“It’s been an absolutely magnificent year for Michelangelo,” says Lorraine Immelman, founder and owner of the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. Not only have we had an all-time record number of entries – 1730 in total from 322 producers – but 2014 has also been a year of “firsts”!
Collotype Labels has come on board as premier sponsor of the awards, ensuring that the competition will continue and grow. A new, more elegant logo and user-friendly website was launched this week and an exciting Michelangelo Wine Club, run and managed by IQ Business, has been established in Johannesburg.
Now in it’s 18th year, the Michelangelo announced South Africa’s first Liqueur Awards in June, offering producers of liqueur and fruit spirits a first-ever platform to have their products judged by an international panel of specialist judges.
The Michelangelo is the only wine competition in South Africa with an exclusive international panel of accredited wine judges, international wine makers, wine masters and international sommeliers. This year again 18 wine and spirits specialists from 15 countries judged the entries for a week in August.
In total the judges awarded 607 medals, which represent just over a third of entries (as per the international OIV rules to which the Michelangelo ascribes). Awards comprised:
- 16 trophies
- 3 platinum medals
- 90 Gran d’Or medals
- 222 gold medals
- 292 silver medals
This included the inaugural Liqueur Trophy as well as three Grans d’Or, five gold and seven silver medals for liqueurs.
Offering guidelines for international markets:
“This year’s 22% increase in entries is an indication of the wine industry’s dramatic move to international markets over the past decade. As the world becomes smaller and the South African market becomes more and more saturated, producers are investigating more exports or their products. Michelangelo offers them the opportunity to gauge the international market and find those products which will appeal to international palates. The awards made by our international panel of judges offers these guidelines,” says Lorraine.
Classes’ detail:
- The Sauvignon Blanc class again received the most entries among the white varietals, increasing to 178 from the previous record number already received in 2013. This class was awarded one platinum, nine Grans d’Or, 18 gold and 35 silver medals. The judges commented that the overall quality of the Sauvignon Blancs were impressive, and that the concentration of fruit and excellent fruit balance made for some exceptional wines.
- The Chardonnay class also received a significant number of entries, namely 133. These wines were well received by the international panel, who commented that they exhibited good wine making skills. Where wines were exposed to oak, it was used wisely and few examples were over-oaked. The judges found that the 2014 entries lacked balance and persistence, which was partly due to the lack of acid. Four Gran d’Ors, fifteen gold and 21 silver medals were awarded in this class.
- A record number of 65 entries was received for the Method Cap Classique classes. Four Grans d’Or, eight gold and nine silver medals were awarded. The judges considered the MCC’s to be impressive and commented that the Cape is a top quality MCC producer and that producers should market this more effectively. The highest scoring wines in this class included Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir in the blend.
- The Shiraz class had the overall most entries with 207 wines. Two Grans d’Or, 33 gold and 30 silver medals were awarded. The judges stated that the entries represented many great examples of South African Shiraz and that entries showed a variety of styles ranging from big, fruity wines to more elegant ones.
- The Pinotage class received good comments from the judges. Generally they were impressed with the wines entered and noted a number of different styles. They commented that a few years in the bottle makes all the difference to the overall quality and accessibility of the wines. The 2011 vintage was the most impressive with wines from this vintage year being well-integrated and showing good balance. Eight gran d’or, 23 gold and 13 silver medals were awarded.
- The class for Port-style wines is a small category but this class had excellent samples. Most of these showed good spirit integration and were well-balanced while the better wines had super fruit concentration, freshness and complexity. In this class respectively two gran d’or, gold and silver medals were awarded.
According to the competition rules no bronze medals are awarded and only the top third of entrants are awarded a medal.
The trophy winners:
Kleine Zalze walked away with two trophies this year:
- the coveted Collotype Labels Grand Prix Trophy for the Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Chenin Blanc 2013 awarded by the judges as their collective best entry and
- the African Cellar Supplies MCC Trophy for the Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut 2009.
The first Liqueur Trophy was awarded to Wild Africa Cream Liqueur from KWV, who also received the Best Brandy Trophy for the Imoya VSOP Fine Cape Alambic Brandy.
The 16 trophy winners:
| Collotype Grand Prix Trophy | Kleine Zalze | Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Chenin Blanc, 2013 |
| Grotto Top Producer Trophy | Saronsberg | |
| IQ Business Most Innovative Trophy | Diemersdal Wine Estate | Diemersdal Grüner Veltliner, 2013 |
| African Cellar Supplies MCC Trophy | Kleine Zalze | Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut, 2009 |
| RX South Africa Organic Trophy | Waverley Hills | Waverley Hills Shiraz/Mourverde/Voignier, 2010 |
| Best Fairtrade Red | Van Loveren Family Cellar | Five’s Reserve Pinotage, 2013 |
| Best Fairtrade White | Citrusdal Wines | Chardonnay, 2014 |
| Garagiste Trophy | Hofstraat Kelder | Cape Vintage, 2009 |
| AfriRack Best Dessert Wine Trophy | Badsberg Wine Cellar | Badsberg Noble Late Harvest, 2009 |
| Sue van Wyk Pinotage Trophy | Beyerskloof | Beyerskloof Diesl Pinotage, 2009 |
| TM Mercurey Best Bordeaux Style Red Blend | Zorgvliet Wines | Silver Myn Argentum, 2012 |
| Toneleria Nacional Coffee Pinotage Trophy | Diemersfontein | Diemersfontein Pinotage, 2013 |
| Golden Oldie Trophy | Boland Kelder | Boland Kelder Rooi Muskadel, 1997 |
| Brandy Trophy | KWV SA | Imoya Potstill Brandy |
| Best International Entry | Concha y Toro | Casillero del Diablo Carmenere, 2013 |
| Best Liqueur Trophy | KWV SA | Wild Africa Cream Liqueur |
Medal winners:
All entries were judged blind using the 100-point OIV judging system. The judging process and all results were audited by DDI Financial Solutions.
The following wines were awarded platinum medals:
| Producer | Product | Vintage |
| Badsberg Wine Cellar | Badsberg Noble Late Harvest | 2009 |
| Louisvale Wines | Stone Road Sauvignon Blanc | 2014 |
| Waverley Hills Organic Wine Farm | Waverley Hills Shiraz/Mourverde/Viognier | 2010 |
The following wines were awarded Grand D’Or medals:
| Producer | Product | Vintage |
| Aan De Doorns Wynkelder | Aan De Doorns Sauvignon Blanc | 2014 |
| Alleé Bleue Wines | Alleé Bleue Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot | 2012 |
| Alvi’s Drift Wines | Alvi’s Drift Signature Viognier | 2014 |
| Alvi’s Drift Wines | Alvi’s Drift Thornlands MCC | NV |
| Babylon’s Peak | Babylon’s Peak SMG | 2010 |
| Babylonstoren | Babylonstoren Viognier | 2013 |
| Baleia Bay Wines | Chardonnay | 2013 |
| Bergsig Estate | Bergsig Weisser Riesling | 2013 |
| Beyerskloof | Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage | 2009 |
| Boland Kelder | Boland Cellar Reserve No 1 | 2013 |
| Boland Kelder | Boland Cellar Reserve No1 | 2011 |
| Boplaas Family Vineyards | Boplaas Bobbejaanberg Sauvignon Blanc | 2014 |
| Boplaas Family Vineyards | Boplaas Heritage Muscadel | 2011 |
| Boplaas Family Vineyards | Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve | 2010 |
| Boschendal Wines | Boschendal Reserve Collection Grande Reserve | 2012 |
| Boschkloof | Boschkloof Syrah | 2012 |
| Brandvlei Kelder | BC Wines Shiraz | 2012 |
| Citrusdal Wines | Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon | 2013 |
| Claime d’or Wines | Claime d’or Shiraz | 2011 |
| Concha y Toro | Casillero del Diablo Carmenere (Country of Origin: Chile) | 2013 |
| Constantia Uitsig Farm | Constantia Uitsig Semillon | 2013 |
| D’Aria Winery | D’Aria Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot | 2012 |
| De Wetshof Estate | De Wetshof Bateleur Chardonnay | 2012 |
| Demorgenzon | Demorgenzon Chenin Blanc Reserve | 2013 |
| Diemersdal Wine Estate | Diemersdal Chardonnay reserve | 2013 |
| Diemersdal Wine Estate | Diemersdal MM Louw Estate Red | 2012 |
| Diemersdal Wine Estate | Diemersdal Private Collection | 2012 |
| Du Plessis Family Wines | Virgin Earth Lost Barrel Shiraz | 2007 |
| Dunstone Wines | Dunstone Shiraz | 2012 |
| Durbanville Hills | Durbanville Hills Chardonnay | 2013 |
| Earthbound | Earthbound Chenin Blanc | 2014 |
| Elgin Vintners | Elgin Vintners The Century | 2012 |
| Ernie Els Wines | Sauvignon Blanc | 2014 |
| Excelsior Estate | Excelsior Sauvignon Blanc | 2014 |
| Flagstone Winery | Flagstone Dark Horse Shiraz | 2010 |
| Flagstone Winery | Flagstone Dragon Tree | 2012 |
