Nyheder 2013 – fra vore producenter

Top Wine SA Hall of Fame – truly amazing performances

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

WITH HIGHLIGHTS of the 2013 SA Wine & Cellar Classifications announced during the past few days, we now focus on a very select group of wines that stand out as having received good reviews from one or more of the top tasting panels for AT LEAST EIGHT VINTAGES over the past 10 years.

Literally wines of distinction, these 16 whites, 23 reds, one bubbly, six dessert wines and three ports pretty much always hit the spot and fully deserve their place in the inaugural Top Wine SA Hall of Fame.

WHITE WINES IN THE 2013 TOP WINE SA HALL OF FAME

  • Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc (DGB)
  • Cape Point Isliedh
  • Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chamonix Chardonnay Reserve
  • Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Chardonnay (Bergkelder)
  • Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Sauvignon Blanc (Bergkelder)
  • The FMC Forrester Meinert Chenin (Ken Forrester)
  • Graham Beck Pheasants’ Run Sauvignon Blanc
  • Hamilton Russell Chardonnay
  • Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay
  • Kanu KCB Chenin Blanc
  • Mulderbosch Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
  • Rustenberg Five Soldiers
  • Sadie Palladius
  • Tokara Director’s Reserve White
  • Vergelegen GVB

RED WINES IN THE 2013 TOP WINE SA HALL OF FAME 

  • Beyerskloof Field Blend
  • Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Boekenhoutskloof Syrah
  • Bon Courage Inkará Shiraz
  • Cederberg Shiraz
  • De Toren Fusion V
  • Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Pinotage
  • Ernie Els Signature
  • Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir
  • Jordan Cobblers Hill
  • Kaapzicht Steytler Vision
  • Kanonkop Paul Sauer
  • Kanonkop Pinotage
  • Raats Cabernet Franc
  • Rijk’s Pinotage
  • Rust en Vrede Estate
  • Rustenberg Peter Barlow
  • Sadie Columella
  • Simonsig Frans Malan Cape Blend
  • Simonsig Redhill Pinotage
  • Spier Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Stellenzicht Golden Triangle Pinotage
  • Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon

SPARKLING WINE IN THE 2013 TOP WINE SA HALL OF FAME

  • Graham Beck Brut Blanc de Blancs

DESSERT WINES IN THE 2013 TOP WINE SA HALL OF FAME

  • Fleur du Cap Noble Late Harvest (Bergkelder)
  • Klein Constantia Vin de Constance
  • Nederburg The Winemaster’s Reserve Noble Late Harvest
  • Nuy Red Muscadel
  • Nuy White Muscadel
  • Paul Cluver Weisser Riesling Noble Late Harvest

PORT WINES IN THE 2013 TOP WINE SA HALL OF FAME 

  • Axe Hill Cape Vintage
  • Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve
  • De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve

Boplaas again joins the “Top 100” list

Boplaas Family Vineyards in Calitzdorp are proud to announce that a wine once again has been included in the “Top 100” South African wines of 2013. The host of international and local judges, award Boplaas a spot in the “Top 100” for the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2010.
Crafted from a quartet of Douro varietals and in the traditional drier Vintage style; the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2010 with its inky black colour, heady aromatic bouquet, intense spice and grippy tannins, will evolve in bottle over the next three decades or more – for those who are willing to exhibit restrain. A part from being nominated in the “Top 100” 2013, this youthful Cape Vintage Reserve received a double gold at Veritas in 2012 and 4 ½ stars in Platter Guide 2013.
Best enjoyed decanted with a selection of charcuterie, hearty venison dishes or after a meal accompanied with cheeses, dried fruits, nuts and preserves.
Apart from the stellar performance of Boplaas’s Cape Ports, the table wines produced from the traditional Douro varietals offer a glimpse into the future of this exceptional terroir, especially the Ring of Rocks (newly released 2011 vintage, an innovative blend of Touriga Nacional, Merlot and Cabernet), the Boplaas Tinta Chocolat 2011 (rated as best red wine at the Cape Port & Wine Challenge 2012) and Woolworth’s Boplaas Portuguese Connection red blend.

