2023 Gold Wine Awards –

The quest for value wines continues

The tenth annual Gold Wine Awards took place in mid-August 2023 at Neethlingshof Wine Estate near Stellenbosch. The majority of the assembled judges were retail specialists and were tasked with finding vinous value at R150 and below in a double-blind tasting. There was good camaraderie among the tasters who were united in their cause, and although the tasting was serious business, there was an atmosphere of excitement in the air. One would think that an event like this would be every day for the judges, but they were really excited.

World economic realities

The current economic climate has had a significant impact on the spending habits of wine drinkers. As the economic fallout of the pandemic tapers off, many consumers are still forced to cut back on discretionary spending. Some wine drinkers have switched to more affordable options or have reduced the frequency of their wine purchases. Many consumers are also now shopping for wine online to save money and to take advantage of discounts and deals. Overall, the current economic climate has led to a mixed impact on the wine industry, with some consumers reducing their spending, while others continue to purchase wine but with a greater focus on affordability and value.

South Africa has a well-established wine industry and produces a wide range of wines locally, meaning that we are relatively self-sufficient when it comes to wine production. However, there may be indirect effects that could impact spending habits. For example, if the war in Ukraine results in a global economic downturn or increased trade barriers, due to South Africa’s stance towards Russia, this could impact the availability or cost of imported goods, including wine-related products such as barrels or machinery. This could, in turn, affect local wine production and pricing.

The USA also seems to be heading towards a recession, China could spell future tension, and Europe has its economic wows.

Panellists at the 2023 Gold Wine Awards

The convenor purposefully chose panelists 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 are keeping pace with the people monitoring the consumer’s pulse.

The all star panel consisted of retail veterans Ad Wegner from GetWine, Reinette Muir from Wine Concepts Newlands, Sue Proudfoot from Wine Concepts Kloof Street, Lara Philp from The Vineyard Connection, Ezra Benjamin from Liquor City Claremont, Ralph Reynolds from Aubergine, Gary van der Walt from Wine & Company Hermanus, Georgio Meletiou from Sun International and Greg Lorimer from The Wine Glass.

Renette Muir – Wine Concepts Newlands

Sue Proudfoot – Wine Concepts

Lara Philp – The Vineyard Connection

Ad Wegner – Getwine

Ezra Benjamin – Liquor City Claremont

Gary van der Walt – Wine & Company

Greg Lorimer – The Wine Glass

Georgio Meletiou – Sun International

Ralph Reynolds – Aubergine Restaurant

Wines at R150 and below per bottle

There is little guidance for consumers to find value-for-money wines, especially in the lower-price categories. Awards serve as a marketing tool, and the consumer can make more informed buying choices.

The best wines were awarded gold or double gold, indicating value for money. After scoring the wines, the results are then statistically correlated to the price to determine whether the wines offer real value for money. The top-performing producers can use a Top 10 sticker on their bottles proclaiming their Top 10 position.

Retail outlets know that the value wines on their shelves are the reason they keep their doors open, and consumers are increasingly becoming more value-conscious, not settling for mediocre wines. The standard of the awarded wines was outstanding, especially considering that the wines are selling at R150 or below per bottle.

Chenin blanc

Chenin blanc was the second-biggest white wine class, behind Sauvignon blanc. There was a wide range of flavours and tastes among the wines that were submitted, with some exhibiting tropical fruit notes such as guava, pineapple and mango, while others had more citrus and green apple flavours. Some of the wines had a crisp, refreshing acidity, while others were fuller and more complex on the palate. Overall, the Chenin Blanc wines offered a range of flavours and styles, making them versatile options for various occasions. Some tasters, however, noted that some of the wines lacked the depth and complexity of others, but could definitely be buying options at their price point.

Sauvignon blanc

Aromas ranged from citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit, to herbaceous notes of grass and green bell pepper. Some wines also displayed tropical fruit aromas of passion fruit, pineapple, and guava.

The wines ranged in their balance of acidity and sweetness, with some more complex wines having a greater balance of flavours and a longer finish. Overall, the tasting provided an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of styles and flavours available and to discover new and exciting wines.

The tasters agreed that the top-performing Sauvignon blanc producers in the value category put fruit and freshness first when making their wines. Often, Sauvignon blanc quality would fade towards the end of the year, and although older Sauvignon blancs were fashionable in the media, the lack of fruit is worrying to the majority of consumers. Sauvignon blancs are being sold later, and older vintages are lagging because of too much stock, which is not good for the category.

The top Sauvignon blancs were McGregor Sauvignon blanc 2023 and Badsberg Sauvignon blanc 2023.

Chardonnay

Some Chardonnays displayed tropical fruit notes such as pineapple and mango, while others had more stone fruit flavours like peach and apricot. Some wines had a buttery texture and a rich, creamy mouth feel, while others were more lean and crisp with zesty acidity. Overall, the Chardonnays showed a good balance of fruit and oak, making them versatile options for various food pairings. Most of the Chardonnay wines entered were either unwooded or made judicious use of oak.

We asked the wine tasters what would be the rules of thumb to find the best value Chardonnay, and here were some of the tips:

• Look at the second label from well-known Chardonnay producers
• Look at the area – Robertson and the surrounding area has some excellent Chardonnay
• Look at younger Chardonnays
• Look at the higher end of the value price spectrum

The Alvi’s Drift Signature Chardonnay 2023 and the Swartland 2023 Chardonnay were some of the top-performing Chardonnays.

Rosé / Blanc de noir (BdN)

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

Some Rosé/Blanc de Noir wines displayed fruit-forward flavours of strawberry and watermelon, while others offered more floral and herbaceous notes such as rose petals and lavender. Some wines had a refreshing acidity, while others had a softer mouth feel and a touch of residual sweetness. Overall, the wines offered a good balance of fruitiness and dryness, making them versatile options for a variety of occasions.

The best value Rosé/Blanc de Noir wines were the De Krans Pinotage Rosé 2023 and the Stellenzicht Thunderstone Rosé 2023.

We asked some of the tasters to rate the following white wine categories, in order of value-for-money, from most value-for-money to least, and this was the result:

• White blends
• Blanc de Noir / Rosé
• Chardonnay
• Chenin blanc
• Sauvignon blanc

It is quite surprising that Sauvignon blanc came last in their opinion.

Red wine:

Shiraz

Shiraz was the biggest red wine class and the wines were very consistent, with some excellent quality. South African Shiraz is known for its bold and spicy character, and there was a lot of value to be found. The wines offered rich and complex flavours such as blackberry, plum, black cherry, and hints of oak. Tasters noted peppery and smoky flavours, dark fruit, and robust tannins.

The 2022 vintage showed very well and was packed with vibrant red fruit, spice, and integrated oak and spice. There was a surprising amount of older vintage wines, which also adds weight to this class.

Some of the best Shiraz were the Jason’s Hill Shiraz 2018 and the Slanghoek Private Selection Shiraz 2021.

Pinotage

Pinotage was the second-biggest red wine class. Aromas of black fruit such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as smoky and spicy notes, were common among the Pinotage. Some wines also had earthy aromas of leather and tobacco. Most of the wines had medium to full body with firm tannins and integrated acidity, while others had a slightly sweet finish. The more complex had a greater balance of flavours and a longer finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The wines were typically described as having aromas of black fruit such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as tobacco and cedar notes. Some wines also had herbaceous notes of green bell pepper and mint.

The wines typically had a medium body with firm tannins and balanced acidity. Flavours of black fruit, such as blackberry and cassis, as well as tobacco and dark chocolate notes, were present in other wines. Because Cabernet Sauvignon always does so well wherever it is planted, compared to most other red cultivars, it can be the king of red wine cultivars in many areas.

The best value Cabernet sauvignon was the Balance Winemakers Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.

Merlot

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

Some of the Merlots were deep purple in colour, while others had a lighter ruby-red hue. The aromas were equally diverse, with some exhibiting red fruit notes such as cherry and raspberry, while others had hints of blackberry and plum, vanilla, and oak. The wines also had varying levels of tannins and acidity, with some being more full-bodied than others. Overall, the tasting provided a fascinating insight into the diverse range of Merlot wines available.

Red blends

Some of the Cape Blends exhibited deep ruby colours, while others had a lighter, more translucent appearance. The aromas were equally diverse, with some wines offering hints of blackcurrant, blackberry, and tobacco, while others had more floral notes. The wines had varying levels of tannins and acidity, with some being more full-bodied than others.

The Bordeaux blend wines mostly exhibited deep, intense colours. The aromas were equally diverse, with some wines offering hints of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar, while others had more earthy or spicy notes. The wines had varying levels of tannins and acidity, with some being more full-bodied than others.

The blends that were dominant in Shiraz did very well, showing that this is a category to watch.

The red blends displayed diversity and impressed the panel overall. The 2021 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 into the blend.

The best value for money red blend was the Thelema Mountain Red 2020.

We asked some of the tasters to rate the red wine types, from most value-for-money to least when buying a value for money red wine at R100.00, and this is the order of importance according to them:

• Cabernet sauvignon
• Bordeaux Blend
• Shiraz
• Other Red Blend
• Merlot

Interesting to see that seasoned professionals would not necessarily recommend Merlot, although it is one of the best-selling classes.

Smart spending in the wine aisle

We asked the wine buyers to put the following factors in order of most importance first, and this was the result:

• Growing area
• Vintage
• Quality of the packaging
• The name “Reserve” on the label
• Depth of the bottle’s punt

Obviously, the depth of a bottle punt is not that important, but interesting that the “Reserve” designation is still a possible aspect.

