The 2013 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 competition, under the auspices of the Sauvignon Blanc Interest Group (SBIG), is proud to announce the Top 20 contenders in the running to be crowned as South Africa's most innovative and exciting Sauvignon Blanc wines currently on the market.
Entries were received from far and wide, and a panel of experts spent three days in assessing a record number of 207 entries.
Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa's most competitive category, and the quality of the wines on display were evident from the start. Panelists Christian Eedes (convenor), Elzette du Preez, Cathy Marston, Carrie Adams and Richard Kershaw MW discussed and deliberated for many hours to come up with a fantastic selection, representing a great diversity of origins and styles, that shows the true potential of this noble grape variety in South African conditions.
The great majority of wines in the Top 20 are from specific wards of origin, with Darling, Stellenbosch, Cape Point, Elgin and Durbanville featuring prominently. New and exciting areas, such as Elandskloof near Villiersdorp entered the Top 20 for the first time, with the unknown region of Langeberg-Garcia managing a position for the second year running. Sauvignon Blanc stalwarts Cape Point Vineyards, Thelema, Graham Beck, Kleine Zalze and Durbanville Hills show consistency, while DGB's Franschhoek Cellar Statue de Femme and Boschendal Reserve aim to duplicate their achievement of 2011, when both managed a position in the FNB Top 10.
The Top 20, in alphabetical order
Alexanderfontein Chip off The Old Block Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Boschendal Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Cape of Good Hope Altima Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Cape Point Vineyards Woolworths 2012
Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2012
Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Durbanville Hills Rhinofields Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Franschhoek Cellar Statue de Femme Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Graham Beck Pheasants' Run Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Havana Hills Virgin Earth The Pepper Tree Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Hillcrest Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Jordan Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Nederburg Private Bin D234 Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Ormonde Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Phizante Kraal Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Sumaridge Estate Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Thelema Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Thelema Sutherland Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Vrede en Lust Casey's Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2012
“The 2013 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 competition continues to grow from strength to strength and we are proud of all the constants who are part of the top 20. As the most innovative bank globally, we are pleased to celebrate yet another landmark in showcasing South Africa's most innovative and exciting wine-making talent. FNB is firmly committed to enhancing the competitive edge of South African wine-makers, and broadening the appeal of the industry to all segments of our society. Our association with this competition is also entrenched in the belief that our country has the necessary talent to be able to compete on the global stage,” said Stephan Claassen FNB Provincial head, Western Cape.
According to Pieter de Waal, SBIG secretary and organiser of the competition, this was a year where the judges were spoilt for choice. "Having judged at Concours Mondial du Sauvignon in France this year, as well as the Berliner Wein Trophy in Germany, I have no reservations in saying that this year's FNB Top 20 are all world-class wines that are able to stand out in an international context."
The 2013 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 will be announced at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate on Friday, 27 September 2013.
For any other enquiries, please contact Pieter de Waal on 083 357 3864 or sbig@dw.co.za
