The last time I tasted Chateau Libertas 1940 was on the occasion of the brand’s 80th anniversary in 2012 when the information to hand suggested that its constituent parts were “predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon but including Cinsault and some of the Port varieties” while the alcohol was given as 14.93%. My tasting note at the time was as follows: “Decaying forest floor, orange rind and caramel on the nose. Rich, thick textured and mellow on the palate. Not unlike Tawny Port.”

 

Friday afternoon Winemag.co.za released the winners of the Label Design Awards 2021 live on social media. This competition is proudly sponsored by self-adhesive label supplier Rotolabel, with Avery Dennison, Synchron, and Kemtek|HP Indigoas as co-sponsors.

 

Friday was a beautiful night in Cape Town as wine industry insiders came out to the Radisson Blu Waterfront to find out who won the top wine awards.

 

The 2021 Chardonnay Report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient attracted 93 entries and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.

 

This year’s Sauvignon Blanc Report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient attracted 125 entries and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.

 

Can wine-related video be worth watching? Over the next few weeks, we’re going to meet some of South Africa’s most celebrated wine people. And some who aren’t celebrated enough. 

 

This year’s Signature Red Blend Report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient attracted 50 entries received from 38 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, Christian Eedes, James Pietersen & Jolette Steyn, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.

 

Although Pinot Noir remains small in South Africa, the category is improving fast the Prescient Pinot Noir Report 2021 reveals.

 

This year’s Shiraz Report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient attracted 96 entries received from 75 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.

 

This year’s Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient is now out. There were 64 entries received from 57 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.