2021 Gold Wine Awards –

Finding wine value for retail heaven

The 8th annual Gold Wine Awards took place in mid-September 2021 at the Neethlingshof Wine Estate. The assembled panel of adjudicators were mostly retail specialists and were tasked with finding vinous value at R180 and below per bottle, in a double-blind tasting. Land Rover Stellenbosch supplied the vehicles for the event, and although the tasting is serious business, there was a festive atmosphere in the air.

Wines at R180 and below per bottle

The overwhelming number of wines produced in South Africa sell in the R180 and below price bracket. There is little guidance for consumers to find value-for-money wines, especially in the lower price categories. Awarded wines give producers a marketing tool, and the consumer can make more informed buying choices.

The best wines were awarded gold, indicating value for money. The top-performing producers will also be able to use a Top 10 sticker on their bottles proclaiming their Top 10 position.

Scenes from the tasting

Retail outlets know that the value wines on their shelves are the reason they keep their doors open, and consumers are increasingly becoming more and more value-conscious, not settling for mediocre wines. The standard of the awarded wines was outstanding, especially considering that the wines are selling at R180 or below per bottle.

The convenor chose panellists with extensive retail experience. These are the people in the industry making their living from understanding the flavour profiles and price points of the wines they need to stock. By partnering with industry doorkeepers, The Gold Wine Awards is keeping pace with the people monitoring the consumer’s pulse.

The judges on the panel were: Karel Wegner from GetWine, Rebecca Constable from Woolworths, Caroline Rillema from Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar, Joseph Dhafana an experienced Sommelier, Gregory Mutambe sommelier and regular taster for Wine of the Month Club, Jacques Lombard owner of Winebrands, Chris Groenewald the owner of Pounding Grape and the manager at Culture Wine Bar, Ralph Renolds Sommelier at Aubergine Restaurant and Cape Wine Master Lizette Tolken.

Tasting at Neethlingshof

Finding the shining stars

Sauvignon blanc

Sauvignon blanc was the biggest category and is usually a good indicator of the year. There were different styles of Sauvignon blanc wines on display, but in general, they were very consistent in quality. Most of the 2021 wines were vibrant and showed balance, acidity, attractive fruit, and racy characters.

When asked if there was enough value for money Sauvignon blanc wines in South Africa, Caroline Rillema from Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar said that value for money Sauvignon blanc wines should be at R120 per bottle or less, and at that price they should then sell well.

Caroline Rilemma from Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar

Chenin blanc

Chenin blanc was the second biggest white wine class and a testimony to how well the cultivar does in South Africa. Chenin blanc lost its Cinderella status long ago. The entered wines had some excellent examples of the cultivar with consistent quality.

Chris Groenewald, manager at Culture Wine Bar, said that Chenin blanc is much better value for money than Sauvignon blanc in his books. Rebecca Constable from Woolworths said that there is a place for serious Chenin blanc and value Chenin blanc wines on the shelves, something for everyone. Ralph Reynolds commented that the more serious Chenin blanc wines are creating a higher expectation from every Chenin blanc producer.

Ralph Reynolds, Aubergine restaurant Sommelier

Chardonnay

Most of the Chardonnay wines entered were either unwooded or made judicious use of oak. Rebecca Constable from Woolworths said the ABC (Anything but Chardonnay) era is done, modern Chardonnays are much more fruit-forward and integrated wines than they were many years ago.

 Rosé / Blanc de noir

The Rosé and Blanc de noir was the third biggest white wine class. This year there were exceptional examples that show why this class is so popular.

The panellists agree that Rosé offers serious value when compared against other white wines.

Smaller white wine classes

In the smaller white wine classes, the Grenache blanc and Pinot Gris did well.

 Shiraz

Shiraz was the fourth biggest red-wine class, and the wines were very consistent with some excellent quality. The 2020 vintage showed very well, packed with vibrant red fruit, spice, and integrated oak and spice.

The panellists were all in agreement that Shiraz has something for everyone across price ranges. Rebecca Constable from Woolworths thinks Shiraz is a gem in South Africa because the value end is a great introduction to red wine.

Jacques Lombard from Winebrands

Pinotage

It seems that winemakers are increasingly getting the handle on this cultivar. Most wines were very well-made, showing lots of varietal character, balance, and clever use of oak.