Boplaas Superstar at Veritas: 5 Double Gold plus 6 Gold 

Boplaas Family Vineyards nestled in the sleepy Klein Karoo hamlet of Calitzdorp, clinched five double gold medals at the 23rd annual Veritas wine awards. One of the five double gold medal was for brandy & another 6 gold medals to cap off another stellar performance. This impressive haul ensured that Boplaas Family Vineyards was the best performing private cellar at the awards.
The 23rd annual Veritas wine awards ceremony held this past weekend, will be remembered by Boplaas Family Vineyards for quite a while; as this family run cellar nestled in the quite Klein Karoo hamlet of Calitzdorp & famed for its fine Cape fortifieds won an unprecedented five double gold medals and six gold medals for the wines entered. The Boplaas 15 Year Reserve brandy clinched one of only seven double gold medals awarded to brandies. Double gold was awarded to the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2009, Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2010, Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintner’s Reserve N/V and the Cool Bay Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013. Veritas is the longest running and largest blind-tasted bottled wine competition in South Africa.
The dedicated pursuit of crafting the finest Cape fortifieds from Portuguese varietals according to traditional methods was handsomely rewarded with double gold medals for the Boplaas Cape Vintner’s Reserve N/V (375mℓ), Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2009 and Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2010. The Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintner’s Reserve 1994 andBoplaas Cape Tawny Reserve 1995 – aged in barrel for 18 and 17 years respectively – were awarded gold medals, as to the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2011. Boplaas’s fine Cape fortifieds accounted for three of the five double gold and three of the six gold medals awarded to Cape “Ports” at Veritas 2013, firmly fortifying its position as a leading producer of Cape Ports.
Unbeknownst to most, Sauvignon Blanc is one of Carel Nel’s great passions and the double gold medal for the Cool Bay Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013 and gold for the maiden release ofBoplaas Bobbejaanberg Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013 are reward for his efforts over the last two decades. The Cool Bay Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013 was one of only 8 double gold medals awarded; while the gold medal achieved by the maiden release Bobbejaanberg is a first for a wine originating from the Upper-Langkloof ward. The Cool Bay Reserve originates from prime maritime vines, while the Bobbejaanberg originates from a site in the Outeniqua range at an elevation in excess of 600m. Both these terroir specific wines were crafted in limited quantities from the cellar door.
Muscadel has been crafted by the Nel’s of Boplaas since the mid-1800’s and to celebrate this heritage, limited release bottlings of Muscat de Frontignan crafted according to traditional methods from exceptional vineyards and destined for extended cellaring have been launched under the Boplaas Heritage Collection. The two Veritas gold medals claimed by the maiden releases of the Boplaas Heritage White Muscadel are a great reward. The gold winningBoplaas Heritage White Muscadel 2011 originates from old vines grown along the Breede River in Goudini; while the Boplaas Heritage White Muscadel 2012 was crafted from a gnarled old block planted by Oupa Danie Nel in 1979. Total production amounts to a mere 3300 bottles of each of these fine Muscats.
To top off the incredible all round performance, a double gold medal was claimed by the Boplaas 15 Year Reserve Brandy – one of only 7 awarded; while the Boplaas 8 Year Reserve Brandy was awarded a silver medal. Both these fine hand-crafted small batch brandies are available from the cellar door & a select few retailers nationwide. Boplaas has a rich brandy heritage dating back to 1880 when great grand father of Carel Nel exported brandy in barrels to London.

Boplaas scoops double Gran d’Or at Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2013 

Boplaas Family Vineyards were awarded two Gran d’Ors for the Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintners Reserve N/V and the limited release ultra premium Boplaas Gamka 2012. This fantastic result was capped off with two gold medals & three silver medals at the 17th annual Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2013.
The 17th annual Michelangelo International Wine Awards garnered a total of 1415 entries which were judged blind by an expert panel consisting of 16 international wine judges, who awarded a total of 481 medals -including only 3 Platinum, 57 Gran d’Ors & 198 gold medals. Boplaas Family Vineyards received two Gran d’Ors, two gold medals and three silver medals.
Boplaas Family Vineyards has built up an enviable reputation for the crafting of fine Cape fortifieds according to traditional methods and utilizing Portuguese varietals. The Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintners Reserve N/V a blend of fine barrel-aged Tawnies crafted from Tinta Barocca won a Gran d’Or or double gold medal – adding to it being crowned top “Port” at this year’s CAPPA Port Challenge 2013. The Boplaas Cape Tawny Reserve Port 1997 won a gold, adding to its 5 Star rating in Platter’s, a double gold Veritas 2011 & an inclusion into the SA “Top 100” wines awards 2012. Two silver medals were awarded to the Boplaas Cape Ruby N/V and the Boplaas Cape Vintage “The Chocolate” Port 2011. The Boplaas Cape Ruby N/V has also been included into the Good Value Guide 2014.
Silver went to the Boplaas Tinta Chocolat 2012 -which adds to its Top 10 gold medal at this year’s CAPPA Challenge 2013 – crafted from old vine Tinta Barocca to highlight this varietals inherent cocoa flavour profile. The immensely popular Boplaas Merlot 2011 clinched a gold medal, adding to its Good Value Award 2013, and is a real feather in the cap of Boplaas’s vineyard and cellar team.
The soon to be launched ultra premium Boplaas Gamka 2012 clinched one of the 58 Gran d’Or medals. Named after the Gamka River, meaning “lion” in the Khoikoi language, this maiden release of cellar master Carel Nel’s ultra premium blend of Shiraz and Touriga Nacional is crafted according to traditional methods, matured in new French oak barrels, will only be released in exceptional years and in small volumes.
All the Michelangelo International Wine Awards winners are available for purchase from Boplaas’s cellar door in Calitzdorp & at the Cool Bay tasting room in Little Brak River along the N2 near Mossel Bay; while the Boplaas Cape Ruby N/V, Boplaas Cape Vintage “The Chocolate” Port and Boplaas Merlot are available from leading retailers nationwide.

