awards at local and international shows including Syrah du Monde, Veritas and the Old Mutual Trophy wine show. This year, the UK-based Decanter World Wine Awards drew more than 15 000 entries from across the globe, with only a very small percentage achieving gold. In a thorough selection process, all entrants undergo a preliminary assessment before going through to an official tasting. The wines are then judged by multiple panels including winemakers, retailers and wine writers, ensuring that the wines that win gold medals and trophies are the best in the world.

Lomond Cat’s Tail Syrah 2011 and Lomond Conebush Syrah 2011 are excellent examples of a wider portfolio of wines available from Lomond that showcase subtle artistry in the cellar as well as the Cape Agulhas region’s diverse soils and cool maritime climate. Lomond enjoys the benefits of 18 different soil types, varied topography from 30-250m above sea-level, southern facing slopes and an influence of ocean breezes.

The performance of the two Syrahs is an ideal opportunity for wine lovers to taste and compare two top quality wines, says Gerber. “These two award winners are from the same vintage, but totally different; the Conebush is more Northern Rhône style and the Cat’s Tail is a combination of black pepper, dark red fruit and chocolate flavours. This difference highlights the site diversity.”

The Lomond Conebush Syrah 2011 stands out with its bouquet of sweet spices – nutmeg, cinnamon and undertones of vanilla – with some white pepper and ripe cherry fruit that follow through on the palate. It’s a full bodied wine bursting with ripe, juicy tannins.

Some spice is evident in the Cat’s Tail Syrah 2011 too, although berry and plum aromas are prevalent in the rich, gentle and elegant wine.

The achievements speak of skilled winemaking and viticultural practises as well as a respect for the land. Lomond is a member of both the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy and the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI), which rewards producers for sustainable wine-growing practices. It also applies the principles of IPW (Integrated Production of Wine), a voluntary environmental sustainability scheme, for pest and disease control in its vineyards.

Further linking the wines to their heritage, each label is named after fynbos in the area. Cat’s Tail is a single-vineyard wine taking its name from the Bulbinella nutans plant species, while the Conebush is named after the Leucadendron plant species.

The wines are available at leading wine retailers countrywide at about R240 per bottle.