Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show is South Africa’s foremost wine competition that recognises the top local wines and winemakers, and honours excellence in the wine industry. It has an exceptional reputation for honouring wine excellence, and is chaired by wine authority Michael Fridjhon.
The event took place at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) where wine enthusiasts had the opportunity to try some of the finest wines.
We tasted the following wines:
CAPE POINT VINEYARDS – ISLIEDH 2017
Right up there with the best ever releases of Isliedh, this is a stunning rendition of this white Bordeaux blend, combining Sauvignon Blanc with 24% Semillon. Pale in colour, but not in aroma or flavour, it’s a lightly wooded style with subtle toast, notes of fresh herbs and salty, mouth-watering acidity.
Pronounced (ai-lay), a tribute to owner Sybrand van der Spuy’s first granddaughter, Isliedh, shows off the beauty of pairing Sauvignon blanc with Semillon, Made from grapes grown on the higher, clay-rich, granite soils, which is then fermented in French Oak (Sauvignon Blanc) and locally produced clay amphora (Semillon) to display a complex harmony of citrus and stone fruit, with beautiful white floral notes within the layers of rich, spicy oak.
PAUL WALLACE – REFLECTION CHARDONNAY 2018
The Reflection Chardonnay leads with prominent notes of lemons and limes with a touch of fennel on the nose. A fruit-forward entry onto the palate where citrus notes and a delicate oaky sweetness, combined with an underlying minerality produce a wine with good breadth, length and mouthfeel.
This Chardonnay reflects purity of fruit, a natural elegance and texture prevalent in Chardonnays from the Elgin Valley. This is like lemon cheesecake in a glass.
MULDERBOSCH – SINGLE VINEYARD SERIES CHENIN BLANC BLOCK A 2017
Lively in appearance, this wine displays bright aromas of summer blossoms and notes of dried mango. The dry, seamless palate is finely textured and succulent thanks to concentrated fruit flavours and refreshing acidity. Overall this is a beautifully balanced and harmoniously integrated Chenin Blanc.
Mulderbosch is to be found in a cool corner of Stellenbosch, where some of South Africa’s best white wines, Chenin Blanc in particular, but also Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are produced.
LISHA NELSON – CABERNET FRANC 2017
This is a wine with complex aromas of blueberries, blackberries and mocha on the nose. It is a massively structured and complex wine with intense flavours of all-spice and liquorice that lingers on the finish.
Nelson’s Creek Wine Estate is situated on the Atlantic seaward side of the Paarl Mountain. This region, known as the ‘Agter Paarl’, can rightfully claim to be one of, if not the best, wine growing region in the world. Lisha Nelson is the eldest daughter of Alan and Marguerite Nelson.
KLEINE ZALZE – CHENIN BLANC VINEYARD SELECTION 2018
Concentrated aromas of pear, white peach and fynbos on the nose with layers of citrus and honeysuckle on the palate. Elegant fruit and integrated French oak flavours give this wine a creamy mouth feel and a long, fresh, earthy finish.
Situated in the heart of Cape Winelands, the renowned Kleine Zalze wine farm forms part of the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, combining superlative winemaking and hospitality with unlimited leisure and pleasure.
JORDAN – BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY 2018
A powerful expression of Chardonnay, brimming with fruit flavour and elegance. Bold and graceful with fragrances of lemon biscuit and overripe oranges.
From the Jordan hillside vineyards one has spectacular panoramic views of Table Mountain, False Bay and Stellenbosch.
IDUN – JOUVENCE CHARDONNAY 2018
Enticing and exquisitely balanced. The initial aromas of apple and pear are covered by secondary layers of caramel, vanilla and roasted almonds. Well-rounded with a light, fresh citrus mouthfeel and a polished finish that showcase the high-altitude origins.
IDUN – CAPE SOUTH COAST SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018
Tropical aromas of granadilla and pawpaw. There’s a hint of oyster shell, which displays the maritime origin. A perfect balance between the freshness and richness of fruit. The texture is delightful and there’s a touch of flintiness. The oyster shell is carried from the bouquet all the way to the finish.
KINGS KLOOF FAMILY RESERVE SEMILLON 2017
A wine with abundant herbaceous aromas, mouthwatering acidity and a touch of nutty oak character. The roundness of this wine lends beautifully to all food.
