Global Trader Shiraz Challenge 2010
Global Trader Shiraz Challenge 2010
AUDITED RATINGS
About the category: When it comes to Shiraz, two broad styles can be discerned, the first the overtly aromatic, mediumbodied but densely-structured wines typical of France's Rhône, and the second being the darkly coloured, full-fruited wines made according to South Australia's Barossa Valley template.
Shiraz is an important variety in South Africa, occupying close on 10% of the national vineyard at the end of 2008 (second only to Cabernet Sauvignon among reds), and it is to the country's credit that it seems capable of making accomplished examples across the stylistic spectrum.
Key findings: If the trend in consumer taste is towards wines made in a fruitier style with less aggressive tannins, then local Shiraz producers are on the money. The defi ning character of the best examples at the moment seems to be density of fruit.
The wines are typically highly concentrated, sometimes a little sweet, or at least possessing the appearance of sweetness, and often having smooth, gentle tannins. As panellist and beverage manager for Balducci's and Belthazar restaurants at the V&A Waterfront James Pietersen put it, "Those consumers who think they like Merlot should be drinking Shiraz".
The danger, however, is that the wines take on a generic character and simply become good red wine rather than true Shiraz. Just as wines that are pretty but insubstantial ultimately don't satisfy, neither do wines that possess weight and power but lack real complexity. The suspicion is that while there are an increasing amount of very good wines, there are still too few that have the X-factor that elevates them to greatness.
There is definitely room for more intricate aromatics and more subtle tannin structures in addition to all the succulent fruit that is already on offer.
Judging procedures: There were 184 entries in total. These were tasted blind by the five-person panel, with scoring done according to the 20-point/5-Star system.
After this first round of judging was concluded, 46 wines were considered to have particular distinction. These went through to a second round where the panel could give them a more detailed examination.
Once this round was completed there were two wines tied for first place, both possessing the same arithmetic average score, these being Rickety Bridge 2008 and Saronsberg Provenance 2007.
Of the five judges, one scored the Rickety Bridge higher, one scored them exactly the same and three the Saronsberg higher, making the latter wine winner. A Top 10 is also presented in order to draw attention to the depth of quality and breadth of styles that the Shiraz category displays.
The wine with the best quality/price ratio in the context of the average price per bottle and therefore winner of this year's best value award was Obikwa 2009 from producerwholesaler Distell.
SHIRAZ CHALLENGE WINNERS TO DATE
2010 Saronsberg Provenance
2007
2009 Diemersdal 2007
2008 Nederburg Winemaster's
Reserve 2006
2007 Bon Courage Inkará 2005
2006 Saxenburg Private
Collection 2003
2005 Kleine Zalze Family
Reserve 2003
2004 Simonsig Merindol 2001
Top 10 Wines Overall
In order of arithmetic average score
1. Saronsberg Provenance 2007
2. Rickety Bridge 2008
3. Benguela Cove Walker Bay Premium
Selection 2008
4. Eagles' Nest 2008
5. Spier Private Collection 2007
6. Hartenberg 2006
7. Terra D'Aria e Soprano Reserve 2008
8. Flagstone Dark Horse 2007
9. Windmeul Reserve 2008
10. Rainbow's End Single Vineyard 2008
Top 10
In order of Star rating, then ascending price
★ ★ ★ ★ ✩ FOUR AND A HALF STARS
Provenance 2007
SARONSBERG PRICE: R89
Alc 15.1% RS 3.4g/l TA 5.5g/l pH 3.37
The nose shows dark berries, fynbos and
some smokiness. The palate is big, bold
and smooth-textured. ere's plenty of
juicy black cherry fruit, well-judged oak and
vibrant acidity. Drink now or over the next
two years.
CE 16.5 CA 17.5 MC 18 CR 17 JP 15
Rickety Bridge 2008 FOUR STARS
CELLAR PRICE: R100
Alc 14.57% RS 3.3g/l TA 5.6g/l pH 3.71
A complex nose showing lavender, spice and
pepper.The palate is rich and full with ripe,
dark fruit, relatively soft acidity and smooth
tannins. Drink now or over the next
three years.
