THE judging for the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show – now in its seventh year - took place at Grande Roche in Paarl last week.
During three days of stringent tasting, the nine local and international panellists worked their way through 1 024 submissions.
It was announced at the judges’ feedback session on Thursday that the 2008 show produced 24 gold, 52 silver and 242 bronze medals. The medal recipients and 15 trophy winners will be announced on 2 June.
This year’s entries consisted of 156 Shiraz, 96 Chardonnay, 105 Cabernet Sauvignon, 114 Bordeaux-style Red Blends, 106 Sauvignon Blanc, 62 Merlot, 58 Pinotage and 41 Chenin Blanc.
Meticulous attention to detail throughout the judging period ensures that the Trophy Wine Show maintains its reputation as one of the toughest and most rigorous events of its kind in the world.
Judges applauded the local wine industry for some excellent produce, but at the same time pointed out that the current South African wines were still a few steps behind the rest of the world.
An issue which was once again raised, specifically amongst international judges, was that local wine producers were still stalling on the implementation of screw caps.
According to them, 66% of Australian producers use screw caps, as do 90% of New Zealand producers.
They pointed out that during the tasting it was shocking to see the number of corked wines tasted.
Another matter which arose was the Pinotage debate, with an overall consensus that this unique South African cultivar deserves more recognition and should be promoted aggressively in the export market.
It was noted that the local wine industry was improving with some excellent products on the market.
The overseas judges included Joël Payne, editor of Meininger’s Wine Business International and Gault Millau German Wine Guide and Sam Harrop MW (UK), a chairman of the International Wine Challenge.
The local judges included Angela Lloyd, who has been tasting for the John Platter SA Wine Guide for 22 years and Cathy van Zyl, South Africa’s only resident Master of Wine.
Michael Fridjhon, co-convenor of the show together with WINE magazine since 2002, chaired the judges.
A series of Masterclass® and Public Tastings will be held in six major centres in South Africa and one in Namibia over a two week period following the announcement of the competition winners in June.
Cape Town wine lovers can taste the winners on 12 June at the Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays from 17h00–20h00. Tickets are available via Computicket or at the door at R75 and R90.
