National Wine Challenge / Top 100 SA Wine Results 2021

Thursday, 6 May, 2021

buybetterwine.com

Here are the award results for Top 100 / Double Platinum winners of the National Wine Challenge 2021.

Information will be provided on the special awards (Consistency, Grand Cru Best in Class, as well as White, Red, Bubbly, and Fortified/Sweet Wines of the Year on Thursday 13 May and then Double Gold winners on Thursday 20 May.

The National Wine Challenge, incorporating Top 100 SA Wines, the premier fine-wine-only wine competition in SA, launches the industry’s first set of key results for 2021.

Given the nature of Covid risks and protocols it was again not possible to host the annual celebratory awards fixture. A strong line up of over six hundred fine wine entries made for a very competitive challenge this year. Not a record number, but given the lockdowns, bans on sales, and associated industry issues, we were well pleased with this result.

The wine quality this year was again excellent albeit generally perhaps not quite at the level of the past couple of years.

The results speak for themselves. Winning wines in all categories punched hard, making for a compelling case for wine lovers to seek these out. Critically, vineyards can now use their fine awarded results, to assist and embellish their own promotion and sales programmes, positioning their fine wines ahead of the majority for the rest of 2021.

Overview of results by category

White wines

Overall, white wines gained a total of 30 wins. This slightly reduced number takes us back to 2019 and 2017 years. Within this broad category, Chardonnay led the charge gaining 9 Top 100 positions ahead of Chenin Blanc with seven victories. Next came Sauvignon Blanc in third spot with 5 winning wines. Riesling gained 3 nods from judges. This was matched by ‘Other’ blends and ‘Unusual’ cultivars each gaining 3 podium spots too. The Bordeaux Blend category managed a single victory.

The ‘Top 10’ highest scoring white wines overall (in fact ‘top 14’, as there were 6 equal-scoring wines, that needed inclusion)include: 4 Chardonnay, 3 Chenin Blanc, 3 MCC, then one wine each for ‘Other’ white blend, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and a natural sweet wine.

Regionally for the ‘Top 14’ winning white wines, Stellenbosch led the charge with 6 winning wines. Elgin followed with a total of 5 winners. Then Franschhoek managed 2 winning wines and Robertson gained 1 wine.

Red wines

The red wine category again did particularly well in 2021. A total of 63 winning wines found favour with judges and gained Top 100 podium positions. Shiraz pushed out Cabernet this year, dominating with 13 winning wines. Bordeaux Blends followed with a strong line up that totalled 9 gongs. Cabernet performed well cracking 8 nods collectively. Pinotage managed a stellar result with 7 positions. This was followed by Rhone Blends coming home with 6 fine awards. Merlot, ever on the up, gained recognition for 4 strong wins. Then 3 awards each went to the three categories of Pinot Noir, Cape Blends and to Other Red Blends. Other Red Cultivars gained a total of 7 victories. Of these, Cabernet Franc gained 2 wins as did Malbec. Grenache, Nebbiolo and Touriga Nacional each gained a single, solid win.

The ‘Top 10’ (or 11 in this case due to tied scores) red wines included a strong showing of 2 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2 Bordeaux Blends and 2 Pinotage wins. Single wins each went to Cape Blends, Merlot, Other Red Blends, Port and Rhone Blends.

Regionally for the Top 11 red wine, Stellenbosch also dominated with 4 winning wines. Coastal District gained 2 victories with Breede River, Calitzdorp, Paarl, Helderberg, and Tulbagh each gaining one awarded wine.

Rosé

For the fifth year running, a single rosé wine convinced the panel of its merits and achieved a Top 100 award.

MCC and sparkling wines

This was another excellent year for MCC. Matching last year’s 2020 results, a joint record of 7 top slots were awarded in this category. Robertson gained a record-breaking 5 wins, while Stellenbosch gained 2 fine awards.

Natural sweet wines

This category struggled somewhat this year with I very fine example from Elgin gaining a podium entry.

Fortified and muscadel

A total of 2 delicious wines marched to the podium. Both being excellent Muscadel wines, from the same Robertson producer.

