Veritas Wine Awards 2022
Three Double Golds for Benguela Cove wines at the Veritas Wine Awards 2022
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, the family-run wine farm in Hermanus, has won three double gold medals at the annual Veritas Wine Awards on 8th October 2022, where all the panel judges voted unanimously to award more than 93 points out of 100, achieved for a second successive year.
“All of our wines are estate-grown, produced and bottled here. It’s a rarity these days, but it ensures that buyers know they are getting wines that are unique and authentic in style - and are now recognised consistently for their quality by a panel of independent judges,” says Johann Fourie, cellar master at Benguela Cove.
“It’s a big achievement in just 10 years, from when the Streeter family bought and invested in this very special place in the cool-climate Walker Bay region, located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s at the lowest height, at sea level, and with the longest seaboard of any vineyard in the world.”
Achieving the top awards for a sparkling, white and red wine as well shows the diversity and consistency of the estate’s portfolio, says Fourie. He attributes this to the skills of the vineyard team in working with an unusually wide range of growing conditions – including the diversity of soil, slopes, and microclimates in the lagoon location, which is separated from the ocean by a sandbar.
Benguela Cove’s Estate Collage 2019 Red Blend, Joie de Vivre 2018, Cap Classique sparkling wine and Catalina Sémillon 2017 all received double gold, with a further gold for the Vinography Petit Verdot 2020.
The Collage 2019 Red Blend added to a series of recent triumphs that have included top awards in the Tim Atkin South African Special Report, Michelangelo, Winemag and Platter’s competitions.
The Catalina Sémillon 2017’s success in the museum class proves that this is a white wine that can age and improve in the bottle over time, says Fourie, bringing forth its intense, complex flavours.
Sparkling wine is a relatively recent focus for Benguela Cove, with its Joie de Vivre winning double gold for a second year in a row in Veritas, for only its second vintage. The cool climate of Walker Bay is synonymous with outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the grapes are balanced to produce a sophisticated Méthode Cap Classique (MCC).
Veritas Awards
The Veritas Awards is the longest-running and one of the most prestigious wine competitions in South Africa, dating back to 1991.
Wines and brandies are tasted blind in the review by the Veritas panel of experts. Scores are awarded according to the international 100-point scale: a double gold medal is achieved when the panel agrees on a score of 93 or more out of 100 for an entry and gold when a wine notches up 90 to 92.9 points.
The most Double Gold medals per category, namely 12, went to Sauvignon Blanc, followed by Red Blends 9, and Chenin Blanc and Cap Classique 8 each.
The Veritas Awards this year drew 1,312 entries, which were judged by a jury of 70 local wine specialists during a five-day blind tasting session.
“We are proud to announce that this year a record number of 103 Double Gold and 136 Gold awards were handed out, together with 218 Silver Outstanding, 515 Silver and 205 Bronze medals.” - SANWSA Chairperson
The Stars of the Show
For a second year in a row, Benguela Cove takes home three double gold medals at the Veritas Awards.
Silver Outstanding | Benguela Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2021
This wine is a true expression of its origin. The Estate Sauvignon Blanc captures the essence of a cool climate region and delivers with great balance, length, and intensity with an Atlantic freshness about it. Partly barrel fermented, it gently tames the natural acidity, enhancing mouthfeel, the tank fermented component contributing to its overall complexity and freshness.
Silver | Benguela Cove Syrah 2020
“Syrah can truly showcase terroir when allowed to do so by not overworking it in the winery. Our winemaking approach is to honour this unique piece of land at the Southern tip of Africa". - Johann Fourie
Silver | Lighthouse Collection Syrah 2020
True to the varietal, one is lured closer with delicious dark fruit, a rich perfume and a savoury gloss with hints of pepper. Juicy ripe tannins add structure with a youthful freshness to perch the bold fruit. The fruit follows through beautifully with a salty finish that lingers on the palate.
Silver | Vinography Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Cab is King they say and a cool climate wine region carries that crown with flair. Assertively Cabernet Sauvignon with that quintessential aroma of blackcurrant, dried herbs, fynbos, aniseed, and hints of leather. A seamless balance between fruit and acidity backed with polished tannins - ensuring you take notice of the finesse this Cab brings to the table.
Bronze | Benguela Cove Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
This wine is the epitome of elegance. It is complete and made with care to create the perfect harmony between fruit, tannin and acidity. Albeit reserved at first, this wine invites you to discover its intensity and layers. A bold and unashamed style that delivers a well-integrated palate and persistent finish.
The team is celebrating stellar awards this year and the Benuela Collection looks forward to sharing our wine journey.
