Despite the impact of the ban on alcohol sales during the lockdown, the 19th edition of the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show saw some strong entries from a broad range of wine producers.

A total of 747 wines from 162 cellars were submitted this year, which were then judged from August 31 to September 3 at the Grande Roche in Paarl.

This year, the judging panel comprised some of the best in the world, from both South Africa and abroad.

As I’m sure you can imagine, with the quality of wine in South Africa, and especially in the Cape, judging this competition must have been tough.

Here’s convenor and chairman of the competition, Michael Fridjhon:

“The striking feature of this year’s entry was the overall quality of the wines across almost all the classes,” said Fridjhon.

“There were very few faulty wines, and a higher percentage of medal winners than at any time in the past. While this may partly be attributed to the quality of the vintages under consideration, what is also abundantly clear is the significant improvement in the quality of viticulture, in fruit handling, in vinification strategies, including the more subtle use of oak, leading to greater refinement in what has gone to bottle.”

Wines were judged in an extensive list of categories, which you can check out here, but one category was singled out for its prestige.

Museum class entries have become an important feature of the competition, one which suggests that producers and consumers now recognise the age worthiness of the best new generation South African wines.

To qualify for the Museum classes white wines must be at least four years old and all other wines at least eight years old.

This year, Anthonij Rupert Wyne snapped up the gold for best white wine blend in the Museum Class category with their Cape of Good Hope Caroline 2016.

This particular wine happens to be a favourite among the 2OV team, proving that we do, indeed, have excellent taste. We suspected it was something special, but it’s nice to have confirmation.

The Caroline came about when they set out to produce an extraordinary Rhône-style white wine from the terroir of their Riebeeksrivier farm, on the slopes of Kasteelberg in the Swartland. This particular terroir is pretty special.

In 2006, Johann Rupert initiated the search for all vineyards in South Africa that were older than 35 years. Traditionally, the South African wine industry depended on tonnage, meaning that the meagre yields of older vines dictated them to be removed.

What was left was some pretty spectacular pockets of vines tended by people who either kept them out of sentiment or foresight.

Old vine wine produces intensity, texture, and taste, evident in the Cape of Good Hope Caroline tasting notes:

Honey suckle, dried peaches and yellow stone fruit on nose, with baked pear, macadamia nuts and whiffs of vanilla creates an enticing nose.The palate is rich and layered, with vanilla follow through, dried peaches and stone fruit sweetness.The overall result is a delicately balanced wine with soft acidity and a pithy, dry texture. A well rounded and textural wine with wonderful food pairing potential.

The judges clearly loved it, and so do South Africans. The 2016 vintage has sold out from the Anthonij Rupert Wyne estate.

You can, however, still, snap up the 2018 vintage at both their tasting rooms and online.

Even better, stock up on the best in the range in the Cape Of Good Hope Heritage Case, which comprises six gorgeous bottles, including the 2018 Caroline, for R950.

Then be sure to boast about it, using the tasting notes mentioned above, when busting it out at the next lunch or dinner.

Brunch, even. Who are we to judge?

[source:oldmutualtrophywineshow]