Crowning wines of 2021 revealed by prestigious Cap Classique Report
The Top Ten Wines of the Year have recently been unveiled in The 2nd Annual Cap Classique, which was assembled by Winemag and sponsored by Prescient.
There were at least 86 entries from over 43 local producers tasted blind by a panel of three judges. Each wine was scored out of 100 with the top two aggregating an impressive 94 out of 100 each. The biggest takeaway from the competition was how seven of the top ten wines were all Chardonnay.
Let's peruse these stunning finalists starting from the bottom:
No. 10 - Rhebokskloof Blanc de Blancs 2016
This subtle and sophisticated Chardonnay matured for 52 months on the lees scored 91 out of 100 and received compliments for its fruity core and dry finish. Rhebokskloof estate is located six km northwest of Paarl and primarily focuses on producing Shiraz, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay. Read more: https://www.rhebokskloof.co.za/
No. 9 - JC Le Roux Scintilla Vintage Reserve 2014
70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. This appealing flavour is matured for 36 months on the lees that offers a toasty and citrus taste. Scoring 91 of 100, J.C. Le Roux's creamy vintage fetches for over R385 a bottle with a total production of 6500 from that year alone. J.C. Le Roux is one of the leading brands of sparkling wine in South Africa.
Read more: https://jcleroux.co.za/about
No. 8 - Delaire Graff Sunrise Brut NV
64% Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch), 30% Chardonnay (Elgin) and 6% Cabernet Franc (Stellenbosch). Matured for 18 months on the lees and scoring 91 out of 100, this flavourful and zesty wine has attractive aromatics of citrus, peach, red apple, and raspberry to add to its yeasty complexity. Positioned atop the Helshoogte Pass, the Delaire Graff Estate is not only a world-renowned winery but also a luxurious villa and lodge.
See more: https://www.delaire.co.za/
No. 7 - Vinevenom Serenade 2015
68% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Noir and 14% Pinot Meunier. Matured for 60 months on the lees and offers a punchy, acidic palate with an exceptionally dry finish. This luxury wine is intended for an austere style of dining garnering 92 out of 100 and sells for R460 per bottle. Vinevenom was founded by international wine expert, Samantha Suddon in 2020 and has already started to shake up the scene.
Read more: https://vinevenom.com/about/
No. 6 - Villiera Chardonnay Brut 2017
100% Chardonnay. Matured for 36 months on the lees, scoring a fine 92 out of 100, and selling for only R170 per bottle, this invigorating wine hints at a flinty reduction with good fruit purity and a long, dry finish. Villiera is a proudly run and family-owned winery based in the Stellenbosch region and has been operating for over 30 years.
Read more: https://www.villiera.com/default.aspx?CLIENTID=3484
No. 5 - Boschendal Jean Le Long Prestige Cuvée 2009
100% Chardonnay and matured for 120 months on the lees, this complex and compelling wine with a score of 92 out of 100 boasts a range of flavours and aromatics from citrus, honey, ginger, and liquorice. The palate produces a powerful and flavour packed verve creating one of the most particular wines of its range for over ten years. Situated in the Western Cape, Boschendal, founded in 1685, is one of South Africa's oldest and most prestigious wine estates, surrounding properties and lodges. See more: https://www.boschendal.com/
No. 4 - Canto Chardonnay Brut 2018
Another fully matured Chardonnay for 24 months, this fruity blend is lean, taut with a very dry finish and scores a scrumptious 93 out of 100. It sells for R195 per bottle and hails from the boutique Canto wine distillery situated in Durbanville, WC. Canto Estate was founded by Martinus Neethling who brought a particular zest for the wine lifestyle to the local scene. Read more: https://cantowines.co.za/about-us/
No. 3 - Altydgedacht Blanc de Blancs 2019
A pure Chardonnay matured for 14 months. This particular blend offers a rich creamy mousse contrasted with a line of acidity and a long savoury finish. The luxury wine scored 93 out of 100 and shows distinct and particular precision. The real estate has remained under the care of the same family since 1852, Altydgedacht has acquired a legacy that has spanned six generations calling it home. Read more: https://altydgedacht.co.za/
No. 2 - Newstead Brut 2015
Sharing the spot for first, this pure Chardonnay takes three years to mature and has a pleasing autolytic character with a biscuit rich palate that offers a pleasantly soft mousse and savoury finish. This trendsetting blend scored 94 out of 100 and is a mere R245 per bottle. The Newstead Estate winery in Plettenberg was founded by two farmland families seeking to create a unique and special wine culture. Read more: https://newsteadwines.com/
No. 1 - Miss Molly Blanc de Blancs 2015 (Môreson)
This exceptionally pure Chardonnay takes over half a decade to mature which ultimately lends it the blossoming aromatics of citrus, peach, and apple with a hint of reduction and vanilla. This 94 out of 100 score top blend has plenty of vibrant acidity with a suitably dry finish. Môreson is a passionate winery that focuses on wine, food, people, and animals. Miss Molly is a range of wines named after the estate's pet Weimaraner. An inspiring brand they hope to use to create awareness for animal-related charities.
Read more: https://www.moreson.co.za/pages/our-miss-molly
More than 14 other wine names were rated a score of 90-plus with the average price of each estimating at R311 per bottle. Miss Molly Blanc de Blancs 2015, although sharing its score with another brand, was able to top the day with the best quality relative to price selling for just R150 per bottle.
Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/that-time-ferrari-insulted-lamborghini/
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07 Jun 2021
Author Lisa