Friday saw the prize giving day of the 2014 Vinpro Vineyard block competition, held at Anthonij Rupert Private Cellar (Also the winner of the 2014 competition)
The topic for the 2014 competition was Cabernet Sauvignon.
The blocks were judged according to a set of standards, applied to the specific block and its wine goal.
The winning block, an example of stunning viticulture and management, was the focus of the day. Beautifully homogeneous, perfect balance. The block scored a phenomenal 96% with the judging panel. Truly a great achievement.
After visiting and discussing the block with the panel, the viticulturist, the farm manager, other viticulturists, soil scientists, fellow wine grape farmers and some friends, we went to taste some Cabernet Sauvignon’s from the Paarl region.
The wines were presented by MD at Anthonij Rupert Wines, Gary Baumgartner.
Wines from R45/bottle to R580/bottle was tasted. The diversity and brilliance of Cabernet Sauvignon was once again on display, especially in the Paarl/Franschhoek/Wellington region.
The gem of the day had to be the Anthonij Rupert Optima 2009. Absolutely delicious. Still many years ahead of this wine and it will only become more exquisite.
All in all a day worth going to – wish we had more of these…
