The evening was a festive occasion, with several impromptu speeches and the charismatic French judges expressing their affection for South African wines before an audience of wine media, trade and estate representatives. Organiser Christophe Durand said, “the judges were full praise for the number of superb wines entered this year.” Editor of French wine publication, La Revue du VIN de France, Olivier Poels, spoke of how “the best South African wines are level with the best from France and the world.”

The judges didn't find anything exceptional from the sparkling wine entrants, so no Best Sparkling Wine Trophy was awarded this year. The panel also noted an absence of quality Sauvignon Blanc.

Hoopenberg 'Integer' Chardonnay 2006, Sumaridge Pinot Noir 2008 and Reyneke 'Reserve Red' 2007 where awarded the three GQ Choice Awards, presented by GQ wine editor, Jonathan Steyn. GQ selects three wines each year from amongst the Classic Wine Trophy medal winners with quality, value-for-money and the average consumer in mind.

The Classic Wine Trophy is unique in South Africa that it only awards a set number of medals and trophies each year to ensure legitimacy and credibility for winning wines.

LIST OF TROPHY & GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Classic Wine Trophy (Overall Winner)
Warwick Wine Estate

Best White Wine Trophy
Hoopenberg 'Integer' Chardonnay 2006

Best Red Wine Trophy
Vriesenhof Pinot Noir 2007

Best Sweet Wine Trophy
Klein Constantia 'Vin de Constance' 2005

Gold Medals - White Wines
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2009
Rudera Chenin Blanc 2008
Villiera 'Traditional Barrel Fermented' Chenin Blanc 2009
Vriesenhof Chardonnay 2009

Gold Medals - Red Wines
Cederberg Shiraz 2008
Chamonix 'Greywacke' Pinotage 2007
La Motte Shiraz 2008
Oak Valley Pinot Noir 2008
Reyneke 'Reserve Red' 2007
Rietvallei 'Esteana' 2007
Sumaridge Pinot Noir 2008
Veenwouden 'Classic' 2006
Warwick 'Trilogy' 2006

GQ Choice Awards
Hoopenberg 'Integer' Chardonnay 2006
Sumaridge Pinot Noir 2008
Reyneke 'Reserve Red' 2007

Silver Medal Winners

RED	White	Sweet
Groot Constantia Shiraz 2007	Rietvallei Special Select Sauvignon Blanc 2009	Rietvallei 1908 White Muscasdel 2004
Delaire Graaf Red 2006	Delaire Sauvignon Blanc 2009	Landskroon Port 2005
Meerlust Pinot Noir 2007	Seven Steps Sauvignon Blanc 2009
La Motte Pierneef  Shiraz Grenache 2007	Darling Lime Kilns 2009
Southern Right Pinotage 2007	Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Uva Mira Syrah 2007	Meerlust Chardonnay 2008
Elgin Vintners Pinot Noir 2008	Shannon Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2008	Groot Constantia Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Ashbourne 2006	Sumaridge White Blend 2009
Shannon Wines Mount Bullet 2007	Klein Constantia Rhine Reisling 2008
Hoopenburg Wines Pinot Noir 2007	Lourensford Winemakers Selection Chardonnay 2009
Remhoogte Merlot 2008	Chamonix Sauvignon Blanc Reserves 2008
South Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2008	La Motte Pierneef Organic Sauvignon 2009
Bilton Cabernet Sauvignon 2006	Shannon Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Glenelly Red Blend 2006	Klein Constantia Mme Marlbrooke 2007
Darling Sir Charles Henry Petit Verdot	Bizoe Henrietta 2009
Saronsberg Nick and Fortis Shiraz 2006	D'Aria "The Songbird" 2009
La Motte Cabernet Sauv 2007
Le Joubert 1070 Red Blend 2008
Plaisir De Merle Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Flagstone Dragon Tree Red Blend 2007
Diemersfontein Summers Lease 2008
Stellenzicht Syrah 2003
Warwick First Lady 2008
Meerlust Merlot 2006
Hoopenburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Kyburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Somerbosch Kylix Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Veenwouden Classic 2005
Hoopenberg Merlot 2005

 

• 2009 Winners
• 2007 Winners