Kings Kloof was established by Dennis and Noel Newton-King following their purchase of the upper mountain portion of the original Parel Vallei Farm in Somerset-West in 1936. With the growth of Somerset – West and the Helderberg, Kings Kloof is fortunate to command the highest slopes of the Helderberg overlooking the Town. The views from all areas of the farm are breath-taking.
LAMMERSHOEK – THE INNOCENT WHITE BLEND 2018
Nice and fruity with crisp fruit, rose leaf and a hint of spice. The palate is rich and filled with citrus, pear and quince. The full-bodied mouthfeel is cleaned by fresh acidity on the finish. Bright straw in colour. The bouquet is fresh crisp fruit, floral tones, rose petals and hints of spice. Fresh, fruity and crisp upfront palate with a soft and rounded mid palate that lingers. A long lingering finish.
It is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. The name Lammershoek dates back more than three centuries, linked to survival or the preservation of life in a harsh, untamed environment. Meaning “lambs’ corner”, legend has it that ewes sought shelter for their small lambs in the forest alongside the farm when they felt threatened by the black eagle which abounded here – locally known as the Lammervanger, meaning “lamb catcher” in the Afrikaans language.
LANDSKROON – PAUL DE VILLIERS MERLOT 2017
Complex flavours of dark fruit and oak. Rich and full-bodied with delicious flavours of berry fruits and plum supported by a touch of spice gained from aging in French oak barrels. A full bodied wine with elegant and well integrated tannins.
Landskroon is situated along the south-western slopes of Paarl Mountain. The farm was originally granted in 1692 by Governor Simon van der Stel to Jan Holsmit, a Swede, who immigrated to South Africa from a little town, Landskrona, near Stockholm. In 1874 Paul de Villiers, great great grandfather of the present owners, bought a portion of the original Landskroon.
HIDDEN VALLEY – HIDDEN GEMS 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon leads this complex blend with pronounced black fruit driven aromas of plum and blackberry, accompanied by hints of violet and eucalyptus. On the palate dark fruit follows through, complimented by the subtle use of French oak which lends notes of tobacco and spice. A full-bodied wine with a long lingering finish, worthy of cellar ageing for years to come.
For those who love to go slightly off the beaten track in search of the lesser-known gems, then Hidden Valley is a place you have to visit.
HAZENDAL – CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL THE RED BLEND 2017
Dark ruby colour. The predominance of the Pinotage in this blend boasts with rich plum, blackcurrant and black cherry notes, while the Shiraz component enhances the blend with spicy notes of black pepper, clove and nutmeg. The tannins on the palate are fine and textured. Dark berry fruit dance around on the palate, with a smooth and delectable vanilla coffee finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon is added for balance and structure.
Named after the founding father of Hazendal, the Christoffel Hazenwinkel Range serves as an introduction to the ethos of quality and meticulous attention to detail that is prevalent throughout this historic estate.
GHOST CORNER – SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018
Cederberg Private Cellar cheekily refer to their produce as “wines with altitude”. This Sauvignon Blanc from their Ghost Corner range is a regular award winner. Intense aromas of green figs play out on the nose. Grapefruit and fynbos accompany a sturdy minerality on the palate. A lengthy, rich finish is brought about by lees contact during the process of creating this fine white wine.
Ghost Corner by David Nieuwoudt is inspired by the extreme coastal area around Cape Agulhas near Elim, known as ‘Spookdraai’ where many ships have been wrecked and folklore claims that the ghosts of sailors who perished through the years can be seen wandering the wild waters. The wines in this range are as intriguing and extreme as the story of their origin at the southernmost tip of the Cape winelands.
CEDERBERG – SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018
An aromatic Sauvignon Blanc with a combination of tropical, citrus and green aromas. Aromas of gooseberries, guava, lemon zest with hints of
asparagus and green fig. A refreshing, crisp acidity finishes off the initial sensation of creaminess on the mid-palate.
At an altitude of more than 1000m above sea level, Cederberg Private Cellar is South Africa’s highest winery and a unique wine experience in every respect.
SARONSBERG – SHIRAZ 2017
The wine has a deep, dark purple colour with succulent ripe fruit flavours supported by expressive yet delicate floral notes and scents of violets and spice. The mouth-feel has depth and clarity of fruit with integrated oak flavours. Finely crafted tannins and a beautiful layered fruity finish.
Nestled at the foot of the mountain after which it is named, Saronsberg wine estate is a contemporary addition to the rich heritage of Tulbagh valley – an ancient wine region situated 120 kms north-east of Cape Town, and the site of South Africas greatest ever earthquake in 1969.
