Rainbow's End top-scores in Hallo Merlot Top 10 competition

Rainbow’s End top-scores in ‘Hallo Merlot Top 10’ competition

06/2023 Mike Froud Leave a comment

THE SECOND Top 10 competition organised by South Africa’s Merlot Forum attracted 69 entries from most of the Cape’s wine regions. Notable relative to the inaugural panel tasting was the “dynamic spread” of offerings. “This year’s entries were a tad more exciting,” reflected the convener of the judging panel, Vondeling winemaker Matthew Copeland. “Excellent examples of each style,” he said. However, also notable was how many of the country’s producers have yet to establish really good track records with wines that impress big time on a consistent basis. Only two of last year’s winning producers are represented in the Forum’s 2023 Top 10 – Bein and Vondeling – and none of the Merlots in the SA Wine Classification were included.

In contrast to the 2022 ‘Hallo Merlot Top 10’ competition, the 2023 edition involved naming the Top 20 finalists in advance of the Top 10 awards presentation. It also attracted the sponsorship of a prize for the top-scoring entry, with Rainbow’s End receiving a Taransaud barrel for their 2020 vintage – the Stellenbosch estate having last been applauded big time for their Merlot at the 2020 Michelangelo Awards, with a trophy awarded for their 2018 vintage.

On the Merlot Top 10 panel of judges together Vondeling’s Matthew Copeland (convener) were Master of Wine Cathy van Zyl, wine writer Malu Lambert, Ladybird winemaker Francois van Zyl and Cape Wine Master Raymond Noppé.