Entries were
received from far and wide, and a panel of experts spent three days in
assessing a record number of 207 entries.
Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa's most competitive category, and the quality of
the wines on display were evident from the start. Panelists Christian
Eedes (convenor), Elzette du Preez, Cathy Marston, Carrie Adams and Richard
Kershaw MW discussed and deliberated for many hours to come up with a fantastic
selection, representing a great diversity of origins and styles, that shows the
true potential of this noble grape variety in South African conditions.
The great majority of wines in the Top 20 are from specific wards of origin,
with Darling, Stellenbosch, Cape Point, Elgin and Durbanville featuring
prominently. New and exciting areas, such as Elandskloof near
Villiersdorp entered the Top 20 for the first time, with the unknown region of
Langeberg-Garcia managing a position for the second year running.
Sauvignon Blanc stalwarts Cape Point Vineyards, Thelema, Graham Beck, Kleine
Zalze and Durbanville Hills show consistency, while DGB's Franschhoek Cellar
Statue de Femme and Boschendal Reserve aim to duplicate their achievement of
2011, when both managed a position in the FNB Top 10.
The Top 20, in alphabetical order
- Alexanderfontein Chip off The Old Block
Sauvignon Blanc 2013
- Boschendal Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc
2013
- Cape of Good Hope Altima Sauvignon Blanc 2013
- Cape Point Vineyards Woolworths 2012
- Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve
2012
- Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2012
- Durbanville Hills Rhinofields Sauvignon Blanc
2012
- Franschhoek Cellar Statue de Femme Sauvignon
Blanc 2013
- Graham Beck Pheasants' Run Sauvignon
Blanc 2012
- Havana Hills Virgin Earth The Pepper Tree Sauvignon
Blanc 2013
- Hillcrest Sauvignon Blanc 2013
- Jordan Sauvignon Blanc 2013
- Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
2012
- Nederburg Private Bin D234 Sauvignon Blanc
2012
- Ormonde Sauvignon Blanc 2012
- Phizante Kraal Sauvignon Blanc 2013
- Sumaridge Estate Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2013
- Thelema Sauvignon Blanc 2013
- Thelema Sutherland Sauvignon Blanc 2012
- Vrede en Lust Casey's Ridge Sauvignon Blanc
2012
“The 2013 FNB Sauvignon
Blanc Top 10 competition continues to
grow from strength to strength and we are proud of all the contestants who are
part of the top 20. As the most innovative bank globally, we are pleased
to celebrate yet another landmark in showcasing South Africa''s most innovative
and exciting wine-making talent. FNB is firmly committed to enhancing the
competitive edge of South African wine-makers, and broadening the appeal of the
industry to all segments of our society. Our association with this competition
is also entrenched in the belief that our country has the necessary talent to
be able to compete on the global stage,” said Stephan Claassen FNB Provincial
head, Western Cape.
According to
Pieter de Waal, SBIG secretary and organiser of the competition, this was a
year where the judges were spoiled for choice. "Having judged at
Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in France this year, as well as the Berliner Wein
Trophy in Germany, I have no reservations in saying that this year's FNB
Top 20 are all world-class wines that are able to stand out in an international
context."
The 2013 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 will be
announced at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate on Friday, 27 September 2013.
For any other
enquiries, please contact Pieter de Waal on 083 357 3864 or sbig@dw.co.za