2024-06-19
The Absa Vintage Awards of Excellence, hosted by the esteemed Pinotage Association, has once again cast a radiant spotlight on the singular aging potential of South Africa's iconic Pinotage wines. This year's competition, held at the picturesque Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate, showcased a remarkable array of aged Pinotage, underscoring the varietal's unique characteristics and evolving complexity.
What sets the Absa Vintage Awards apart is its exclusive focus on Pinotage, a varietal that stands as a testament to South African viticultural innovation and heritage. Unlike any other competition in the country, this event is dedicated solely to the aged expressions of Pinotage, providing an unparalleled platform for vintners to display the fruits of their labor. Adding to the prestige, the judging panel consists exclusively of Cape Wine Masters, whose expertise ensures a meticulous and authoritative evaluation process.
The 2024 competition attracted an impressive lineup of over 38 exceptional wines, reflecting a growing enthusiasm among producers to present their aged Pinotage offerings. Bennie Howard, Cape Wine Master and panel chair, noted, "This year's competition has reinforced Pinotage's position as a symbol of South African viticulture. The wines showcased a remarkable range of styles, reflecting both the heritage and innovation within the industry."
The judges provided insightful commentary on the various vintages, each bringing forward its unique story and character:
The winners of the Absa Vintage Awards 2024 are a testament to the exceptional quality and aging potential of South African Pinotage. The results, officially announced at the awards ceremony, highlighted wines that received over 90 points from the discerning panel:
Beeslaar Wines:
Bellingham:
Beyerskloof Wines:
Darling Cellars:
Fairview:
Flagstone Winery:
Grangehurst Winery:
Groot Constantia Wine Estate:
Kanonkop Wine Estate:
Môreson:
Neil Ellis Wines:
Rijk's Cellar:
Simonsig Wines:
Vondeling Wines:
Wildekrans Wine Estate:
Windmeul Kelder:
The Absa Vintage Awards is an annual wine competition that celebrates the aging potential of Pinotage, South Africa's signature grape variety. Judged exclusively by Cape Wine Masters, the competition ensures the highest standards of evaluation and recognition. Wines entered must be 10 years and older, showcasing the exceptional durability and evolving complexity of Pinotage over time.
"Absa is a proud sponsor and partner of the Pinotage Association for the past 27 years because of the visionaries, winemakers, and cellar masters who contribute to the advancement of the agriculture sector," says Abrie Rautenbach, executive of agribusiness.
The Absa Vintage Awards of Excellence 2024 has once again demonstrated the unparalleled quality and aging potential of South African Pinotage, cementing its status as a symbol of the country's viticultural prowess.
Founded in 2007, Vinetur® is a registered trademark of VGSC S.L. with a long history in the wine industry.
VGSC, S.L. with VAT number B70255591 is a spanish company legally registered in the Commercial Register of the city of Santiago de Compostela, with registration number: Bulletin 181, Reference 356049 in Volume 13, Page 107, Section 6, Sheet 45028, Entry 2.
Email: [email protected]
Headquarters and offices located in Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain.