Noble winnings for SA at IWC

"South African wines wowed the judges at this year's competition and it was wonderful to see such high standards across a variety of styles," commented co-chairman of the IWC, Charles Metcalfe, who believes that the gold medallist winemakers demonstrated exquisite skill in their wines.

With thousands of entries received from wine producing regions across the globe each year, the gold for Fleur du Cap's Noble Late Harvest 2011 is the latest accolade for this vintage. Other triumphs include trophies from international wine competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards and Decanter Asia Wine Awards and a Gold Outstanding Medal from the International Wine &Spirits Competition. On the local front, this wine is one of seven consecutive vintages to receive a 5-star rating from Platter's South African Wine Guide - a feat matched by no other wine thus far.

Described as "appealing and attractive," by the IWC judges, this full sweet wine is balanced by a zesty acidity and shows beautiful, yet delicate honeyed orange notes. It is available at R105 per 375ml bottle at Die Bergkelder in Stellenbosch and at select boutique wine shops.

Gold winners

• Chardonnay, 2012 - Sumaridge Estate Wines
  
• Constantia Glen TWO, 2013 - Constantia Glen
  
• Dmz Syrah, 2012 - DeMorgenzon
  
• Fleur du Cap Noble Late Harvest Bergkelder Selection, 2011 - Distell
  
• Glen Carlou Quartz Stone, 2012 - Glen Carlou Vineyards
  
• La Motte Pierneef Shiraz Viognier, 2011 - La Motte
  
• Lapa Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 - Guardian Peak
  
• Marks and Spencer Paul Cluver Late Harvest Riesling, 2012 - Paul Cluver
  
• Mm Louw Sauvignon Blanc, 2013 - Diemersdal Wine Estate
  
• Morgenster, 2003 - Morgenster Estate
  
• Nederburg Wine Masters Reserve Noble Late Harvest, 2011 - Distell
  
• Saronsberg Shiraz, 2011 - Saronsberg Cellar
  
• Vergelegen Premium Sauvignon Blanc, 2013 - Vergelegen Wines
  
• Vin de Constance, 2008 - Klein Constantia Estate

For more information, go to www.internationalwinechallenge.com.