Port style

There were 3 compelling wines in this category from Calitzdorp region, to gain Top 100 status.

Vintage - white wines

For the broader white wine category, thus including MCC, sweet and rosé wines, vintages 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016 each had a single winning MCC wine. Then 2018 vintage gained 8 positions, vintage 2019 gained 10 positions and vintage 2020 gained 15 victories. Cultivars per vintage were evenly spread. It was not as if vintage 2020 for example was all Sauvignon Blanc. There were also 2 fine NV bubblies that scooped an award each.

Vintage - red wines

For the broader red wine category including Fortified and Port Wines, vintage 2016 gained 3 awards, 2017 gained 15 awards, 2018 gained 27 awards and vintage 2019 won 22 podium positions. There was one NV Port winning wine in the mix too. Much as for the white wines, cultivars for red wines were spread evenly throughout the vintages above.

Scores and top wine quality

Winning wines that achieved Double Platinum/Top 100 status awards, gained scores of between 91/100 and 95/100. This is similar, but ever so slightly lower, to the score bands in the 2020 NWC event. The majority of winners gained scores spread fairly evenly between the bands of 91/100, 92/100 and 93/100. A smaller number of wines gained 94/100 and 95/100, much as one would expect. SA fine wine remains strong, yielding an array of very fine examples across most cultivars and blends. The 2021 sets of results reinforce the international views that have given kudos to the incremental improvements found consistently across wine styles, cultivars and regions throughout the Western Cape.

Highest 6 scores for white wines including MCC, sweet and rosé

Two Elgin Chardonnays
One Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc
Two Robertson MCCs
A Franschhoek Chardonnay and a Stellenbosch MCC tied for 6th place

Highest 6 scores for red wines including fortified and port

HIGHEST 6 SCORES FOR RED WINES INCLUDING FORTIFIED AND PORT

One Stellenbosch Bordeaux Blend
One Stellenbosch Pinotage
Two Stellenbosch Cabernet
One Western Cape Pinotage
One vintage Port and a Paarl Bordeaux Blend tied for 6th place

Statistics and ratio of entries to wins

Red wines accounted for 55% of total entries. White wines representing 32% of total entries. Rosé wines accounted for just over 1% of entries. MCC increased marginally to 6% of total entries, an identical figure to total entries submitted for Natural Sweets wines, Fortified wines, Muscadel, Jerepigo and Ports style wines.

18% of the high quality red wine entries gained Top 100 status this year. This is marginally down on the 2020 figure. White wines enjoyed a winning ratio of approximately 15% for a similar winning status. This was also slightly down on a 2020 results comparison. 17% of MCC’s entered gained Top 100 status. Just 15% of Sweet, Fortified and Port wines were awarded Top 100 status while rosé achieved 12%.

The largest category of red wines entered was Shiraz. These gained a winning ratio of 18% of wines entered, scoring Top 100 awards. Coincidently, this statistic matched perfectly the overall red category ratio.

For white wines the category of Chardonnay gained the most entries. These gained a winning ratio of 14.5% of wines entered scoring Top 100 status. Another close match in this case, to the overall entry of white wines and their winning ratio.

Robin von Holdt reviews the 2021 National Wine Challenge (NWC), now in its 11th successful year

“We are again for 2021 absolutely delighted with this year’s successful NWC Challenge! This premier fine-wine competition is now in its 11th successful year. Our gratitude runs deep for the strong and very positive levels of commitment and support given to us by many of SA’s leading vineyards. It is so exciting and rewarding to work with the talented group of people making decisions for and managing these tremendously talented wineries.

The manner and approach applied by our professional team as it goes about its business to support and promote SA fine-wine through the National Wine Challenge, continues to receive positive acknowledgement, recognition and support. Wineries continue to see advantageous commercial gains and brand enhancement opportunities,competing for the acclaimed array of long-standing awards. Industry and public recognition of the top-level performances achieved by winners provides independent credibility, linking directly to enhanced shelf space, listings and sales.

