Zonnebloem's 2010 Laureat lives up to award-winning name

Tuesday, 21 May, 2013
Zonnebloem
Zonnebloem's 2010 Laureat, a luscious, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend, has won a gold medal at the 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards, held in London.
Fewer than 2% of wines entered achieve a sufficiently high score to receive gold in the event billed as the world's biggest wine competition.

"We really can say that this, our flagship wine has earned the right to its name," says international Zonnebloem spokesperson, Dè-Mari Kellerman. "Laureat takes its name from the laurel wreath conferred in ancient times on those deemed worthy of the distinction."

The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and has been made by Bonny van Niekerk, Zonnebloem's red winemaker.

“It's bold but graceful and well-balanced,” says Bonny. “When you nose the wine, fragrances of blackcurrant and dark chocolate literally jump out of the glass. On the palate, you can taste cherry and blackcurrant and some spice."

The 2012 Limited Edition Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, a creamy-textured white with flavours of tropical fruit and a touch of grassiness, took silver. It was made by Elize Coetzee.

Dè-Mari recommends pairing the Laureat with hearty red meat or game dishes or with hard cheeses, while the Limited Edition Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon is a great accompaniment to creamy shellfish and chicken dishes, she says.   

"Bonny and Elize are two talented women continuing the award-winning tradition established by Marie Furter, who brought acclaim to Zonnebloem when she started out as a winemaker more than 70 years ago," she adds.

WineLand