FOR THE annual Six Nations Wine Challenge staged in Sydney, Australia, entries are submitted following an invitation to the producers from the wine writer and judge representing each of the participating countries. In 2019 the panel of critics comprised South Africa’s Michael Fridjhon (chair), Australia’s Huon Hooke, New Zealand’s Terry Copeland, the USA’s Patrick Comiskey and Canada’s Christopher Waters. Each judge selects 100 wines across 16 classes with a maximum of 10 in any class, and what follows is a blind-tasting of 600 wines to determine the New World Champions of the Year.

The most applauded wines in 2019: Canada’s Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Carte Blanche Blanc de Blanc 2013 (top sparkling wine overall), New Zealand’s Church Road Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2018 (top white wine overall), and the USA’s Hartford Court Dina’s Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel 2016 (top red wine wine overall). Two trophies went to South African producers: Cederberg Private Cellar for Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (from Elim grapes), and Vilafonté for their Series C 2016 (Bordeaux-style red blend from Paarl grapes).

See below for all of South Africa’s most successful wines at the show. For the full results and more about the Challenge, click here.

SA TROPHY LAUREATES

Ghost Corner Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2017
R230pb from the cellar, Cederberg

Vilafonté Series C 2016 (Red Blend)
R1450pb from the cellar, Stellenbosch

SA DOUBLE GOLD MEDALLISTS

Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
R450pb from the cellar, Franschhoek

Deetlefs Familie 2018 (Semillon)
R350pb from the cellar, Rawsonville

Delaire Graff Swartland Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018
R190pb from the Helshoogte cellar, Stellenbosch

Delaire Graff Terraced Block Reserve Chardonnay 2017
R725pb from the Helshoogte cellar, Stellenbosch

Diemersdal Malbec 2017
R125pb from the cellar, Durbanville

Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
R580pb from Helderberg cellar, Stellenbosch

Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Chenin Blanc 2017
R99pb from the cellar, Franschhoek

Namysto Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
R150pb from Quoin Rock cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Painted Wolf Pictus 2017 (White Blend)
R220pb from the producer, Paarl

Paul Cluver Riesling 2018
R100pb from the cellar, Elgin

Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2017
R410pb from the cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Shannon Mount Bullet 2016 (Merlot)
R465pb from the cellar, Elgin

Sutherland Reserve Grenache 2016
R330pb from Thelema cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2015 (Blend)
R400pb from the cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Vrede en Lust White Mischief 2018 (Blend)
R89pb from the cellar, Simonsberg-Paarl

Warwick Blue Lady 2015 (Cabernet Sauvignon)
R350pb from the cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch