The production of fine fortifieds has always been a strong suite of producers at the Cape & none so more than those from the Klein Karoo hamlet of Calitzdorp whose producers craft fine Cape “Ports” crafted from traditional Portuguese varietals. This dedication to the use of Portuguese varietals and the crafting of authentic Cape “Ports” was once again been exemplified by the stellar results achieved by Boplaas Family Vineyards at this year’s CAPPA Challenge 2013. This small family cellar received the trophy for overall winner for the Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintners Reserve N/V, with the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2010 runner up and also clinching victories in three of the five categories. Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintners Reserve N/V was crafted from Tinta Barocca, aged 12 years in large old oak barrels with a further two years in tank prior to blending and bottling. “South African tawnies are as good as the best from Portugal” commented Dave Hughes – panel chairman and internationally recognized taster. The Boplaas Cape Tawny 1995 – a Vintage Tawny or Colheita – crafted from a selection of 17 year old barrel aged Tawny was runner-up in the Cape Tawny category. Three gold medals were awarded in the Cape Vintage category to the category winning Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2010, to the runner-up Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2009 and finally, to the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2008. These three these Cape “Ports” were crafted from traditional Portuguese varietals, in a drier-style & deemed for decades of careful cellaring. The Museum Class – for Cape fortifieds 10 years or older – was won by the Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2003 and the runner-up slot went to the Boplaas Cape Tawny 1994. For the second year running, the CAPPA Challenge included the CAPPA Top 10 for Portuguese varietal & blended table wines with a minimum Portuguese varietal(s) component of 30% in the blend. This year, the Boplaas Tinta Chocolat 2012, the Boplaas Ring of Rocks 2011, Boplaas Touriga Nacional 2009 & Woolworths Portuguese Collection 2010 by Boplaas were included in the CAPPA Top 10. These award winning Cape “Ports” & table wines are available from select retailers nation winde and from our cellar door in Calitzdorp, as well as from the Cool Bay tasting room in Groot Brak River along the N2 near Mossel Bay. For more information please visit Boplaas visit www.boplaas.co.za, give us a call on 044-2133326, send an email to info@boplaas.co.za or follow us on Twitter @Boplaas1880 This years ABSA Calitzdorp Port & Wine Festival will be held over the long weekend of the 14 -17 June. Tickets available on Computicket. For more info about the Portfestival www.portwinefestival.co.za Boplaas Family Vineyards, Calitzdorp – Tending vines & Crafting wines, since 1880