| Gabba International cc | Codorniu Vina Pomal Crianza (Country of Origin: Spain) | 2011 |
| Glen Carlou Vineyards | Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry | 2009 |
| Groenland | Groenland Shiraz Premium | 2010 |
| Groenland | Antoinette Marie Classic | 2010 |
| Hidden Valley Wines | Hidden Valley Sauvignon Blanc | 2014 |
| Hofstraat Kelder | Renosterbos Cape Vintage | 2009 |
| Hornbill Garagiste Winery | Hornbill Pinotage | 2011 |
| Jason’s Hill Private Cellar | Jason’s Hill Classic Red | 2012 |
| Klein Gustrouw | Klein Gustrouw Reserve | 2011 |
| Kleine Zalze | Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Chenin Blanc | 2013 |
| Kleine Zalze | Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | 2009 |
| Kleine Zalze | Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut | 2009 |
| KWV | KWV The Mentors Cabernet Sauvignon | 2012 |
| KWV SA | Imoya Brandy | NA |
| Lanzerac Wines | Lanzerac Pionier Pinotage | 2011 |
| Lemberg Wine Estate | Spencer | 2012 |
| Lourensford Wine Estate | Winemaker’s Selection Viognier | 2013 |
| Lourensford Wine Estate | Winemaker’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot | 2011 |
| MAN Vintners | Tormentoso Reserve | 2012 |
| Merwida Vineyards | Merwida Barbera | 2012 |
| Mont Du Toit | Les Coteaux Cabernet Franc | 2012 |
| Mooiplaas | Chenin Blanc Bush Vines | 2013 |
| Namaqua Wines | Namaqua Noble Late Harvest | 2013 |
| Newstead Lund Family Vineyards | Methode Cap Classique Brut | 2012 |
| Nitida Cellars | Nitida Riesling | 2014 |
| Nuy Winery | Nuy 50 Vintages Red Muscadel | NV |
| Ormonde Vineyards | Ormonde Vernon Basson | 2008 |
| Perdeberg Winery | The Dry Land Collection Chardonnay/Viognier | 2013 |
| Perdeberg Winery | Perdeberg Reserve Pinot Noir MCC | 2012 |
| Pulpit Rock Winery | Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | 2012 |
| Rhebokskloof Estate | Pearlstone Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz | 2012 |
| Rijk’s Cellars | Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage | 2010 |
| Robertson Winery | No.1 Constitution Road Shiraz | 2010 |
| Rooiberg Winery | Rooiberg Winery Red Muscadel | 2012 |
| Saronsberg Cellar | Saronsberg Sauvignon Blanc | 2014 |
| Saronsberg Cellar | Saronsberg Grenache | 2011 |
| Shannon Vineyards & Wines | Shannon Mount Bullet | 2010 |
| Simonsvlei International | Simonsvlei Pinotage | 2013 |
| Simonsvlei International | Simonsvlei Sauvignon Blanc | 2014 |
| Spar Group | Olive Brook Le Geminis | 2010 |
| Spier Wines | Woolworths The Hutton Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon | 2012 |
| Stellenrust Wine Estate | Stellenrust Pinotage | 2013 |
| Swartland Winery | Bush Vine Cabernet Sauvignon | 2010 |
| Ultra Liquors | Secret Cellar Sauvignon Blanc | 2013 |
| Welgemeend Estate | Welgemeend Estate Chenin Blanc | 2013 |
| Windfall Wine Farm | Windfall Shiraz | 2012 |
| Windmeul Koöp Wynkelder | Windmeul Kelder Sauvignon Blanc | 2014 |
| Winery Baloun | Baloun Cuvee 22 (Country of Origin: Czech Republic) | 2013 |
| Winters Drift | Winters Drift Pinot Noir | 2013 |
| Wonderfontein | Wonderfontein Red Muscadel | 2011 |
| Zorgvliet Wines | Silver Myn Argentum | 2012 |
The 2014 judging panel
This year the judging panel consisted of 18 judges from fifteen different countries. The 2014 judges were:
- Sue van Wyk CWM, Australia (Technical director)
- Ingrid Adamiker, Austria
- Chris Alblas, Netherlands
- Jochen Erler, Austria (Liqueur specialist)
- Rubén García Franco, Spain
- Adrian Garforth MW, UK
- Denis Garret, France
- Robert Gorjak, Slovenia
- Cho Jung Yong, Korea
- Mariusz Kapczynski , Poland
- Martin Kristek, Czech Republic
- Georgi Mihov, Bulgaria
- Dermot Nolan MW, Ireland
- Liz Palmer, Canada (Champagne specialist)
- Javier Pulido, Spain
- Christine Rudman, CWM, SA
- Thierry Sabon, France
- Rene van Hoven, Netherlands
The brandy and spirits judges:
- Sue van Wyk CWM, Australia
- Kobus Gelderblom, South Africa
- Javier Pulido, Spain
- Caroline Snyman, South Africa
- Rene van Hoven, Netherlands
- All results are available from the website: www.michelangeloawards.com.