Most panellists think that resistance to Pinotage is overcome in the marketplace, but Ralph Reynolds from Aubergine thinks Pinotage still needs to define its style and characteristics. He says that styles are diverse, so the consumer does not always know what they will be getting.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The Cabernet Sauvignon class had a few ‘greener’ wines, but the judges were impressed overall. Some excellent examples had fabulous fruit, supported by firm tannins and good balance. Some of these wines are of higher quality than the price point indicates.

Merlot

Merlot was the biggest red wine category. This class impressed, showing why consumers often have this as their go-to category. The wines were soft, with good length and soft finish.

All the tasters commented that it is difficult to sway Merlot devotees. They tend to stay with Merlot because it is safe, but given the right environment, they will try something else. The Merlot wines ranged from bright red and fruity to dark chocolate, but mostly earthy, without being green.

Rebecca Constable from Woolworths

Smaller red wine classes

In the smaller red classes, Cinsaut impressed, and Tinta Barocca showed layers of flavour and the beautiful balance between soft tannin and fruit.

Red blends

The red blends displayed diversity and impressed the panel overall. The 2020 blends showed well with fresh black fruit character and good balance.

Cape blends are often thought to be a value category, and producers seem to be getting a better grip on integrating Pinotage in the blend.

The Top 10 producers were:

  • Brandvlei Cellar
  • Cronier Wines
  • Eagle’s Cliff
  • Leopard’s Leap Wines
  • Montagu Winery
  • Perdeberg Wines
  • Sands Traders Wineways
  • Simonsvlei Winery
  • Swartland Winery
  • uniWines Vineyards

Gold Award Winners

  • 3X Wines – 3X Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz 2019
  • Alvi’s Drift Wines – Alvi’s Drift Signature Sauvignon blanc 2021
  • Alvi’s Drift Wines – Alvi’s Drift Signature Pinotage Rosé 2021
  • Alvi’s Drift Wines – Alvi’s Drift Signature Pinotage 2020
  • Alvi’s Drift Wines – Alvi’s Drift Signature Merlot 2020
  • Alvi’s Drift Wines – Alvi’s Drift Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
  • Alvi’s Drift Wines – Alvi’s Drift Signature Shiraz 2020
  • Anura – Anura Chardonnay 2020
  • Anura – Anura Sauvignon blanc 2020
  • Anura – Anura Legato 2018
  • Anura – Anura Pinotage / Shiraz 2018
  • Anura – Anura Arpeggio 2018
  • Bellevue Wine Estate – Bellevue Shiraz 2019
  • Bellevue Wine Estate – Bellevue Cinsaut 2019
  • Boplaas Family Vineyards – Boplaas Moscato Frizzante 2021
  • Boplaas Family Vineyards – Boplaas Merlot 2020
  • Boplaas Family Vineyards – Boplaas Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
  • Boplaas Family Vineyards – Boplaas Woolworths Tinta Barocca 2020
  • Brandvlei Cellar – BC Wines Chenin Blanc 2021
  • Brandvlei Cellar – BC Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Brandvlei Cellar – BC Wines Pinotage 2020
  • Brandvlei Cellar – BC Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
  • Clos Malverne Wine Estate – Heron’s Nest Chardonnay 2021
  • Clos Malverne Wine Estate – Silver Leaf Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Clos Malverne Wine Estate – Silver Leaf Merlot 2019
  • Cronier Wines – Golden Delicious Sauvignon Blanc 2020
  • Cronier Wines – Charming Cherry Natural Sweet Rosé 2020
  • Cronier Wines – Purple Bramble Pinotage 2019
  • Cronier Wines – Purple Bramble Merlot 2018
  • Cronier Wines – Purple Bramble Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2019
  • Croydon Vineyards – Croydon Title Deed Cape Blend 2020
  • Darling Cellars – Darling Cellars Reserve Arum Fields Chenin blanc 2021
  • Darling Cellars – Darling Cellars Reserve Bush Vine Sauvignon blanc 2021
  • Darling Cellars – Darling Cellars Reserve Pyjama Bush Sauvignon blanc / Grenache 2021
  • Darling Cellars – Darling Cellars Reserve Six Tonner Merlot 2019
  • Darling Cellars – Darling Cellars Reserve Black Granite Shiraz 2019
  • De Krans Wines – De Krans Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2021
  • De Krans Wines – De Krans Pinotage Rosé 2021
  • De Krans Wines – De Krans Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
  • De Wetshof Estate – De Wetshof Estate Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2021
  • Diemersfontein Wines – Diemersfontein The Prodigy Pinotage 2019
  • Diemersfontein Wines – Diemersfontein Harlequin 2020
  • Dieu Donné Vineyards – Dieu Donné Blanc de Noir 2021
  • Dieu Donné Vineyards – Dieu Donné Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz 2019
  • Eagle’s Cliff – Eagle’s Cliff Chenin Blanc 2021
  • Eagle’s Cliff – Eagle’s Cliff Pinot Grigio 2021
  • Eagle’s Cliff – Eagle’s Cliff Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Eagle’s Cliff – Eagle’s Cliff Chardonnay / Pinot Noir 2021
  • Edgebaston – David Finlayson Chardonnay 2020
  • Edgebaston – David Finlayson Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Gravel Junction Wine & Spirits – Three Peaks Sauvignon Blanc 2020
  • Gravel Junction Wine & Spirits – Three Peaks Rosé 2021
  • Gravel Junction Wine & Spirits – Three Peaks Pinotage 2020
  • Gravel Junction Wine & Spirits – Three Peaks Shiraz 2020
  • Groenland Wyne – Landskap Chenin Blanc 2021
  • Groote Post Vineyards – Groote Post The Old Man’s Blend 2021
  • Groote Post Vineyards – Groote Post The Old Man’s Blend 2020
  • Hill & Dale – Hill & Dale Pinotage 2019
  • Hill & Dale – Hill & Dale Merlot 2019
  • Hill & Dale – Hill & Dale Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2019
  • Jakkalsvlei – Jakkalsvlei Red Moscato 2021
  • Jakkalsvlei – Jakkalsvlei Pinotage 2020
  • Jason’s Hill Private Cellar – Jason’s Hill Chenin Blanc 2021
  • Jason’s Hill Private Cellar – Jason’s Hill Merlot 2018
  • Jason’s Hill Private Cellar – Jason’s Hill Shiraz 2016
  • Koelenhof Wynkelder – Koelenhof Koelenhoffer 2021
  • Koelenhof Wynkelder – Koelenhof Pinotage 2020
  • Koelenhof Wynkelder – Koelenhof Koelenberg 2018
  • Koelenhof Wynkelder – Koelenhof Koelenberg 2020
  • Koelenhof Wynkelder – Koelenhof Koelnektar 2021
  • KWV – KWV Classic Collection Chenin Blanc 2021
  • KWV – KWV Classic Collection Sauvignon blanc 2021
  • KWV – KWV Classic Collection Merlot 2020
  • Le Sueur Wines – Wild Card Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Leopard’s Leap Wines – Leopards Leap Chenin Blanc 2021
  • Leopard’s Leap Wines – Leopards Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Leopard’s Leap Wines – Cape Leopard Lookout Mountain Semi Sweet 2021
  • Leopard’s Leap Wines – Cape Leopard Lookout Mountain Rosé 2021
  • Leopard’s Leap Wines – Leopards Leap Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2021
  • Leopard’s Leap Wines – Leopards Leap Pinotage 2019
  • Leopard’s Leap Wines – Leopards Leap Merlot 2019
  • Leopard’s Leap Wines – Leopards Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
  • Louis57 Wines – Louis57 Double Eagle Chardonnay 2019
  • Mischa Wines (Pty) Ltd – Mischa La Famille Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