CE 15.5 CA 17.5 MC 17.5 CR 16 JP 17.5
★ ★ ★ ★ FOUR STARS
Windmeul Reserve 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R60
Alc 15% RS 3.9g/l TA 5.4g/l pH 3.7
An expressive nose showing dark fruit, spice,
chocolate and mint. The palate is rich and
full with concentrated fruit, fresh acidity and
firm tannins. Drink now or over the next
three years.
CE 14 CA 16 MC 17.5 CR 17 JP 16
Rainbow's End
Single Vineyard 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R98
Alc 14% RS 3.9g/l TA 5.4g/l pH 3.74
A hint of vanilla on an otherwise shy nose.
The palate is rich and full with both red and
black fruit, some pepper and spice, soft but
suffi cient acidity and smooth, mouthcoating
tannins. Keep for one to three years.
CE 16.5 CA 16 MC 16.5 CR 16.5 JP 15
Terra D'Aria
The Soprano Reserve 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R108
Alc 14.9% RS 3.8g/l TA 5.2g/l pH 3.72
Forthcoming nose displaying spice and
pepper which follows through to the palate.
In addition, there's juicy red fruit, fresh
acidity and well-judged oak. Relatively
medium-bodied. Drink now or over the next
three years.
CE 15.5 CA 17 MC 16.5 CR 15 JP 17
Benguela Cove Walker Bay
Premium Selection 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R110
Alc 15.1% RS 3.7g/l TA 6.3g/l pH 3.52
The nose shows dark berries, spice and
pepper. e palate is full-bodied but balanced
with excellent fruit definition, bright
acidity and prominent but attractive oak.
Youthful now, keep for one to three years.
CE 17 CA 15 MC 17 CR 16 JP 18
Hartenberg 2006
CELLAR PRICE: R130
Alc 14.5% RS 1.8g/l TA 5.7g/l pH 3.56
Red and black fruit, spice and pepper and a
pleasing hint of development on the nose
and palate. Great focus and balance. Fresh
acidity and fine tannins. Long, dry finish.
Drink now or over the next three years.
CE 15.5 CA 14.5 MC 17 CR 17 JP 17
Spier Private Collection 2007
APPROXIMATE RETAIL PRICE: R135
Alc 15% RS 2.9g/l TA 6g/l pH 3.67
Dark fruit, pepper and attractive oak on the
nose. The palate is big but balanced with
excellent fruit concentration, fresh acidity
and firm but fine tannins. Pure and focused.
Drink now or over the next two years.
CE 17 CA 15 MC 18 CR 16 JP 16
Eagles' Nest 2008*
CELLAR PRICE: R190
Alc 14.92% RS 2.1g/l TA 5.9g/l pH 3.71
Red and black fruit, lavender, pepper and
spice on the nose. The palate is mediumbodied
and elegant: great purity of fruit, and
well-judged oak. Pleasingly long, dry finish.
Keep for two to five years.
CE 16 CA 17 MC 17 CR 15.5 JP 17.5
Flagstone Dark Horse 2007*
(Constellation Wines SA)
CELLAR PRICE: R200
Alc 14.74% RS 2.2g/l TA 6.2g/l pH 3.57
A brooding nose showing dark fruit, fynbos
and attractive oak. The palate is rich and fullbodied
but well-balanced. Flavours of red
and black berry, pepper, liquorice and coffee.
Drink now or over the next two years.
CE 18 CA 16 MC 15.5 CR 16 JP 15.5
Also 4 Stars
★ ★ ★ ★ FOUR STARS
Glenelly
The Glass Collection 2009*
CELLAR PRICE: R75
Alc 14.47% RS 2.4g/l TA 5.3g/l pH 3.72
Very primary on the nose and palate. The
wine shows ultra-ripe dark fruit and firm,
youthful tannins. Needs time. Keep for one
to four years.