VREDE EN LUST – ARTISAN RANGE 2017
Aromatic aromas of green apple, pear and stone fruit are present. A distinct minerality with a sligth earthiness is an expression of the cooler climate. A wine with great longevity.
A blend of Chenin Blanc and Semillon. Upfront stone fruit, with a vibrant lingering palate. Chenin Blanc offer up flavors of pear and quince. Semillon offers beautiful lemon and lime zest flavors with a light sublet hint of oak.
VILLION – HENNING CHENIN BLANC 2017
Pale golden straw in colour. Captivating aromas of freshly cut ripe yellow peach fruit, with layers of dry fruit, vanilla pod and caramel. Mouth filling and layered texture with a lively freshness and delightful minerality. Salty quince taste reveals the spontaneous fermented nature of the wine.
Kobie Viljoen, previously of Gäbrielskloof, now makes wine under his Villion Family Wines label – he is a descendant of Francois Villion, the first French Huguenot to settle in the Cape having arrived in 1671, Villion subsequently adulterated to Viljoen.
EAGLES’ NEST – VIOGNIER 2018
The nose shows primary Viognier aromas of ripe peach, apricot and jasmine flower. A fresh, rich mouth filling palate infused with white stone pip flavour and spices. Positive freshness coupled with subtle wooding ensure a crisp clean finish and lingering after taste.
Eagles’ Nest, located on the crest of Constantia Nek pass, is nestled at the foot of the awe inspiring Table Mountain. This pristine and boutique family owned vineyard has in recent years gained a striking reputation for both its beauty and award winning wines.
DIEMERSDAL – M.M. LOUW SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018
Matured in French oak barrels to ensure a full, rich character with opulent length, the MM Louw Sauvignon Blanc from Diemersdal Wine Estate, delivers wonderful tropical fruit aromas and a luxurious, palate-coating mouth-feel. A masterful mineral core is wrapped in complex vanilla and fruit aromas.
The palate opens up to reveal fragrant notes of asparagus and fynbos. The MM Louw Sauvignon Blanc showcases fruit, wood and flinty minerality in perfect harmonious balance. An exceptional expression of varietal character, beautifully refined and elegant till the last sip.
QUION ROCK – BLACK SERIES MCC BRUT 2013
Prominent notes of green apple, honey-oats, biscuit and lime are supported by interesting mineral characters on the nose. The delicate mousse and tiny, persistent bubbles complement the crisp, refreshing acidity and creamy palate of this elegant Brut style MCC.
Quoin Rock got its name from Quoin Point in the Agulhas region which happens to be the second most southerly point of Africa after Cape Agulhas.
QUION ROCK – VINE DRIED SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017
A prominent and complex nose of dried pineapple and mango, with roasted and sweet spices is supported by a fascinating and refreshing palate of apricot pips and honey. The wine is in great harmony and concludes with a tangy mouth-filling sweetness.
The Quoin Rock Vine Dried Sauvignon blanc is made of 100% Sauvignon blanc grapes from a vineyard established in 1983 on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. The Simonsberg region is known for its rich granite soils and moderate climate which leads to the creation of intense and elegant wines.
ALLESVERLOREN – TOURIGA NACIONAL 2016
Deep ruby red. Aromas of ripe blackberries and red cherries. Subtle nuances of dark chocolate with cedar oak in the background. A full-bodied, smooth and velvety wine with a firm tannic structured displaying blackcurrant and tobacco flavours, a spicy undertone and a long-lasting aftertaste.
Allesverloren, situated on the south-eastern slopes of the Kasteelberg near Riebeek West, is the oldest estate in the Swartland Wine of Origin district and is renowned for its red wines and Fine Old Vintage. The farm, which dates back to 1704, began producing wine exactly one century later. In 1872 Allesverloren was acquired by Daniel Francois Malan and has remained in the Malan family for five generations. Current Owner Danie Malan and his late father, Fanie, were among the wine pioneers of the Swartland, ably demonstrating the outstanding wine growing potential of what was once considered the breadbasket of the Cape.
Makro is an exclusive partner to the OMTWS and you can buy your Trophy Wine Show trophy, gold and silver medal winners online from Makro at www.makro.co.za/old-mutual-trophy-wine-show.
Categories: Cape Town, CBD, Region