  • Montagu Winery – Montagu Winery Chenin blanc 2021
  • Montagu Winery – Montagu Winery Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
  • Montagu Winery – Montagu Winery Merlot / Ruby Cabernet 2020
  • Montagu Winery – Montagu Winery White Muscadel 2021
  • Montagu Winery – Montagu Winery Red Muscadel 2020
  • Montpellier de Tulbagh – Montpellier Chenin Blanc 2019
  • Montpellier de Tulbagh – Spyseniersberg Dry White Blend NV
  • Nitida – Nitida Roxia Sauvignon blanc 2020
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar Classic Collection Sparkling White 2020
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar Classic Collection Sparkling Rosé 2021
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar Classic Collection Chenin Blanc 2021
  • Perdeberg Wines – SAAM Chenin Blanc – Fairtrade 2021
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar The Vineyard Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar Classic Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar The Vineyard Collection Grenache Blanc 2021
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar SSR – Soft Smooth White 2021
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar SSR – Soft Smooth Rosé 2021
  • Perdeberg Wines – SAAM Pinotage, Fairtrade 2020
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Pinotage – Fairtrade 2020
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar The Vineyard Collection Malbec 2020
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar Classic Collection Merlot 2020
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar Classic Collection Shiraz 2020
  • Perdeberg Wines – Perdeberg Cellar The Vineyard Collection Cinsault 2020
  • Robertson Winery – Robertson Winery Chenin Blanc 2021
  • Robertson Winery – Robertson Winery Chardonnay 2021
  • Robertson Winery – Fat Bastard Chardonnay 2021
  • Robertson Winery – Robertson Winery Beaukett 2021
  • Robertson Winery – Robertson Winery Merlot 2020
  • Robertson Winery – Robertson Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
  • Robertson Winery – Robertson Winery Shiraz 2020
  • Sands Traders Wineways – Leipoldt Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Sands Traders Wineways – De Villiers Pinotage 2021
  • Sands Traders Wineways – De Villiers Merlot 2020
  • Sands Traders Wineways – De Villiers Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
  • Sands Traders Wineways – Leipoldt Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2020
  • Sands Traders Wineways – Leipoldt Natural Sweet Shiraz 2020
  • Silkbush Mountain Vineyards – Silkbush Chenin blanc 2021
  • Silkbush Mountain Vineyards – Silkbush Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Silkbush Mountain Vineyards – Silkbush Shiraz 2016
  • Silkbush Mountain Vineyards – Silkbush Hillside Red 2018
  • Silkbush Mountain Vineyards – Silkbush Altitude 2018
  • Simonsvlei Winery – Simonsvlei Premier Chenin Blanc 2021
  • Simonsvlei Winery – Perfect Couple Simonsblanc Chenin Blanc / Colombar 2021
  • Simonsvlei Winery – Simonsvlei Premier Shiraz Rosé 2021
  • Simonsvlei Winery – Simonsvlei Premier Merlot 2021
  • Simonsvlei Winery – Simonsvlei Premier Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
  • Stellenbosch Family Wines – Stellenbosch Family Wines Pinotage 2019
  • Swartland Winery – Swartland Winemakers Collection Chenin Blanc 2021
  • Swartland Winery – Swartland Winemakers Collection Chardonnay 2021
  • Swartland Winery – Swartland Winemakers Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • The McGregor Wine Company – McGregor Chenin blanc 2021
  • The McGregor Wine Company – McGregor Colombard 2021
  • The McGregor Wine Company – McGregor Chardonnay 2021
  • The McGregor Wine Company – McGregor Sauvignon blanc 2021
  • The McGregor Wine Company – McGregor Shiraz 2019
  • The McGregor Wine Company – McGregor Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2020
  • uniWines Vineyards – Meander Moscato NV
  • uniWines Vineyards – Meander Moscato Pink NV
  • uniWines Vineyards – Meander Chenin Blanc 2021
  • uniWines Vineyards – Goudini Chenin Blanc 2021
  • uniWines Vineyards – Goudini Unwooded Chardonnay 2020
  • uniWines Vineyards – Meander Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • uniWines Vineyards – Goudini Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • uniWines Vineyards – Goudini Cinsaut Rosé 2020
  • uniWines Vineyards – Goudini Shiraz 2019
  • Viljoensdrift Wines – Viljoensdrift Muskapino Sweet Pink Sparking Wine 2021
  • Vin de Classique International – Charmé Shiraz 2019
  • Vondeling Wines – Baldrick Shiraz 2019
  • Welbedacht Wines – Meerkat Chenin Blanc 2021
  • Welbedacht Wines – Meerkat Burrow Blend 2019
  • Wellington Wines – DUKE of Wellington Chenin Blanc 2020
  • Wellington Wines – DUKE Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Wine Market in general

Panellists said that although people seem to be buying cheaper wines in these difficult times, they think this is a temporary phenomenon, and things will be back to normal once the dust settles.

This event would not have been possible without our partners:

Details about the 2022 Gold Wine Awards will be announced in the last week of January 2022.

For enquiries, visit the website at https://goldwineawards.com/ or contact Sanet at sanet@goldwineawards.co.za.