THE Michelangelo Awards remains one of the biggest South African wine competitions, contested by many leading cellars in the Cape winelands. The 2020 edition attracted 1558 entries, and, as in 2019, the judges were particularly impressed by the Chardonnay class: the Grand Prix Trophy on this occasion was presented for the Chamonix 2018 from Franschhoek, following the top score for Groot Constantia 2018 last time round.

Of the 615 awards, there were 28 trophies presented in various wine, spirit, low- and non-alcohol categories as well as for packaging. Also considered excellent were 24 platinum award winners scored 96+ out of 100, and there were 89 double gold medallists, 363 golds and 111 silver medallists. The most highly rated South African wines at Michelangelo 2020 are highlighted below. For the full results, the names of the judges and more about the competition, see here.

TROPHY LAUREATES

Aan de Doorns Red Muscadel 2017
R55pb ex-cellar, Worcester

Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
R270pb ex-cellar, Helderberg, Stellenbosch

Anura Signature Cape Cuvée 2017 (Red Blend)
R360pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Paarl

Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2004 (Port)
Museum Class, Calitzdorp cellar

Chamonix Chardonnay 2018
R200pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek

De Grendel Op die Berg Pinot Noir 2017
R220pb ex-cellar, Panorma, Durbanville WR

Diemersdal Winter Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2020
R145pb ex-cellar, Durbanville

Kaapzicht 1947 Chenin Blanc 2019
R550pb ex-cellar, Bottelary, Stellenbosch

Morgenster Lourens River Valley 2013 (Red Blend)
R190pb ex-cellar, Somerset West

Org de Rac Roussanne 2019
R90pb ex-cellar, Piketberg

Rainbow’s End Merlot 2018
R195pb ex-cellar, Banghoek, Stellenbosch

Saronsberg Shiraz 2018
R260pb ex-cellar, Tulbagh

Under Oaks Chenin Blanc 2019
R89pb ex-cellar, Paarl

Villiera Monro Brut 2014 (MCC)
R273pb ex-cellar, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch

Windmeul Reserve Pinotage 2017
R180pb ex-cellar, Paarl

PLATINUM WINNERS

Aan de Doorns Muscat d’Alexandrie 2015
R28pb (375ml) ex-cellar, Worcester

Badsberg Pinotage Reserve 2019
Price t.b.a. ex-cellar, Rawsonville

Blake’s Tourmaline 2018 (White Blend)
R150pb ex-cellar, Malmesbury

Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2019
R125pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek

Brink Family Shiraz 2018
Price t.b.a. – Pulpit Rock, Riebeek West

Christina Chardonnay 2020
R113pb at Van Loveren cellar, Robertson

Clarington Chenin Blanc 2018
Export-only, Normandie cellar, Franschhoek

D’Aria Merlot 2017
R116pb ex-cellar, Durbanville

Darling Cellars Black Granite Shiraz 2018
R65pb ex-cellar, Darling

De Grendel Shiraz 2018
R200pb ex-cellar, Panorama, Durbanville WR

Diemersdal Pinotage 2019
R100pb ex-cellar, Durbanville

Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve Cableway Chardonnay 2018
R160pb ex-cellar, Durbanville

Great Five Reserve Pinotage 2017
R198pb at Stellenview cellar, Devon Valley, Stellenboslch

Highlands Road Semillon 2018
R190pb ex-cellar, Elgin

Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2019
R210pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch Kloof

Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Sur Lie 2019
R220pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch

Kranskop Viognier Noble Late Harvest 2019
R130pb (375ml) ex-cellar, Robertson

Lourensford Chrysalis White 2017
R300pb ex-cellar, Somerset West

Oude Denneboom Chenin Blanc 2020
Price t.b.a. – Paarl cellar

Perdeberg Dry Land Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc 2017
R115pb (375ml) ex-cellar, Paarl

Rhebokskloof Chenin Blanc 2019
R75pb ex-cellar, Paarl

Spier 21 Gables Sauvignon Blanc 2019
R180pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch

Sumaridge Chardonnay 2017
R245pb ex-cellar, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde