YOU MIGHT well scratch your head on hearing the results of South Africa’s National Wine Challenge. Convener Robin von Holdt of BuyBetterWine chooses to release the results in tranches, and whereas it might seem logical to either build up to a climax or begin with the most special awards, he prefers to kick off with a function where only the Top 100 wines on show are revealed. Five days later he trumpets the best of the Top 100 (the class winners). Then a couple of days after that he concludes his announcements by listing 128 medallists that missed the cut for the Top 100.

The number of entries in the 2019 Challenge was put at “over 600”. The judges included Masters of Wine Greg Sherwood (panel chair) and Richard Kershaw, Cape Wine Master Ginette de Fleuriot, Matthew Day (winemaker at Klein Constantia) and Duncan Savage (independent winemaker). For their favourites see below – including a Chenin from Ormonde in Darling, a white blend from Vrede en Lust in Paarl and a red combo from Jordan of Stellenbosch that are all under R100 a bottle.

At the outset, Von Holdt alluded to a dozen wines that had scored highest overall, but opted not to elaborate – the policy being that the Top 100 should all bear equal status and that announcing the class winners was going far enough. For the names of all the laureates and more information about the competition, click here.

WHITE CLASS WINNERS

Almenkerk Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Avontuur Sarabande Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2017
Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Viognier Reserve 2018
Eikendal Chardonnay 2017
Jordan Real McCoy Riesling 2018
Ormonde Chip off the Old Block Chenin Blanc 2017
Spier Creative Block 2 2018 (White Blend)
Spier Woolworths Private Collection Chenin Blanc 2017
Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho 2018
Vrede en Lust White Mischief 2018 (White Blend)

RED CLASS WINNERS

Albertus Viljoen Bismarck 2017 (Red Blend, Alvi’s Drift)
Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2017 (Red Blend)
Cederberg Shiraz 2017
Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Malbec Reserve 2017
Erasmus Grenache 2017 (Cape Wine Co)
Fairview Primo Pinotage 2017
Jordan Chameleon Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2016
La Motte Pierneef Syrah Viognier 2017
Ormonde Merlot 2015
Paul Cluver Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2017
Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2016
Shannon Mount Bullet 2016 (Merlot)
Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Cinsault 2018
Zorgvliet Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Zorgvliet Merlot 2017

OTHER CLASS WINNERS

Arendskloof Pinot Noir Rosé 2018 (Eagle’s Cliff)
Bon Courage Jacques Bruére Blanc de Blancs 2011 (MCC)
Boplaas Cape Tawny NV (Port)
De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2016 (Port)
Orange River Cellars Red Muscadel 2017
Orange River Cellars Straw Wine 2018 (375ml)
Spice Route Amos Block Perpetual Reserve Under Flor NV