We once again asked our tasters what their smart spending tips would be for their best friends, to buy the best wine at the price, and here are some:

• Speak to your wine shop attendants, especially in independently owned shops, for advice.
• Try before you buy, in store tastings are extremely valuable (liquid on lips principle). If you tasted it, you do not have to guess.
• Buy from specialist wine retailers who know their products.
• Be adventurous, don’t stick to one type, experiment.
• Look at accolades from wine competitions
• Older wine is not necessary better.
• When in doubt, Chenin blanc and red blends are safe.

The Top 10 producers were:

• Alvi’s Drift Wines International
• Badsberg Wine Cellar
• Brandvlei Cellar
• Calitzdorp Cellar
• Distell / Heineken
• La Ricmal
• Montagu Wines
• McGregor Wines (Roodezandt RF)
• Slanghoek Wynkelder
• Wineways

The Double Gold Winners were:

• Alvi’s Drift Wines – Signature Viognier 2023
• Alvi’s Drift Wines – Signature Chardonnay 2023
• Badsberg Wine Cellar – Badsberg Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Badsberg Wine Cellar – Badsberg Merlot 2021
• Balance Wines – Balance Winemakers Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
• Calitzdorp Cellar – Calitzdorp Cellar Tinto 2022
• Calitzdorp Cellar – Calitzdorp Cellar Pinotage 2022
• De Krans Wines – De Krans Pinotage Rosé 2023
• Eagle’s Cliff Winery – Eagle’s Cliff Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Eagle’s Cliff Winery – Eagle’s Cliff Chenin Blanc 2023
• Gravel Junction Wine and Spirits – Three Peaks Pinotage 2022
• Jason’s Hill Private Cellar – Jason’s Hill Shiraz 2018
• Koelenhof Wynkelder – Seven Coffee Pinotage 2021
• Koelenhof Wynkelder – Sauvignon blanc Vin-Sec 2023
• La Ricmal – La Ricmal Supreme – Merlot 2022
• La Ricmal – Lerato Classic White NV
• Montagu Wine and Spirits Company – John Montagu Cape Ruby NV
• Montagu Wine and Spirits Company – John Montagu Verdelho 2023
• Montagu Wines – Lady Mary Montagu Sauvignon blanc 2023
• Roodezandt RF – McGregor Chenin blanc 2023
• Roodezandt RF – McGregor Sauvignon blanc 2023
• Siwela Wines – Siwela Sauvignon Blanc Vin-Sec 2023
• Slanghoek Wynkelder – Slanghoek Private Selection Shiraz 2021
• Stellenzicht Wines – Thunderstone Rosé 2023
• Swartland Winery – Swartland Winemakers Collection Chardonnay 2023
• Thelema Mountain Vineyards – Thelema Mountain Red 2020
• Tulbagh Winery – CCM Red (Cabernet Sauvignon/Cab Franc/Merlot) 2015

The Gold Award Winners were:

