Shiraz SA has once again highlighted the excellence of South African Shiraz with the announcement of the 12th annual Shiraz SA Challenge winners. The prestigious event, held on Thursday, 15 August 2024, at Simonsvlei Wine Cellar in Paarl, saw six vintages from various regions being celebrated for their outstanding quality. The event, which gathered wine industry luminaries and finalists, was sponsored by Vinventions, a long-time partner of Shiraz SA.
The competition’s 2024 edition honoured a total of sixteen wines across three categories: Top 12 Shiraz, Shiraz blends, and Shiraz Rosé. Zandvliet Wine Estate stood out with two wines featured in the Top 12 Shiraz, underscoring the estate’s dedication to producing exceptional wines.
Sixteen Winners Announced Across Three Categories
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the Top 12 Shiraz for 2024. These wines were:
- Bon Courage The Pepper Tree Shiraz 2022
- De Morgenzon Reserve Syrah 2019
- Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Syrah 2020
- Leeuwenkuil Shiraz 2023
- Lomond Single Vineyard Conebush Shiraz 2021
- Nederburg The Winemasters Shiraz 2022
- Survivor Wines Syrah 2022
- Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz 2022
- Spier Seaward Shiraz 2022
- Stellenbosch Reserve Kruithuis Syrah 2022
- Zandvliet Kalkveld Shiraz 2020
- Zandvliet Hill of Enon Shiraz 2021
In the Shiraz blend category, three wines were recognized: Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Moody Lagoon 2021, Eagle’s Cliff Wines Arendskloof Shiraz Tannat 2020, and KWV Roodeberg Dr Charles Niehaus 2020. The 2024 Shiraz Rosé winner was Eerste Hoop Shiraz Rosé 2024.
Judges Impressed by the Quality of Entries
The judging panel, led by De Grendel’s cellar master Charles Hopkins, was impressed by the quality and diversity of the entries. The judging process took place from 16 to 19 July at Nederburg, with entries spanning both newer and older vintages. “The winners are all great wines that can confidently carry the flag of Shiraz in South Africa,” remarked Hopkins. He emphasized the impressive range of Shiraz styles presented, from bold and complex to modern, more delicate wines with lower alcohol content and a peppery character.
The judging was supported by Wine MS, with auditing by Exceed Group. Crystal Direct provided glasses, and Lebone Paarl Labels supplied the bottle seals for the winning wines. Unused wines were donated to the Pebbles Project, underscoring the event’s commitment to social responsibility.
Jordan Wine Estate Wins Prestigious Shiraz Trophy
In addition to the Shiraz SA Challenge winners, Jordan Wine Estate was honored with the third annual Bellingham Bernard Podlashuk Shiraz Trophy. This accolade, named after the “Father of South African Shiraz,” Bernard Podlashuk, is awarded to estates that exemplify sustainability, excellence, innovation, creativity, and social responsibility. Jordan’s exceptional performance secured them the trophy, along with a R30,000 cash prize sponsored by Bellingham.
Shiraz SA encourages all enthusiasts to join in celebrating National Shiraz Day on 21 August, with special pairing experiences available throughout the week. For more details, visit www.ShirazSA.co.za and join the conversation on social media using #ShirazSAAwards.