CE 15 CA 16 MC 18 CR 16 JP 14.5
De Grendel 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R85
Alc 14.77% RS 3.3g/l TA 5.8g/l pH 3.53
Dark fruit, pepper and attractive oak on the
nose. The palate is medium-bodied with good
concentration of fruit, fresh acidity and firm
but fine tannins. Pleasing savoury finish.
CE 18 CA 14 MC 17.5 CR 14.5 JP 15.5
Fort Simon 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R97
Alc 14.62% RS 4.56g/l TA 5.75 pH 3.56
Red fruit, some earthiness, spice and pepper
on the nose and palate. Juicy and sweet on
entry before a long, dry finish. Drink now or
over the next two years.
CE 18 CA 14.5 MC 15 CR 15.5 JP 16
Bon Courage Limited Release
Inkará 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R105
Alc 15% RS 5.9g/l TA 5.8g/l pH 3.52
The nose shows ripe dark fruit, fynbos and
black pepper. Rich and full on the palate
with juicy fruit and prominent but not discordant
oak. Extravagant, Barossa-like style.
Drink now or over the next two years.
CE 18 CA 15 MC 17 CR 15.5 JP 15
Avontuur Dominion Royale
Reserve 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R120
Alc 15% RS 2.5g/l TA 5.8g/l pH 3.56
Red and black fruit, smoked meats and
pepper on the nose. The palate is rich and
full with juicy fruit balanced by fresh acidity
and well-judged oak. Drink now or over the
next three years.
CE 15.5 CA 16.5 MC 17 CR 17 JP 13
Dunstone 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R120
Alc 14% RS 2.3g/l TA 5.1g/l pH 3.9
The nose shows red fruit, some floral
character, pepper and spice. The palate is
medium-bodied and shows great complexity
of flavour, fresh acidity and delicate tannins.
Savoury finish. Drink now or over the next
three years.
CE 15.5 CA 15 MC 17 CR 15.5 JP 16.5
BEST VALUE - TOP FIVE WINES ON PRICE
Wines rated 2½ Stars or better and recommended for particularly good value on the basis of their quality/price ratio in the context of the average price per bottle of the
184 wines assessed:
Name of wine Rating Price
1. Obikwa 2009 (Distell) ARP 3 Stars R23.95
2. De Wet 2009 3 Stars R28
3. La Bonne Vigne 2009 3 Stars R39
4. Koelenbosch 2007 (Koelenhof) 3 Stars R40
5. Windmeul Reserve 2008 4 Stars R60
Steenberg 2008
CELLAR PRICE R120
Alc 15% RS 3.5g/l TA 6.2g/l pH 3.55
Red and black fruit, touch of mint, spice
and smoke on the nose. The palate shows
good concentrated fruit, fresh acidity and
well-judged oak. Drink now or over the next
three years.
