Roodeberg’s commemorative ‘1949’ red wine launched last year to celebrate the brand’s momentous 70th anniversary, has brought home a Gold medal and a phenomenal score of 96/100 from the 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards in London.

This multifaceted, limited edition red blend from the standout 2017 vintage stood up to the scrutiny of some of the world’s top wine experts including UK Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers. Over 16 500 wines from across the globe were tasted blind in this prestigious international wine competition now in its 17th year.

Showing excellent structure, supple tannins and fleshy fruit with outstanding purity and balance, Roodeberg 1949 embraces the revival of exciting French and Spanish varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon (38%) forms the foundation of the blend, complemented by Tempranillo (29%), Carignan (20%) and Carménère (13%).

“Roodeberg 1949 is a dedicated collaborative effort harnessing some of the finest plant material along with our combined viticultural and winemaking expertise,” says winemaker Louwritz Louw, who worked closely with viticulturist Marco Ventrella and former KWV Cellarmaster and renowned wine educator Prof. Charl Theron in seeing this exclusive commemorative blend come to life.

Each variety brings something unique to the blend resulting in a wine of exceptional concentration and finesse. Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo lend structure and intensity, while the Carignan and Carménère contribute spicy intrigue and depth of flavour.

Rigorous selection from the vineyard to the barrel is the bedrock of Roodeberg 1949. After fermentation, the different components are left to mature for 18 months in new French oak barrels and only the finest barrels are blended and bottled for this commemorative wine.

This concentrated, deep ruby red blend has generous aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant and vanilla, followed by a mouthful of cinnamon, sweet spice and ripe, juicy dark berry fruit. Firm tannins lend structure and an enduring finish.

Ever evolving with a rich heritage spanning more than 70 years, the name Roodeberg resonates in the hearts and minds of wine lovers the world over. Roodeberg 1949 continues this tradition as a contemporary blend with universal appeal; a wine that is imminently drinkable and accessibly yet complex enough to age beautifully.

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.