SA fine-wine quality continues to improve and many international critics continue their vociferous support. Strong competition worldwide remains on the attack, but it is obvious for now that ascendancy for SA fine wine remains the current trajectory. Stringent viticulture applications and regimes remain in force, which help to produce better fruit qualities. Cellar practices continue fine-tuning improvements. The consequence of these material approaches is greater harmony, elegance, balance and structure in fine wine generally.

Covid 19 and the knock on implications both financially and with regards to trade have been hugely damaging in many ways. Suffice to say that the industry has been dealt a number of blows. Certain of these blows that emanated in SA were totally unnecessary, in essence being below the belt. Fortunately the wine industry culture is resilient and is one of hard, enthusiastic work together with a life-long commitment. Because of these characteristics, the future is secure. The path to achieve this however remains difficult for many.

Thus, we too continue our justified and committed praise of SA’s fine wines at all opportunities and in all situations. Especially so of course for the current, now- awarded Top 100 SA wines. They deserve full support from every quarter!

The results in 2021 are very strong and once again considering the Covid influenced environment, this is particularly so. They showcase a diverse portfolio of remarkable wines. It is always a tough nut to crack this award. We say this every year because it is true. Additional fine wine entries simply makes it that much harder to achieve this special win. New vineyards again entered the 2021 NWC for the first time. Pleasingly a number managed to crack a win or indeed more than one! The judging protocols, quality of judging panels and rigorous audit, sets the standard that others follow. Our definitive and warm thanks once again go to all of our many supporters. Special congratulations of course go to all 2021 winners.”

Double Platinum / Top 100 winners 2021

The following vineyards were major winners in the 2021 National Wine Challenge /Top 100:

Flagstone Winery (5)
Jordan (5)
Van Loveren Wines (5)
Alvi's Drift Private Cellar (4)
Paul Clüver Wines (4)
Ridgeback Wines (4)
Rietvallei Wine Estate (4)
Saronsberg (4)
Babylonstoren (3)
Boplaas (3)
Du Toitskloof Wines (3)
Graham Beck (3)
Koelenhof Winery (3)
Oak Valley Estate (3)
RAKA Wine (3)
Stellenbosch Vineyards (3)
Vrede en Lust (3)

Eleven vineyards gained 2 victories each.

Twenty two vineyards gained 1 victory each.

New winning wineries

Du Toitskloof Wines
Francois van Niekerk Wines
Lothian Vineyards
Van Loveren Wines

A full list of the winning wines is available at the end of the press release.

Winners share their comments

WINNERS SHARE THEIR COMMENTS

Flagstone (5)

Gerhard Swart, head winemaker:"The Flagstone team are ecstatic to have been awarded five wines in the Top 100/Double Platinum Awards. This is a great testimony of the quality of our wines and especially because it covers a broad spectrum of our range of wines. This is a great honour, and we are very proud to have achieved this amazing result."

Jordan (3)

Gary and Kathy Jordan, owners: “The South African wine industry is growing from strength to strength each year, producing wines of ever-improving quality and receiving more international acclaim than ever before. To have 5 Jordan wines chosen in the Top 100 makes the Jordan team incredibly proud of this achievement as well as proud of being part of a developing and flourishing wine industry”.

Van Loveren (5)

Jacques Cilliers & Chris Crafford winemakers: “An amazing reward for us to see changes made in the Van Loveren vineyards reflecting in the results. Proud and full of praise to the vineyard and winemaking teams who managed the vineyards and crafted the wines into winners. “

Alvi's Drift Private Cellar (4)

Dr Alvi van der Merwe, winemaker and owner: "It is an honour to receive a double platinum award from NWC Top100. To receive four is truly a testimony to the work and dedication to excellence of our winemaking and vineyard team. We would like to thank Robin and the team at NWC Top100 for an excellent and consistent award which uplifts the profile of our industry. Well done to the NWC team and our congratulations to our fellow winemaking teams who have produced some truly outstanding wines this year."

Paul Clüver (3)

Paul Clüver, proprietor: "Our family is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence - producing wines with a strong provenance whilst having sustainability at our core. We strive, year after year, to continue learning and improving. It is heart-warming to have our efforts recognised and endorsed. We are grateful for our dedicated team who make this possible. We cannot do it alone - it takes a village."

