KWV is once again celebrating multiple medals from the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020. The Decanter World Wine Awards is the world’s largest wine competition, and results in this 17th edition were announced after a month of rigorous judging by respected wine judges.

From 16 518 wines tasted, KWV managed to secure two Gold Medals, fifteen Silver Medals, and a total tally of seventeen wines scored 90+ across various of its wine portfolios.

“The Decanter results indicate consistency and quality in KWV’s various ranges. With scores up to the high 90’s, we are also incredibly proud to have produced wines of fine caliber, which we know will delight and be enjoyed by our consumer,” said KWV Chief Winemaker, Justin Corrans.

The Mentors

KWV’s premium wine portfolio, The Mentors, once again showcases the extraordinary quality of its wines with a collection of 10 medals in the 90+ range to its name. Leading the pack is The Mentors Chenin Blanc 2018, with an impressive score of 96 points, described by show judges as “(a wine with a) powerful spicy nose of oak, lemon curd and lime juice backed by yellow plum, melon and herbs. Concentrated palate with deep rooted fruit and a floral finish.” 

This fine wine range has established itself as one of the sought-after premium brands in South Africa and is a leading example of the expertise found in KWV’s cellars. Other high scores for The Mentors include:

• The Mentors Perold 2017 – 93 points
• The Mentors Cabernet Franc 2017 – 93 points
• The Mentors Canvas 2019 – 93 points
• The Mentors Grenache Blanc 2018 – 92 points
• The Mentors Petit Verdot 2016 – 92 points
• The Mentors Petit Verdot 2017 – 92 points
• The Mentors Orchestra 2017 – 91points
• The Mentors Canvas 2016 – 91 points
• The Mentors Pinotage 2017 – 90 points

Roodeberg

Roodeberg has been a part of the fibre of the South African wine culture since 1949, making it one of South Africa’s iconic wine brands. KWV continues to uphold the brand’s reputation as an ‘icon’ brand with wines that are respected for their immaculate structure, outstanding quality, and its consistent drinking pleasure. With this objective at its core, it is with great pride that this brand can report a terrific score of 96 points for its commemorative, Roodeberg 1949, a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon-Tempranillo-Carignan-Carménère. Judges described the wine as: “Attractive, glowing nose of cassis, blackcurrant leaf and blueberry leading to clove and smoky graphite notes. Full-bodied, intense and seamless palate with fine tannin and glowing acidity.”

Other high scores went to

• Roodeberg Dr Charles Niehaus 2017 – 90 points
• Roodeberg Red 2018 – 90 points

Classic Collection

Showing that affordability does not have to come at the cost of quality, KWV’s Classic Collection range offers exceptional drinking pleasure. Illustrating the point is the Classic Collection Cape Tawny (nv) which was awarded 93 points by Decanter’s judges, with a wine descriptor which captures the evocative qualities of this wine:” Walnut and caramel cake, with lovely sherry like aromas, dried cranberry and cherries. Smoked wood character with ginger and tarragon.”

Cathedral Cellar

Positioned as a premium product within the celebrated KWV portfolio, the Cathedral Cellar brand encapsulates KWV’s long standing relationship with South Africa’s wine farmers, and perfectly illustrate the balance between past and present. With wines that show finesse and structure, this portfolio impressed at the Decanter World Wine Awards with its Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 scoring 91 points. Judges’ complimentary notes on the wine read: “Fragrant and attractive with aromas of blackberry, plum, tobacco and savoury spice. Chocolatey round tannin and bursting fruit finish.”

Another high score was awarded to:

• Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2016 – 90 points.

Laborie

Showcasing the confluence of French tradition and South African heritage, Laborie’s wines of distinction illustrate the long line of a proud winemaking tradition at the Cape. This brand is especially revered for its fine Cap Classique wines, again demonstrated with its Laborie Brut Rosé (nv) which was awarded 90 points. This attractive blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinotage, elicited equally delightful comments from judges: “Attractive nose of strawberry, candy and crunchy red currant. Soft touches of brioche and a lively acidity on the palate.”

KWV’s full line-up of scores from the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 can be viewed by visiting the competition’s official website.