Boplaas crowned champion at SA Young Wine Show 2013 

Nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo, Boplaas Family Vineyards was crowned SA Champion at the SA Young Wine Show 2013 results held at Org de Rac in Piketberg. Boplaas was also crowned SA Champion Port in 2010, 2007, 2006, 2005, 1987 and 1986. Boplaas’s fine showing included three class winners and 5 gold medals – including a gold medal in the highly competitive Sauvignon Blanc category.
There is an old stockman’s adage “competition breeds best” and this quite possibly lies at the heart of the SA Young Wine Show – a competition where the latest vintage’s wines are assessed blind by wine professionals in over 110 categories. The SA Young Wine 2013 attracted 2060 entries from 135 producers, with Boplaas Family Vineyards being crowned SA Champion Port, and also picking up three trophies in the Port category winners, two gold medals for white Muscadel, a gold in the Sauvignon Blanc category and a final tally of 16 medals. This fine showing can only be attributed to the dedicated efforts of all the vineyard teams, cellar staff, farm manager Pieter Terblanche and winemakers Carel & Margaux Nel.
The dedicated efforts of crafting authentic Cape “Port” styled fortifieds from Portuguese varietals continues to garner success with the Monis Trophy, the Dr AI Perold Trophy, AJ Conradie Trophy & SA Champion Port trophy all won by fortifieds crafted from traditional Portuguese Port varietals and traditional methods. The 2013 Vintage Ports are marked by exceptional colour, tannin structure, fruit concentration & complexity which will after barrel maturation, blending & bottling offer consumers enjoyment over the coming decades. A total of six gold medals were awarded across the four Port classes, with Boplaas accounting for three class winners and 5 gold medals.
Muscat de Frontignan has been crafted by the Nel’s of Boplaas for generations with the skill and “secrets” of crafting these wines that typify the Klein Karoo terroir being passed on from one generation to the next – this tradition continues with Margaux Nel at the helm of winemaking. Boplaas managed to clinch two gold medals of the 8 in total awarded to the white Muscadel category (Class 081 & Class 082).
Continuing the surprising success with Sauvignon Blanc – Boplaas having crafted the SA Champion Sauvignon Blanc at the SA Young Wine Show 2009 & 2010 – is a gold medal received by the maiden vintage of the Boplaas Family Reserve Bobbejaanberg 2013. The Bobbejaanberg Sauvignon Blanc was crafted from a parcel of vines terrorized by a troop of Baboons and located at an elevation well in excess of 600m in the Outeniqua Mountain range of the Upper-Langkloof ward. The fruit was harvested the 2nd week of April, a mere 1400 bottles were crafted and this unique Sauvignon will be made available from the Boplaas cellar door mid-October.
Boplaas once again punched well above its weight and performed admirably with a final medal tally of 16 – 3 Class Winners, 5 Gold, 6 Silver & 2 Bronze.

Boplaas comes out tops at CAPPA Challenge 2013 

The small family cellar from the quaint Klein Karoo hamlet of Calitzdorp, Boplaas Family Vineyards excelled at the Cape Port Producers’ Association (CAPPA) Challenge 2013 with three category winning wines & the overall trophy winner for the Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintners Reserve N/V.
The production of fine fortifieds has always been a strong suite of producers at the Cape & none so more than those from the Klein Karoo hamlet of Calitzdorp whose producers craft fine Cape “Ports” crafted from traditional Portuguese varietals. This dedication to the use of Portuguese varietals and the crafting of authentic Cape “Ports” was once again been exemplified by the stellar results achieved by Boplaas Family Vineyards at this year’s CAPPA Challenge 2013. This small family cellar received the trophy for overall winner for the Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintners Reserve N/V, with the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2010 runner up and also clinching victories in three of the five categories.
Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintners Reserve N/V was crafted from Tinta Barocca, aged 12 years in large old oak barrels with a further two years in tank prior to blending and bottling. “South African tawnies are as good as the best from Portugal” commented Dave Hughes – panel chairman and internationally recognized taster. The Boplaas Cape Tawny 1995 – a Vintage Tawny or Colheita – crafted from a selection of 17 year old barrel aged Tawny was runner-up in the Cape Tawny category. Three gold medals were awarded in the Cape Vintage category to the category winning Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2010, to the runner-up Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2009 and finally, to the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2008. These three these Cape “Ports” were crafted from traditional Portuguese varietals, in a drier-style & deemed for decades of careful cellaring.
The Museum Class – for Cape fortifieds 10 years or older – was won by the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2003 and the runner-up slot went to the Boplaas Cape Tawny 1994. For the second year running, the CAPPA Challenge included the CAPPA Top 10 for Portuguese varietal & blended table wines with a minimum Portuguese varietal(s) component of 30% in the blend.
This year, the Boplaas Tinta Chocolat 2012, the Boplaas Ring of Rocks 2011, Boplaas Touriga Nacional 2009 & Woolworths Portuguese Collection 2010 by Boplaas were included in the CAPPA Top 10.