I’ve just returned from the launch event for the 2011 Platter’s guide to SA wines. It was quite traumatic. I mean picture this: the fifty eight 5 star wines lined up waiting to be tasted and you with a glass in your hand. Sounds perfect, right? Now add a time limit and a hundred other winos (that’s like a wine version of a foodie, not as in a bum) who will be getting in your way. The outcome of this scenario is that you only get to taste a few wines, but man alive, they are good.
The guide is green this year and that apparently points to the inclusion of information on sustainability in this edition. Organic wines and wines that are certified as sustainable are indicated as such in the guide.
The guide has masses of useful information, mostly focused on wines and estates but also on the South African wine industry in general. For instance, did you know that per capita wine consumption in SA has dropped from nearly 10 litres in 1999 to less than 7 in 2009? Or that beer, brandy and whisky have all increases market share since 2000 while wine has decreased (pg 38).
The main focus of the Platter’s launch is the announcement of the 5 star wines. This is a high accolade and heavily coveted in the industry. All 18 judges put forward several recommendations for 5 stars, which are all blind tasted by the panel and those with enough votes go through to become the 5 star wines. This year, out of the 150 nominations, 58 made it. They are listed below.
You can purchase the 2011 Platter’s guide at Kalahari.net.
Methode Cap Classique
– Topiary Blanc de Blanc Brut 2008
– Villiera Monro Brut 2005
Chenin Blanc
– Botanica 2009
– StellenRust ‘45’ Barrel Fermented 2009
Sauvignon Blanc
– Graham Beck Pheasants’ Run 2010
– Klein Constantia Perdeblokke 2009
– Klein Zalze Family Reserve 2009
– The Berrio 2009
– Zevenwacht 360° 2009
Chardonnay
– Groot Constantia Gouverneurs 2009
– Julien Schaal 2009
– Mulderbosch 2008
– Rustenberg Five Soldiers 2008
Grenache Blanc
– The Foundry 2009
White Blends
– Cape Point Isleidh 2009
– Hermanuspietersfontein Die Bartho 2009
– Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2009
– Nederburg Ingenuity White 2009
– Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc-Chardonnay Private Bin D253 2009
– Rall White 2009
– Sadie Family Palladius 2009
– Steenberg Magna Carta 2009
– Steenberg CWG Auction Reserve The Magus 2009
– Strandveld Adamastor 2009
– Tokara Director’s Reserve White 2009
Grenache
– Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection 2008
Pinot Noir
– Meerlust 2008
– Newton Johnson Domaine 2009
Pinotage
– Beyerskloof Diesel 2008
Shiraz
– Boschendal Cecil John Reserve 2008
– Eagles’ Nest 2008
– Haskell Pillars 2008
– Rijk’s Private Cellar 2005
– Saxenburg Select Limited Release 2006
Merlot
– Shannon Mount Bullet 2008
Cabernet Sauvignon
– Boekenhoutskloof 2008
– Delaire Graaf Reserve 2008
– Kanonkop 2007
– Klein Constantia 2008
– Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2007
– Le Riche CWG Auction Reserve 2007
Red Blends
– Ernie Els Signature 2007
– Graham Beck Ad Honorem 2007
– Hartenberg The Mackenzie Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2007
– Nederburg Ingenuity Red 2007
– Reyneke Reserve Red 2008 (first biodynamic 5 star wine)
– Spier Frans K. Smit 2006
– Vergelegen Red 2005
Dessert Wine, Unfortified
– Fairview La Beryl Blanc 2009
– Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2006
– Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Noble Late Harvest 2009
– Nederburg Private Bin Edelkeur 2009
Port
– Boplaas Family Cape Vintage Reserve 2008
– De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2008
– De Krans Cape Tawny NV
– JP Bredell Cape Vintage Reserve 2007
Other awards are:
Five Stars & Red Wine of the Year
– De Trafford Shiraz 2008
Five Stars & White Wine of the Year
– Fleur du Cap Bergkelder Selection Noble Late Harvest 2009
Winery of the year (with an amazing five 5 star wines)
– Nederburg