Thursday, 8 September, 2016
Cobie van Oort
First up a fortnight ago was the Gold Awards 2016, who awarded a Gold medal for the 2013 Cabernet/Merlot which is one of the Estate’s big sellers. “This is a popular easy-drinking style of wine, for an affordable price, but I like to believe that it over-delivers on the price,” says Jan.
This week the International Wine and Spirits Competition’s medals were announced and the Estate’s highly rated and much-loved Luna de Miel Chardonnay Reserve 2015 was awarded a Bronze medal in this prestigious international competition.
“But the one I’m most excited about is the Silver for the 2012 Minelli Pinot Noir Reserve,” says Jan. “Stellenbosch can make wonderful Pinot Noirs although we’re not as famous for this varietal as the Hemel-and-Aarde valley region near Hermanus. I love making Pinot Noir and this award is a personal achievement for me,” he concluded.
According to the organisors of the IWSC the South African wines did extremely well and standards were higher than ever, making it a real achievement to scoop a medal in this huge competition.
The Minelli 2012 is not yet released at the farm, but will be available for tasting soon. In the meantime the 2011 vintage is flying the flag for Pinot Noir. However, the Cabernet/Merlot 2013 and Luna de Miel Chardonnay Reserve 2015 are both available in the tasting room for tasting and sales.