The 2012 Top 100 SA Wines competition, an objective, independent and professional rating of South Africa's finest wines, announced its winners late last week. The Elgin Vintners Shiraz 2008 was judged one of the Top 100 wines and received a Best Value award.
This latest accolade for the its Shiraz 2008 follows a Gold Medal at the 2011 Michelangelo International Wine Awards and selection by South African Airways for premium class passengers during April and May 2012.
The wine is described as an elegant, cool-climate Shiraz with a vibrant, dark garnet colour. On the nose, are rich toasty spice and dark plummy fruit. The palate yields full, broad, dark fruits backed by hints of dark chocolate and spice. The overall balance between fruit sweetness, spice, well-rounded tannins, combined with good barrel use, makes this a memorable wine. It retails nationally at approximately R95.
Top 100 wines judged by international experts
Local entrepreneur Robin von Holdt, to highlight the excellence of South African wines while providing an authoritative reference point for wine lovers internationally, founded the Top 100 SA Wines competition, now in its second year.
The 2012 competition was judged by a panel of high profile, well-respected international and local wine judges, comprising Chair Tim Atkin MW (UK), Duncan Savage (SA), Greg Sherwood MW (UK), Jamie Goode (UK), Madeleine Stenwreth MW (Sweden), Monty Waldin (Italy) and Richard Kershaw MW (SA). Higgo Jacobs, a respected sommelier and judge, in both local and international circles, presided over the tasting as Tasting Director.
For more information, go to www.top100sawines.co.za/blog.
