The winners of the two Double Golds – the highest accolades awarded per wine category at South Africa’s premier wine competition – are the cuvée, Steenberg Lady R Cap Classique 2017, and Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay Cap Classique NV. The Gold medal winner is Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Cap Classique NV.
The Sauvignon Blanc gold medallist is Steenberg’s flagship, The Black Swan 2021.
“We are elated to receive this amazing line up of awards. The acknowledgment from a highly esteemed panel of judges of our unwavering commitment to producing outstanding Sauvignon Blanc and Cap Classique is indeed an honour. The determination and commitment shown by our entire farm and cellar team shines through in such excellent results,” says cellarmaster Elunda Basson.
Steenberg Lady R Cap Classique 2017 is a consummate blend of Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%). Seriously structured, yet elegantly nuanced and vibrant, Lady R resonates the courageous life of Catharina Ras, Steenberg’s inspiring 17th century founder. Her legacy is ever-present in the passion and determination of the entire Steenberg team. The 2017 vintage spent an astounding 52 months on the yeast lees in the bottle developing its luxurious character, creamy mousse and complexity.
“Our Lady R is a representation of the stunning natural acidity and ageability of the 2017 harvest season, in combination with careful maturation on the lees adding texture and mouthfeel, all in beautiful harmony,” says Elunda who has earned her stripes as one of the country’s most accomplished masters of Cap Classique.
Specially crafted to be enjoyed for all occasions yet equally elegant, the ever-popular Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay Cap Classique NV is a richly layered Blanc de Blancs that matures for up to 18 months on the lees to reach its full potential. The result is a fresh and vibrant Cap Classique with a lively palate and zesty acidity.
“Our Brut Chardonnay Cap Classique exudes freshness and fruit purity with great finesse and complexity,” says Elunda.
The Gold medallist, Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Cap Classique strikes an elegant pose. The ultra-fine mousse and the creamy texture, in perfect balance with bright acidity, linger long after the last sip.
Steenberg is synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc and the Gold medal for The Black Swan 2021 is well deserved. Crafted from the best vineyard blocks of the vintage, the wine is a pure expression of Steenberg terroir and the farm’s unique sense of place.
“Our vines are rooted in lean soils which are excellent for Sauvignon Blanc as they naturally keep the yields low, concentrate the flavours and add a distinctive minerality to the wines,” adds Elunda.
The 2022 Veritas Awards drew 1 312 entries judged overall by a jury of 70 local wine specialists.
Steenberg Vineyards is one of the jewels of the idyllic Constantia Valley.
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