CE 14 CA 14.5 MC 17 CR 18 JP 15.5
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Morton's 2005 R55
Robertson Wolfkloof 2007 R57.60
Nederburg R60
The Winemaster's Reserve 2008
Rhebokskloof Estate 2008 R62
Boland Cellar R77
Natural Reserve No 1 2008
Rhebokskloof R102
Black Marble Hill 2007
Groot Constantia 2007 R106
Diemersfontein Carpe Diem 2007 R110
Cederberg 2008 R140
Nelson Estate 2008 R140
Journey's End R145
The Cape Doctor 2005
Oldenburg Vineyards 2008 R155
Anatu 2008 R160
Nicolas van der Merwe 2007 R180
KWV The Mentor's 2008 R195
★ ★ ★ THREE STARS
Obikwa 2009* (Distell) ARP R23.95
De Wet 2009 R28
La Bonne Vigne 2009* R39
Koelenbosch 2007 (Koelenhof) R40
Uitvlucht 2008 R47
(Montagu Wine and Spirit Company)
Stellenrust 2008 R49
Hawksmoor at Matjieskuil R49.50
Saint Alfege's Syrah Mouvédre 2008*
Simonsig Mr Borio's 2006 R54
Lutzville R57.49
The Diamond Collection 2008
Indalo 2007 (Swartland) ARP R62.95
Terra D'Aria Shiraz Viognier 2008 R64
Hazendal 2008 R65
Tokara Zondernaam 2007* R65
Laborie Limited Collection 2007 R67
Diemersfontein 2008 R69
Hoopenburg Bush Vines 2006 R69
Stellenzicht Golden Triangle 2006 ARP R69
Dieu Donné 2007 R70
De Vallei 2008 R75
MAN Vintners Reserve 2008* R75
Viljoensdrift R75
River Grandeur 2008
Allée Bleue 2007 R80
Black Pearl 2008* R85
La Cave 2008 (Wamakersvallei) R85
Backsberg Pumphouse 2007 R88
Provenance 2008 (Saronsberg) R89
Tukulu 2007 ARP R90
La Bri 2006 R100
Jordan 2007* R103
Andreas 2008 R110
Lomond 2007 ARP R110
Thelema 2006 R110
Cape to Cairo 2006 ARP R116.67
The Bernard Series Basket Press R127
Bellingham 2007 (DGB) ARP
Hartenberg 2007 R130
Marianne 2007 R162
La Vigne Single Vineyard 2007 R185
Meerendal Bin 159 2006 R185
La Motte Pierneef Collection R189
Shiraz Viognier 2007
Vergelegen 2007 ARP R190
Kleine Zalze R195
Family Reserve 2007
Stellenzicht 2003 ARP R210
Stark-Condé ree Pines R225
Jonkershoek Valley 2008
★ ★ ✩ TWO AND A HALF STARS
Bovlei 2008 R38.50
Rooiberg Woolworths R38.95
Red Stone 2008 ARP
Simonsvlei Premier Selection 2008* R40
DC Black Granite 2009* R43
(Darling Cellars)
Landskroon 2008 R45
Alexanderfontein 2008* R46
(Ormonde)
Stellenbosch Hills 2007* R46
Uitvlucht Shiraz 2007 R47
(Montagu Wine and Spirit Company)
Waverley Hills 2007 R48
Garden Route 2007* (De Krans) R49
Jason's Hill 2007 R49
Brampton 2008* R52.95
(Rustenberg) ARP
Rooiberg Reserve 2008 R57
Ondine 2008 (Ormonde) R59
Zonnebloem 2008 (Bergkelder) R59
Naughton's Flight 2006 R60
Eaglevlei 2007 R65
KWV Reserve 2007 R65
Zonnebloem Shiraz R66
Mouvèdre Viognier 2006 (Bergkelder)
Boschendal 1685 2007 R68
Onyx 2007 (Darling Cellars) R79
Lord's 2008 R80
Groenland Premium 2007 R85
Manley 2007 R85
Nash Family Vineyards R85
Rhinoceros Hill 2008* (Black Pearl)
Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection 2008 R90
Longridge 2007 R90
Kloovenburg 2007 R97
Koelfontein 2006 R100
La Bri Shiraz Viognier 2007 R100
Nederburg Manor House 2008 R100
Hercules Paragon 2005 R110
(Simonsvlei)
Spier Creative Block 3 2007 ARP R110
The Auction Crossing Syrah R110
Viognier 2008 (Hex River Crossing)
Cape to Cairo 2007 ARP R116.67
La Motte 2008 R117
Saxenburg Private Collection 2007 R119
