The Shiraz SA Association has announced the country’s Top 12 Shiraz at an award ceremony, held at The Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town on Friday, 20 June.
The competition secured international sponsorship this year from the French cooperage company Tonnelerie Berthomieu Ermitage. Berthomieu, represented in South Africa by Juvenal Cork SA, has been in stave production for four generations and is currently the largest producer of French oak staves with an annual production equivalent of 70 000 barrels.
Now in it’s second year, the organizers of the competition decided to include a category for Shiraz blends in this year’s entries. The decision to incorporate Shiraz blends was taken because of the enormous popularity these wines enjoy and also the vast number of blends available. “The main objective of Shiraz SA is to promote the image of South African Shiraz and it just made sense to enhance the variety’s blending potential,” said Edmund Terblanche, chairman of Shiraz SA.
A total of 191 wines were entered and evaluated over a period of 3 days by a panel of 7 knowledgeable Shiraz judges. Renowned auditing company Deloitte & Touche kept a watchful eye on the whole judging process.
In general the judges felt that it was a strong range of Shiraz and Shiraz blends with the top wines showing finesse and concentration of flavour. The panel also praised a number of older shiraz vintages, calling them brilliant.
Members of the media, fellow producers and other distinguished guests had the opportunity to taste the 32 finalists.
Shiraz Top 12 for 2014
Black Elephant Vintners Amistad Syrah 2012
Boschkloof Louis 57 Syrah 2012
Boschkloof Syrah 2012
Cederberg Shiraz 2011
Fairview Beacon Shiraz 2011
Hartenberg Shiraz 2010
Jordan The Prospector Syrah 2012
KWV Abraham Perold Insignis 2012
KWV The Mentors Shiraz 2012
Oldenburg Syrah 2011
Rickety Bridge Shiraz 2011
Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz 2012
Top 4 Shiraz blends for 2014:
Boschendal 1685 S & M 2012
Eikendal Charisma 2012
Guardian Peak Summit 2012
Rickety Bridge The Foundation Stone 2012
It is the second year in succession that Boschkloof and KWV walk off with two trophies each in the Shiraz category. Rickety Bridge was also a double trophy winner – one for their Shiraz and one for their Shiraz blend. First-time entrants Black Elephant Vintners, Boschendal and Guardian Peak were most excited to find themselves also amongst the winners.
Wine-of-the-Month Club will have exclusive rights to the marketing and sales of mixed cases of the winning wines. Winning wines will be able to display the eye-catching decal specially designed for this purpose.
Come taste South Africa’s Top Shiraz Wines
The 6th annual Shiraz Showcase, also sponsored by amongst others Berthomieu, takes place on 1 August from 18:00-21:00. For the fourth year running the Vineyard Hotel in Claremont will host the event in their Summerhouse venue.
Tickets at R120 per person can be bought via Webtickets or at the door. This includes a stylish tasting glass, a brochure and a special array of snacks that compliment Shiraz. To avoid disappointment, please pre-book as a limited number of tickets are available.
Special accommodation packages which include breakfast and a two course meal at the Square Restaurant are offered by the hotel. This offer is valid only for guests attending the Showcase and for more details kindly contact The Vineyard Hotel at [email protected] or 021 657 4500.
