What makes this award truly unique is that the judging panel consists exclusively of winemakers representing all wine regions of South Africa. The winemakers assess the wines both technically and aesthetically. Roughly 10% of entrants receive an award which goes to show the tough criteria for selection. And this year, La Vierge has won the Diamond award for the best Pinot Noir with the La Vierge Noir 2010. La Vierge, is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge which ranks amongst the best growing area for this delicate cultivar in South Africa and with 18ha of prime Pinot Noir vineyards, this private cellar focuses on Pinot. “The 2010 La Vierge Noir reflects a delicate feminine style with fruit driven flavours rather than an overworked wood bomb”, says Marc van Halderen, Winemaker at La Vierge. The 2010 Pinot Noir was made from handpicked and hand sorted grapes from a single vineyard selection of clone 115. The grapes were handled gently at the cellar with daily pump overs and where spontaneous fermentation with natural yeast took place. To enhance the tannin and acid profile of the wine, 30% of stalks were included. After fermentation the skins were lightly pressed and the wine was racked into a selection of Burgundian Barriques (30% new oak) for nine months ageing. Once the wine was blended and bottled the wine was allowed to mature for a further 18 months. This versatile medium bodied wine with ample fruit, spice and earthiness is the perfect companion with Lobster Bisque, risotto drenched with olive oil and truffles, paella, duck and tikka chicken. This wine has a cellar potential for five to seven years. “It is a great honour to be recognised for this achievement, in wine, by my fellow winemakers - an endorsement of quality from a group of my own peers. It comes after a dream put into action ten years ago. Pinot Noir, the heartbreak grape, has given us something to smile about”, concludes van Halderen. This award winning wine is available at the La Vierge cellar, wine specialist stores at a suggested retail price of R180 per 750ml and in fine dining restaurants, or enjoy it by the glass at the La Vierge Restaurant with its breath taking views.