Bizoe Estalet 2008 R120
Joubert-Tradauw 2006 R120
Lammershoek 2008 R120
Muratie 2007 R125
Glenwood 2008 R130
Boschendal Reserve Collection 2006 R135
Hermanuspietersfontein R139
Die Martha 2006
Rustenberg Stellenbosch 2008 R145
Mulderbosch 2006 R146
Kevin Arnold Nadine 2007 R155
Meerendal Bin 159 2005 R185
Vergelegen 2008 R190
Warwick Black Lady 2006 R190
Graham Beck e Ridge 2006 R195
KWV The Mentor's 2007 R195
Simonsig Merindol 2007 R210
Delheim Vera Cruz 2006 R225
Stark-Condé ree Pines R225
Jonkershoek Valley 2007
Lomond Conebush 2007 ARP R230
Emineo Liber III RG 2007 ARP R245.83
Zandvliet Kalkveld R269
Hill of Enon "Small Berry Pick" 2004
★ ★ TWO STARS
Libby's Pride Wines 2009 R28.50
Wamakersvallei R31.50
Bain's Way 2008*
Lutzville Cape Diamond R31.99
Cool Climate 2009*
Douglas Green 2008 ARP R39.99
Perdeberg Reserve 2008 R47.50
Bovlei Centenary Collection 2006 R50.50
Villiera 2008 R56.40
Landskroon Paul De Villiers 2008 R62
Lady Anne Barnard 2007 R64.99
(African Pride) ARP
Riebeek Cellars Reserve 2007 R65
Neethlingshof 2004 ARP R69
Nick and Forti's 2006 (Saronsberg) R70
Bellpost 2007 R77
Bushmanspad Red Gold 2007 R78
KWV Cathedral Cellar 2008 R86
Groote Post 2008 R87
Eventide R88
" The Dancer" 2007* (Mischa)
Allesverloren 2008 ARP R90
Welbedacht 2006 R90
Joostenberg 2007 R95
Simonsvlei Woolworths R98
Hercules Paragon 2006 ARP
Hoopenburg Integer 2006 R110
Onderkloof 2007 R110
Julien Schaal R120
"Mountain Vineyards" 2008
Rijk's Private Cellar 2004 R120
Teddy Hall Reserve 2008 R120
Cederberg 2007 R130
Iona 2007 R135
Grande Provence 2007* R140
Quoin Rock Simonsberg 2008 R145
Laborie Jean Taillefert 2006 R151
Vergelegen 2006 ARP R190
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2008 R195
Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection 2006* R200
Perdeberg Rex Equus 2007 R240
Rijk's Estate 2007 R250
★ ONE STAR
A Few Good Men 2008 (Riebeek) R55
De Meye 2007 R70
Spencer Bay Winemaker's Reserve 2007 R75
(Namaqua Wines)
Eventide 2006 (Mischa) R78
De Grendel 2007 R85
Topiary 2007 R95
Boplaas Family Reserve 2007 R100
Bilton 2006 R110
Glen Carlou 2006 R120
Beau Joubert 2008 R125
Rietvallei Special Select 2006 R125
ALSO TASTED
Bovlei Centenary Collection 2007 R50.50
Kaapzicht 2006 R85
J H Pacas 2004 R90
J H Pacas 2005 R90
PRICES: wines in each quality grouping are listed in order of ascending price - all excellar unless otherwise stipulated
ARP Approximate retail price
* Bottled unders screwcap
WINE TASTERS:
Christian Eedes (chair) (CE), Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman (CR), Wine Judging Academy graduates Carrie Adams
of retailer Norman Goodfellows (CA) and James Pietersen (JP) and sommelier Miguel Chan of Southern Sun Deluxe Hotels (MC).
ARE YOU GETTING WHAT YOU PAY FOR?
Average price per 750ml bottle of the 184 Shiraz wines assessed: R105
Average price per 750ml bottle of the 17 wines rated 4 to 4½ Stars: R114
Average price per 750ml bottle of the 58 wines rated 3 to 3½ Stars: R102
Average price per 750ml bottle of the 94 wines rated 2 to 2½ Stars: R108
Average price per 750ml bottle of the 15 wines rated less than 2 Stars: R90
