Wednesday 15 April saw the announcement of the winners at a celebratory awards ceremony held at Rodwell House, St James, Cape Town. The Challenge is now in its fifth year and drew 500 entries from a record of 140 leading wineries.
Of the fifty-two
red wines on the winning list Creation Wines boasts four: the Creation Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Petit Verdot 2012, the Creation Syrah, Grenache 2013, the Creation Syrah 2013
and the Creation Reserve Pinot Noir 2013. According to Creation co-owner and
marketing director Carolyn Martin the Challenge provides an objective, independent and
professional rating with judging panels made up of the highest quality,
independent experts.
The Creation Merlot, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Petit Verdot 2012 is a
Bordeaux-style blend in the finest tradition. The sumptuous berry bouquet
tempts with generous blackberry and blackcurrant aromas against a background of
smoky oak. The palate is in perfect harmony: taut and richly textured with
well-integrated tannins promising excellent maturation potential.
The Creation Syrah, Grenache 2013 beckons with alluring aromas of ripe
black olive elegantly complemented by whiffs of pepper. It is a well-endowed,
full-bodied Rhône-style blend with intense flavours of ripe plum, black
pepper, tapenade and umami.
The Creation Syrah 2013 is
generously aromatic with maraschino cherry and peppery spice interwoven
with whiffs of violet. Lusciously ripe on the silky palate, it offers vibrant
minerality for exciting complexity. Lingering echoes of anise and clove add to
the allure.
The
Creation Reserve Pinot Noir 2013 has
an inviting bouquet of spice, supplemented by a delicate whiff of dried
apricot. Smooth yet complex on the palate it rewards with layers of dried
fruit, hints of raspberry and piquant spice. Supple tannins ensure excellent
maturation potential.
Asked to comment on the results, Carolyn said: “Pinot Noir is part of our DNA and having that background means that we take similar care producing all our other red wines. Virus free vineyards combined with our cool climate and the 450-million-year-old virgin soils give us the quality of grapes to craft fine wines. Continuous innovation starting with our cultivar selection through to the work we do in the vineyards and the cellar means that we are on a mission to improve all the time. It’s rewarding to have such good feedback from an accomplished panel of judges.”