The winners of 2010 Wine magazine Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 competition were announced yesterday at an informal luncheon at Bread & Wine on Môreson Estate in Franschhoek.
The Anura Unfiltered Reserve 2010 was declared a 5-Star “masterpiece”, seven wines earned 4½ Stars and a further 29 were rated 4 Stars at this year’s awards, clearly demonstrating the exceptional quality of South African Sauvignon Blanc.
Anura winemaker Johnnie Calitz will remember this vintage of his Sauvignon Blanc above all others – the time of picking was determined not by phenolic ripeness, but rather by the timing of the arrival of his first born child. “My wife would have killed me if I was running around taking in grapes instead of being by her side in hospital. I was forced to take in the grapes just before this blessed occasion, but all worked out for the best.”
The competition, now in its fourth year, attracted 230 entries, up from 226 entries in 2009 and 186 entries in 2008, demonstrating the unwavering popularity of this category amongst consumers. The tasting panel was at pains to reward many different styles, but identified Darling, Durbanville and Elim as leading areas for the production of top-quality Sauvignon Blanc fruit.
The top 10 wines, in order of Star ratings, then price, are as follows:
5 Stars
Anura Unfiltered Reserve 2010
4 ½ Stars
Sauvignon.com 2010
First Sighting 2009
Cederberg 2010
De Grendel Koetshuis 2010
Strandveld 2010
Graham Beck Pheasants’ Run 2009
Graham Beck Pheasants’ Run 2010
4 Stars
Darling Cellars Bush Vine 2010
Groote Post Reserve 2009
A detailed tasting report and profiles of the top 10 wines appear in the November issue of Wine magazine, on sale at leading retailers from 25 October 2010. Results will also be published on www.winemag.co.za.