NUMBER TWO and counting… Newstead Lund Family Vineyards of Plettenberg Bay claimed their first victory at the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge in 2020, with the 2015 vintage of their Brut Blanc de Blancs applauded as the overall winner. In the 2024 challenge to South African sparkling wine producers, hosted by the Cap Classique Producers Association and sponsored by Amorim Cork of Portugal, Newstead won again, this time with the 2017 vintage, a bubbly already ‘on the radar' after a score of 96 at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. And it wasn't only Newstead waving the flag for the Plett winelands on the country's Garden Route – Kay & Monty Vineyards' 2017 Champu Blanc de Blanc was another of the double gold winners.
“Some 131” wines were submitted for judging over two days by panels comprising Heidi Duminy CWM (principal of the Cape Wine Academy), Tim Hoek (Haute Cabriere cellarmaster), Taryn Vincent (national sales director at Reciprocal), Cathy Marston (head of the International Wine Education Centre SA), Malu Lambert (wine writer), John Loubser (Silverthorn winemaker), Spencer Fondaumiere (chairman of SA Sommeliers Association), Winnie Bowman CWM (wine writer) and Morgan Steyn (De Grendel winemaker).
According to Duminy, convener of the judging: “The rising quality of Cap Classique on the whole has been consistent and significant over the last 10 years. It has been a privilege to witness how experience, skill and patience have manifested a deeper appreciation for what it takes to make a great bottle-fermented sparkling wine in considered styles. There's a golden thread of sunshine that is distinctively South African, with the critical silent partner of time that ultimately evokes the finest character. This is evidenced by the strong showing in the Extended Lees Aged class. We are seeing fresh wines of great elegance and complexity that are really thrilling.”
Double Gold / Scored 95+
BLANC DE BLANCS / CHARDONNAY
De Wetshof Blanc de Blancs 2021
Best in Class
R380pb ex-cellar, Robertson
Louisvale Chardonnay Brut NV
R258pb ex-cellar, Devon Valley-Stellenbosch
Colmant Blanc de Blancs NV
R390pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
BRUT BLENDS
Villiera Monro Brut 2017
Best in Class
R410pb ex-cellar, Koelenhof-Stellenbosch
Villiera Tradition Brut NV
R197pb ex-cellar, Koelenhof-Stellenbosch
Quoin Rock Black Series 2018
R750pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
EXTENDED LEES-AGEING
Newstead Brut Blanc de Blanc 2017
Overall Winner; 48 Months on the Lees, disgorged in 2024
R320pb ex-cellar, Plettenberg Bay
L'Ormarins Private Cuvée 2015 (Anthonij Rupert)
88 Months on the Lees, disgorged in 2024
R475pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Kay & Monty Champu Blanc de Blanc 2017
55 Months on the Lees, disgorged in 2022
R245pb ex-cellar, Plettenberg Bay
ROSÉ / BLANC DE NOIR
Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rosé 2018
R390pb ex-cellar, Robertson
NECTAR / DEMI-SEC
Simonsig Satin Royale NV
R600pb ex-cellar, Koelenhof-Stellenbosch
