Bonnievale Wines has gone platinum at South Africa’s premier, fine-wine-only competition with two of its wines earning top honours this year. Grabbing the spotlight in the highly contested National Wine Challenge (NWC), which incorporates the list of Top 100 SA Wines, were the Bonnievale Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 and Bonnievale Limited Release Chardonnay 2021.
Now in its 12th year, the NWC enjoys international recognition for its stringent judging procedures and high-level judges.
From this esteemed panel then, the Bonnievale Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 was awarded Double Platinum and crowned as one of the Top 100 SA Wines. As for the Bonnievale Limited Release Chardonnay 2021, the champion wine claimed Double Gold.
“These accolades once again underscore our faith we have in our wines,” says Bonnievale Wines chief winemaker Marthinus Rademeyer. “Consistent quality has always been the bedrock of our pursuits and having this recognised by this experienced panel helps to shine the light not only on the excellence of the fruit, but also the efforts of a large team.”
Indeed, the Limited Release wines are no strangers to the competition. In fact, the Cabernet Sauvignon set the standard right from its inaugural vintage in 2017, with inclusion in the sought-after Top 100. The Chardonnay was hot on its heels, claiming a Double Silver.
Commenting on the competition this year, organiser Robin von Holdt said the judges’ task was “unusually arduous with most places hotly contested”. “The selection process was thorough and rigorous, as it always is,” she adds. Congratulating Bonnievale Wines, she said: “The process was gruelling and from the stellar line-up of great South African wines, your fine wine reached the podium.”
More about the Bonnievale Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Strict viticultural practice is applied to the vineyards for this wine, identified for their consistent delivery of exceptional quality. The wine is fermented in small batches and in French, American and European oak. Further fermentation takes place in these barrels for a period of 18 to 21 months, followed by an additional six months of bottle maturation prior to release.
“Patience has once again been rewarded with this rare wine,” notes Marthinus in his winemaker notes. “Its divine aroma is highlighted by notes of pure red fruit, notably raspberry, and supported by alluring hints of liquorice. This character emerges again in the juicy palate, now with fine, ripe tannins that provide structure and depth to the wine. From 18 months in French and American oak came balance and outstanding integration that holds it all together, through to the very end of its lasting finish.”
This wine may be enjoyed now but patience will be rewarded as it continues develop for up to seven years from vintage. Any time this wine is opened is an occasion, whether it is enjoyed on its own or paired with food. It shows extremely well with red meat dishes and venison of all kinds.
More about the Limited Release Chardonnay
This wine opens with a crescendo of lime and grapefruit on the nose. On the crisp and fresh palate, they join a chorus of flintiness with the slightest hint of oak. The wine spent seven months in French oak, which has delivered sublime integration and a beautifully, round mouthfeel. The finish is protracted and satisfying.
In preparation for harvest of its grapes, strict pruning, suckering and canopy management is applied. The juice then spent seven months in French oak, with regular stirring of the lees.
It too may be enjoyed now, but the wine-lover will be rewarded by allowing the Chardonnay to develop in bottle for up to three years from vintage.
Always serve this wine slightly chilled. It is wonderful on its own, but also shines when presented with dishes of duck, pork and matured
cheeses.
Where to buy and cost
The wines produced by Bonnievale are available countrywide and available for order from its online shop at www.bonnievalewines.co.za. The Chardonnay 2021 sells for R101/bottle and the Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, R155/bottle.
Situated
The winery itself is situated on the outskirts of the town from which it derived its name and is situated 125km due east of Cape Town.
More info
For more information about Bonnievale Wines, visit the website, phone on 023 616 2795 or email: info@bonnievalewines.co.za.
Interact with Bonnievale Wines on Twitter @bonnievalewines; Instagram, using bonnievalewines; and, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bonnievalewines/).