Ridgeback (4)

Toit Wessels, winemaker: "We are immensely proud of our entire Ridgeback team with another stellar performance including 4 Double Platinum awards at the National Wine Challenge 2021. Meticulous viticulture with site-specific selections and attention to detail in the cellar combine perfectly in our quest to produce consistent wines of the very highest quality throughout the range. Thank you for hosting this benchmark competition for our wonderful industry."

Saronsberg (2)

Dewaldt Heyns, cellarmaster: "We are delighted to be the recipient of four National Wine Challenge Top 100 awards. We consider the NWC as an important benchmark for measuring our progress and consistency against some of South Africa's other top producers. Our dedication to consistency is reflected in the fact that we have retained a high vineyard consistency ranking over the past decade."

Babylonstoren (3)

Klaas Stoffberg, winemaker: "Thanks to NWC for the recognition and well done to all the other producers who performed well. For us, it’s a great reflection of our continuous strive for ultimate quality and consistency. Hats off to the entire team who helped us to produce 3 Top 100 wines. We feel honoured!"

Du Toitskloof Wines (3)

Shawn Thomson, chief production manager and winemaker: “Wow! To have three wines in the Top 100 is an absolute honour. Keywords that come to mind are Dedication, Attention to Detail and incredible Teamwork. I am so happy about the Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc which is the first of its kind from our valley and what was once only an idea is now making us so very proud. Then, one of the most special reds to work with and also a firm favourite of the winemaking team is the Nebbiolo that also came in under the Top 100! Finally, Land’s End Cape South Coast Syrah which is such a special story that was only born a few years ago – a wine that craves meticulous attention to detail has grown into something very close to our hearts."

Graham Beck (3)

Pieter Ferreira, cellarmaster: “We are elated when our Cap Classique’s receive top honours from experts in the industry. This type of recognition highlights Graham Beck’s craftsmanship, versatility and consistency across the entire range, both in the Vintage and Non-Vintage categories. As Cap Classique Specialist specialists we’re inspired by our passionate pursuit of the perfect bubble.”

Koelenhof (3)

Nicholas Husselman, winemaker: "Achieving three double platinum awards and one double gold award with our Stellenbosch 1679 wine range makes us immensely proud. It is truly amazing what you can achieve with good quality grapes, hard work and commitment."

Oak Valley (3)

Jacques du Plessis, winemaker and viticulturist: "The Tabula Rasa range of single clone and single vineyard bottlings provide us with the opportunity to get to know the different components that make up our Groenlandberg wines. It also gives us the chance to share these insights with select customers."

RAKA (3)

Piet Dreyer, owner: "We cannot be more proud. Raka Biography Shiraz is our most awarded wine with a huge following. To have the Raka Five Maidens and the Erica Cabernet Sauvignon honoured in this way is a surprise and a big privilege for Raka. We are very grateful."

Stellenbosch Vineyards (3)

Abraham de Villiers, winemaker:"This is an immensely proud moment to have three of our Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo range wines awarded a Double Platinum & Top 100 award. These recognitions stand true to our Credo slogan: Out of many, one."

Vrede en Lust (3)

Dana Buys, owner: "We are very happy with 3 wines in top-100 for 2021! Etienne, Karlin, Annette, Matthys and their teams, have once again worked hard to ensure our vineyards are looked after well enough for Karlin to work her magic in the cellar. Thanks to the whole team for their commitment to excellence."

De Wet Cellar (2)

Tertius Jonck, winemaker: "We as a team at De Wet highly rate these two wines and are always delighted when we can share good results with the public. We are also very excited about our new release the ‘Vintage MASHUP’ doing so well and showing so much De Wet has to offer. "

Doolhof (2)

Gielie Beukes, cellarmaster: "We are delighted to once again be awarded with two Top 100 wines, both with double platinum ratings. This is the third time for our SV Malbec and the second time since inception for our SV Pinotage; proving that our dedication to consistency and our holistic approach to growing great fruit in the Limietberg ward of Wellington is worth the determination and focus. We are proud to offer you our best."

