June 2024 – The Fine Wine Awards sponsored by American Express announced today its inaugural winners during an Awards ceremony at Cavalli Estate in Stellenbosch. The Fine Wine Awards aims to become the largest listings of blind-tasted wines in South Africa and be a comprehensive guide for South African wine lovers*. American Express is operated in South Africa through its licensee Nedbank.
Hout Bay Vineyards Klasiek 2020 in Cap Classique category and Spier Frans K. Smit White 2018 in Dry White category were awarded the highest rankings (96/100).
12 Trophy awards were awarded to the highest-ranking wine in their category:
- Cap Classique – Hout Bay Vineyards Klasiek 2020 – 96/100
- Sauvignon Blanc – The Drift Berrio Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – 95/100
- Dry White – Spier Frans K. Smit White 2018 – 96/100
- Chardonnay – Kershaw Deconstructed Lake District Bokkeveld Shale CY96 2020 – 95/100
- Chenin Blanc – Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2022 – 95/100
- Unusual White – The Hub White Verdelho 2022 – 95/100
- Bordeaux-style blend – Reyneke Cornerstone 2021 – 95/100
- Pinotage – Survivor Reserve 2022 – 95/100
- Shiraz – Stellenbosch Reserve 2021 – 95/100
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Simonsig Labyrinth 2020 – 95/100
- Sweet White – Tierhoek Straw Wine NV – 95/100
- Fortified – De Krans Cape Vintage 2019 – 95/100
Awarded wines will receive Fine Wine Awards stickers and will be listed on www.finewineawards.co.za.
Chairperson, Malu Lambert shared, “The quality of the entries was incredibly high, making our job as judges very tough. I am delighted at the outcome. The winning wines are a true reflection of South Africa’s unflinching commitment to quality in the fine wine sector; these wines can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best.”
Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA, commented on the results: “In partnership with Nedbank, American Express is delighted to sponsor the first edition of the Fine Wine Awards. We are proud to highlight the talented and vibrant winemaker community in South Africa to our Card Members and the broader community.”
*The Fine Wine Awards 2024 included 900 wines. The entries covered all styles, from Cap Classique to sweet white wine, with 18 categories overall. Initial judging took place over three days, and the top five from each of these were blind-tasted on the final, fourth day to award the Trophies. The scoring followed the protocol of the international 100-point system. Prizes were awarded to wines that scored higher than 95.
The wines were evaluated by an independent panel of judges, with award-winning wine writer Malu Lambert acting as Chairperson. The judges represented all areas of the wine industry, from fine wine buyers, sommeliers, journalists, wine educators and winemakers. The Fine Wine Awards sponsored by American Express also play a mentorship role for the next generation of tasting talents, giving them an opportunity to actively participate with, and learn from, the more senior judges.
Read Malu’s full report here.