Celebrating Benguela Cove's Pinot Noir Excellence on International Pinot Noir Day
Benguela Cove earned a 90+ medal of excellence at the Mosaic Top 5 Pinot Noir Awards
Benguela Cove Estate’s 2022 Pinot Noir has earned a prestigious Medal of Excellence 90+ Award from the Mosaic Top 5 Pinot Noir Wine Awards. The accolade recognises wines scoring 90 points or above, putting Benguela Cove among the top-rated Pinot Noirs.
Situated overlooking the Bot River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, Benguela Cove offers a prime location for cultivating exceptional Pinot Noir. The estate’s cool climate and coastal influence produce Pinot Noir grapes that yield complex, nuanced wines. This superior terroir shone through in the 2022 vintage, clinching one of the competition's highest honours.
“We’re thrilled the Mosaic Top 5 judges recognised the calibre of our 2022 Pinot Noir,” said Johann Fourie, Head Winemaker. “Our team pours their passion into coaxing the fullest expression from our vineyards. This award validates our uncompromising commitment to quality.
A winemakers note on our Pinot Noir:
“While it’s made in a style to enjoy now, the 2022 vintage will age gracefully to show even more varietal charm in years to come. I recommend cellaring a few bottles for later appreciation as the wine evolves with time.”
Taking a look back at our other award winners in 2021
Walker Bay stands out for its exceptional Pinot Noir. Located by the Bot River lagoon and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, our vineyards benefit from cool daytime temperatures that dip further at night. From our limited edition Vinography range, the 2019 vintage proudly clinched the Mosaic Top 5 Pinot Noir award. The Vinography line epitomises a collaboration between nature and our winemakers at Benguela Cove Wine Estate, encapsulating the essence of our location. Every step, from the vineyard to the cellar, contributes to narrating a vintage tale. Our range pays tribute to our dedication to learning and celebrating the vines rooted in pristine soils, and to upholding our unwavering commitment to quality. It's noteworthy to mention that the Benguela Cove Estate Pinot Noir 2020 also achieved the esteemed 90+ awards medal.
In addition to its wines, Benguela Cove offers an award-winning luxury tasting and dining experience. The estate ranked in the Top 100 World’s Best Vineyards 2023 and won Cellar Door Experience of the Year from the SA Wine Index.
With panoramic views over the lagoon, our tasting room provides a serene setting to sample Benguela Cove’s acclaimed cool climate wines. Expert hosts guide visitors through flights of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and more. The restaurant’s seasonally inspired small plates complement the wines, making Benguela Cove an ideal choice for a sophisticated wine country outing.
About Benguela Cove
Situated in Walker Bay overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate produces premium cool climate wines. The estate contains 175 hectares of vines, cultivated under the direction of winemaker Johann Fourie to highlight the property's distinctive terroir.
State-of-the-art facilities, including a gravity-flow winery, provide optimal conditions for crafting complex, balanced wines. Varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Benguela Cove offers tastings daily in a spectacular lagoon-view setting along with dining at the on-site restaurant.
A Glimpse into the Mosaic Top 5 Pinot Noir Wine Awards
Established by South African Pinot Noir enthusiasts, this award honours the intricacies of cultivating and crafting wine from this notoriously challenging grape, often referred to as the ‘heartbreak grape’. Backed by their sponsor, Mosaic Family Office, the Top Five Trust celebrates the climate, people, and myriad elements involved in curating South Africa's finest Pinot Noirs.
Every year, the Top Five Trust orchestrates the Mosaic Top 5 Pinot Noir Wine Awards. The goal? To spotlight five premier South African Pinot Noir wines that exemplify the unique characteristics and quality of the region, projecting South African excellence to the global stage.
Benguela Cove's recognition among the Mosaic Top 5 testifies to our reputation for crafting elegant cool climate wines. Our Pinot Noir, a true representation of Walker Bay's cool climate, strikes a harmonious balance, enchanting the palate with elegance.