• African Roots Wine Brands – Seven Sisters Chenin Blanc 2023
• African Sun Wines – MARA Nyeupe 2023
• Alvi’s Drift Wines – Signature Chenin Blanc 2023
• Alvi’s Drift Wines – Signature Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Alvi’s Drift Wines – Signature Pinotage Rosé 2023
• Alvi’s Drift Wines – Signature Shiraz 2021
• Alvi’s Drift Wines – 221 Chenin Blanc 2022
• Alvi’s Drift Wines – 221 Pinotage 2021
• Alvi’s Drift Wines – Rondebosch Chenin Blanc 2023
• Alvi’s Drift Wines – Rondebosch Cabernet Shiraz 2021
• Alvi’s Drift Wines – Signature Merlot 2022
• Badsberg Wine Cellar – Badsberg Chenin Blanc 2023
• Badsberg Wine Cellar – Badsberg Perlé Moscato Pink 2023
• Badsberg Wine Cellar – Badsberg Vin Doux 2023
• Badsberg Wine Cellar – Badsberg Belladonna 2021
• Badsberg Wine Cellar – Badsberg Cape Vintage 2017
• Balance Wines – Balance Winemakers Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Balance Wines – Balance Winemakers Selection Shiraz 2022
• Balance Wines – Balance Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Benguela Cove Wine Estate – Lighthouse Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Benguela Cove Wine Estate – Lighthouse Collection Rosé 2023
• Bertha Wines – Bertha Merlot-Rosé 2023
• Brandvlei Cellar – BC Wines Shiraz 2022
• Brandvlei Cellar – BC Wines Pinotage 2021
• Brandvlei Cellar – BC Wines Chardonnay 2023
• Brandvlei Cellar – BC Wines Bacchanté 2023
• Calitzdorp Cellar – Calitzdorp Cellar Chenin Blanc 2023
• Calitzdorp Cellar – Calitzdorp Cellar Blanc de Noir Pinotage 2023
• David Finlayson Wines – David Finlayson Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• David Finlayson Wines – David Finlayson Chardonnay 2022
• De Krans Wines – De Krans Free Run Chenin Blanc 2023
• De Meye – De Meye Unwooded Chardonnay 2023
• De Meye – De Meye Sauvignon blanc 2023
• Distell Limited – Nederburg Classic Lyric 2022
• Distell Limited – Nederburg Stein 2022
• Distell Limited – Nederburg Classic Duet 2022
• Distell Limited – Nederburg Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Distell Limited – Nederburg Classic Chenin Blanc 2022
• DuVon and DeVries Vintners – Slate Slide Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Eagle’s Cliff Winery – Arendskloof Shiraz/Tannat 2021
• Eagle’s Cliff Winery – Arendskloof Chardonnay (unwooded) 2022
• Foothills Vineyards – Foothills Vineyards Dry Rosé 2022
• Grande Provence Wines – Angels Tears Fruity Red 2020
• Grande Provence Wines – Angels Tears Pinotage 2022
• Grande Provence Wines – Grande Provence Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Gravel Junction Wine and Spirits – Three Peaks Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Gravel Junction Wine and Spirits – Three Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
• Gravel Junction Wine and Spirits – Three Peaks Merlot 2022
• Groenland Wyne – Groenland Shiraz Klassiek 2020
• Groenland Wyne – Landskap Chenin Blanc 2023
• Jason’s Hill Private Cellar – Jason’s Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery – Klein Roosboom Jéan Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery – Klein Roosboom Dear Diary Chardonnay 2023
• Koelenhof Wynkelder – Stellenbosch Gold Chenin Blanc 2023
• Koelenhof Wynkelder – Koelenhof Koelenhoffer 2023
• Koelenhof Wynkelder – Koelenbosch Pinotage 2021
• Koelenhof Wynkelder – Koelenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
• La Ricmal – La Ricmal Supreme – Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
• La Ricmal – La Ricmal Supreme – Shiraz 2022
• Le Pommier Wine Estate – Le Pommier Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Le Pommier Wine Estate – Le Pommier Maraai Rosé 2023
• Lynx Wines – The Tinto 2020
• Montagu Wines – Lady Mary Montagu Pink Moscato NV
• Montagu Wines – Lady Mary Montagu Chenin blanc Brut NV
• Montagu Wines – Montagu Winery Merlot / Ruby Cabernet 2022
• Opstal Wines – Sixpence Sauvignon Semillon 2023
• Opstal Wines – Wild Women Merlot 2022
• Quoin Rock Wines – Quoin Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2021
• Randela Wines – Shiraz 2014
• Roodezandt RF – McGregor Pinotage 2022
• Silkbush Mountain Vineyards – Silkbush Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Siwela Wines – Siwela Gewürztraminer 2022
• Siwela Wines – Siwela Sweet Red Blend 2018
• Slanghoek Wynkelder – Slanghoek Private Selection Chenin Blanc 2023
• Slanghoek Wynkelder – Vinay Vin Blanc NV
• Slanghoek Wynkelder – Slanghoek Private Selection Pinotage 2021
• Slanghoek Wynkelder – Slanghoek Private Selection Camerca 2022
• Slanghoek Wynkelder – Vinay Vin Rosé NV
• Slanghoek Wynkelder – Slanghoek Private Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Summerhill – Summerhill Wines Shiraz 2019
• Swartland Winery – Swartland Winemakers Collection Chenin Blanc 2023
• Swartland Winery – Swartland Winemakers Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Swartland Winery – Swartland Winery Pinotage Rosé 2023
• Swartland Winery – Swartland Winemakers Collection Tinta Barocca 2022
• Tulbagh Winery – Groot Tulbagh Chenin Blanc 2023
• Van Loveren Family Vineyards – Five’s Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023
• Van Loveren Family Vineyards – Five’s Reserve Merlot Rosé 2022
• Van Loveren Family Vineyards – Five’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
• Vondeling Wines – Vondeling Little Sparkle NV
• Vondeling Wines – Vondeling Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Vondeling Wines – Vondeling Petit Blanc Chenin Blanc 2023
• Vondeling Wines – Vondeling Rosé 2023
• Waterford Estate – Waterford Pecan Stream Pebble Hill 2021
• Wineways – Coral Reef Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2022
• Wineways – De Villiers Merlot 2022
• Wineways – Black Tie Pinotage 2022
• Wineways – Black Tie Merlot 2022
• Winkelshoek Wynkelders – Ryk Pinotage 2021
• Yethu Wines – Cape Blend 2020

This event would not have been possible without our partners:

Details about the 2024 Gold Wine Awards will be announced in the last week of January 2024.

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