Elgin Vintners (2)

Marinda Kruger-Claassen, winemaker: “This is the second year that Elgin Vintners has made the Top 100 / Double Platinum Awards, and I am extremely proud of our entire team who worked so hard throughout the year to bring home these accolades. What’s even more rewarding for us is that two of our Sauvignon Blanc wines have made the cut this year!”

Highlands Road (2)

Vanessa Mead, winemaker: SAUVIGNON BLANC WHITE RESERVE 2018 (Grand Cru, DB Platinum, best in class): "The reason why we still have so much to say about wine is that we are intrigued by how we still don’t know enough, I hope I never do. It’s my reason for getting up every morning. The variables involved in making a truly good Sauvignon Blanc are numerous and each year presents a new set in the form of climate, canopy management, vinification methods, cooperage and, of course, the unexpected little dramas.

SEMILLON 2019 (Grand Cru, DB Platinum, best in class): I know it is unfashionable as a varietal, but I believe in this grape. It can be so sublimely fleshy and pleasing while retaining a little allure of flavours that keep developing and changing as you savour it. Semillon does not need a special pairing or occasion, it is always seems ready to delight my palate."

L’Avenir Wine Estate

Dirk Coetzee, winemaker: “Specialisation has resulted in a revolution in modern South African Pinotages. Showcasing Pinotage’s versatility is my greatest winemaking goal.”

Maree Family Wines (2)

Jacques Maree, winemaker/director:"An absolute honour that we received two Double Platinum Awards at this year's National Wine Awards. A great succession to our first vintage of Pieter and the Jackal, and well deserved recognition to our maiden vintage of Klein Jakkals Syrah 2019."

New Cape Wines - Eagles Cliff Winery (2)

Christiaan Groenewald, winemaker/owner @ Eagle’s Cliff Winery: “We are really delighted about our two wins in the Top 100/Double Platinum category, namely our Arendskloof Chardonnay 2020 &Arendskloof Shiraz 2017.

Chardonnay is a variety perfectly suited for our climate. Low yields and well-drained soil guarantee fruity balanced grapes year after year that leads to top quality wine that ages well with new French oak barrels but also ages well whilst keeping its fruity characters.

Our micro climate is also perfect for Shiraz, well drained soils and warm days and cool nights, a perfect combination for full styled fruity red wines, especially Shiraz. These fruity full bodied wines with soft tannins, aged in small oak barrels are unique to our area.”

Ormonde (2)

Theo Basson, proprietor: "We are delighted to have the unique Ormonde terroir once again achieving accolade with our Flagship Rhône blend and treasured Single Vineyard Shiraz. It is a well-deserved pat on the shoulder to the team for dedication in the vineyard and patience in the cellar."

Paul Wallace Wines (2)

Nicky and Paul Wallace, owners: "We couldn’t be more thrilled that both our Crackerjack Bordeaux-styled red wine and Black Dog Malbec have been awarded Top 100 SA Wines and Double Platinum. We know Elgin is well suited to the Burgundian varieties, but similarly the Bordeaux cultivars seem to flourish in Elgin. Both wines proudly display their own personality, showcasing the very best attributes of cool climate Elgin."

Villiera (2)

Alexander Grier, winemaker: "Cap Classique is a focus category at Villiera, and it is great to have our passion and commitment to quality recognized in this manner. Villiera Tradition was first produced in 1984 and it reflects our house style. Our prestigious Monro Brut 2014 is typical of the more mature, richer style."

Almenkerk

Natalie Opstaele, owner: "Yes! 2019 is a Top Vintage for Almenkerk! A complex nose with - typical for Elgin - pomelo, lemon-tree flower, pineapple, oatmeal, fresh coconut and vanilla. Judiciously but unapologetically wooded, the blond toast characters complement the fruit. The zesty palate is softened by the lees contact, leading to a lingering finish. Typical Elgin cool-climate elegance."

