Simonsig Family Vineyards' Langbult Steen 2024 came out on top of the varietal rankings at this year’s prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), earning a Gold medal with an impressive 96-point score. This exceptional Chenin Blanc outshone all South African contenders and shared the top honours with a producer from the variety’s spiritual home in France. Third-generation winemaker Michael Malan hailed the achievement as “a triumph for South African Chenin Blanc and a testament to the tremendous efforts to spotlight the value of South Africa’s old vineyards.”
Now in its 22nd year, the Decanter World Wine Awards has cemented its status as the globe’s most respected and far-reaching wine competition, celebrated for its exacting standards and credibility. This year’s edition saw entries from 57 countries, assessed by a record-breaking panel of 248 leading wine authorities from 35 nations – including 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine – making it the most expert-driven judging process in the competition’s history.
Not only did the Simonsig Langbult Steen 2024 emerge as the highest-rated Chenin Blanc from South Africa, but its rating also places it among only 10 Gold-winning Chenin Blancs, with wines hailing predominantly from South Africa, but also Chile and France. The Langbult Steen was one of just two to receive 96 – the highest score in the category.
The Langbult Steen is a barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc from a single vineyard and holds the distinction of being Simonsig’s first wine to achieve official Old Vine status – recognition that speaks to a site nurtured by three generations of winemakers. In its assessment of the Simonsig Langbult Steen 2024, the DWWA judging panel described the wine as “glorious” and “elevating”.
Beyond the excellence of the wine itself, this title also shines a light on our generational dedication to the variety. It was Michael’s grandfather, the late Frans Malan, who bottled the estate’s first wine labelled under the Simonsig name – the Simonsig Steen (Chenin Blanc) in 1968, and used it for South Africa’s very first traditional method sparkler: the famous Kaapse Vonkel Cap Classique. Chenin Blanc remains a cornerstone of this proud Stellenbosch family vineyard with multiple expressions of the variety under our label. Often referred to as ‘the sunshine grape’, Chenin Blanc continues to grow in popularity among wine lovers, combining the vibrant freshness of Sauvignon Blanc with the complexity of Chardonnay. As South Africa’s most widely planted variety and one of its most competitive categories, Simonsig’s latest achievement is all the more remarkable.
“We’re honoured by the recognition this wine has received at the Decanter World Wine Awards,” says Michael, reaffirming Simonsig’s commitment to preserving South Africa’s old vine legacy. Viticulturist Nicole Pelzer adds: “We’re placing particular focus on the Langbult block, investing in its long-term soil health through ongoing soil and leaf analyses to maintain optimal nutrient balance.” In making the Langbult Steen 2024, fruit was harvested in five pickings at different ripeness levels during the season. Each picking was vinified and aged in barrel separately, to get the best out of the different expressions of Chenin Blanc and the vineyard. The result is an exceptionally engaging wine, layered with vibrant yellow fruit and subtle spice aromas.
This award-winning wine is available online, at the Simonsig tasting room in Stellenbosch and at select retailers and restaurants.