Avontuur

Jan van Rooyen, winemaker: “A new addition to our Premiére Range: we present another great Cabernet Sauvignon from the Helderberg Region called “Talk of the Town” named after a son of our legendary sire, VAR. Celebrate and enjoy the power and elegance of this terroir with us."

Bon Courage

Jacques Bruwer, head winemaker: "Respect the soil, the grapes and the climate, do not overwork the fruit and the results will show! We are immensely proud of these prestigious awards and humbled to be recognised for our efforts."

The Cape Wine Company

Erlank Erasmus, founder and winemaker: "This award reflects the talent I believe our winemaking team has. They are a testimony of our team’s hard work and showcases how capable they are of traversing various varieties and winemaking styles to produce consistently refined and age-worthy wines."

Cloof Wine Estate

Hennie Huskisson, head winemaker: “Cloof wines are synonymous with THE VERY SEXY SHIRAZ and once again this iconic wine has proven to be a top-quality Shiraz and up and beyond the best in its class, achieving a Double Gold in the 2021 NWC competition as well as receiving a CWSA Gold medal along with the prestigious 4 Star John Platter award."

Martin Breffit, managing director: “Cloof Wine Estate’s team headed by Hennie’s outstanding expertise in winemaking has achieved even greater heights with not only a Top 100, Double Platinum but also a Grand Cru National Champion best in its class for the Inkspot. This is the latest testament to the staggering number of accolades and endorsements that Cloof and the team are proud of here in the beautiful Darling region.

Conradie Penhill

CP Conradie, owner/director and winemaker: “These grapes were carefully selected from several vineyards on our farms in the Nuy Valley. Harvested by hand at optimum ripeness to ensure flavour concentrations of sweet tropical fruit aromas on the nose, but with a dry finish on the pallet.Excellent companion to any white meat dishes and summer salads.”

Dornier

Francois Theunissen, general manager: "Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 is complex and elegant and shows beautiful typicity of the variety and its unique terroir. We are honoured with the recognition Top 100 has awarded the wine."

Holden Manz Wine Estate

Gerard Holden, co-owner: “Holden Manz is delighted to receive a Top 100/Double Platinum Award for the second year in a row. This time it is for our Rothko Rosé 2020 which is a Provençal styled rosé consisting 60% grenache, 30% syrah and 10% cinsault. It is a tribute to the talents of our winemaking team to achieve this consistency."

Klein Constantia

Matt Day, winemaker: "We are delighted to again be part of the select NWC/Top 100 wines of South Africa with our Estate Red Blend. It is a privilege to share company with some of South Africa’s greats. We are proud to have been taking part of this from the first challenge 11 years ago.”

La Motte (1)

Hein Koegelenberg, CEO: “Being one of the top 100 wines, acknowledges our dedication to consistent quality and elegance in our wine styles. In challenging times, especially, it is an honour to be part of the line-up.”

Lothian Vineyards

Gavin Wilson, owner: "We embarked on a mission to create a wine that will rise up and stand the test of time and capturing an iconic representation of one of the cult production areas in South Africa, the cool climate area of Elgin. From vineyard to cellar, we pursue excellence and are delighted with the continued performance of our flagship wine. Over the last decade we have fine-tuned our winemaking techniques with Pinot noir to craft wines that are not only sublime to drink on release, but are world class examples of the cultivar that will reward further cellaring."

Painted Wolf Wines

Jeremy Borg, co-founder and winemaker: “I have always been proud to make one of South Africa’s only single cultivar Roussannes and am thrilled that our 2019 vintage has been recognised in this way."

Rickety Bridge

Donovan Ackermann, cellarmaster: “We have been doing consistently well in this competition, and it shows us that we are doing something wright. It’s very hard work and takes a lot of dedication to create these wines, so it’s very satisfying to get rewarded for it.”

Wildekrans Wine Estate

Braam Gericke, winemaker and viticulturist: "To receive a Double Platinum, the highest award-winning achievement in the National Wine Challenge 2021 is huge for us. It’s difficult to put into words how proud and grateful we are for this recognition. I’m proud of my team for all their hard work which has reflected in this result.”