John Platter 2012 goes to the web

Following the earlier announcement of the platter 5 star wines for 2012 the media launch for the book last night revealed Boekenhoutskloof as winery of the year, Chamonix Pinot Noir Reserve 2010 as red wine of the year and Badsberg Badslese 2009 as white wine of the year while the superquaffer went to Wolftrap White 2010.

It was also the launch of the web-based version www.wineonaplatter.com, with the iphone App in conjunction with www.wine-oh.info in the next few weeks, and a version for Android smartphones, a mobi site and an e-book to follow.

The booklet continues to grow with some 1000 new wines to over 7000 from more than 900 producers. RRP for the book is R159.95 and can be ordered online from www.kalahari.com and www.sawinesonline.co.uk  

speculation about the colour no passes to 2013

2011 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10

While Sauvignon’s affinity for oak is debatable, its affinity for controversy in the Cape is not. If previous results have been about making frenemies and narrowly defining its styles, Friday’s results seemed to be about making friends - and embracing WOSA’s ‘diversity is in our nature’ strap line.

Sauvignon Blanc has travelled some distance in the last 5 - never mind 10 - years, yet the results reveal more than the variety's Cape evolution. New organiser SBIG (Sauvignon Blanc Interest Group, secretary Pieter de Waal must be commended) found a new sponsor in FNB, assembled a new panel* under previous chair Christian Eedes and came up with probably the widest cross-section of regions, styles and price points the competition has ever seen. (although some usual regions where missing).

It suggests that the panel was given a brief that differed from previous years and / or it’s a reflection of the 2011 vintage which was more about textures than aromatics, playing into the hands of the warmer regions. However, with the exception of [what]? Woolworths Sauvignon Blanc from Breedekloof’s Bergsig, all non-coastal producers bought in fruit from cooler areas in varying amounts up to 100% in Overhex’s Soulo 2011.

Front l to r:  JP Quickelberge (Clos Malverne), Alex Nel (David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner), Lizelle Gerber (Boschendal), Richard Duckitt

(Franschhoek Cellar), Jandre Human (Overhex), De Wet Lategan (Bergsig)

Back l to r:  Thys Louw (Diemersdal), Pieter Badenhorst (Fleur du Cap), Morné Vrey (Delaire), Gideon Theron (Lutzville Vineyards)

The top 10 in ascending price:

BLICZIN!

Sound the clarion call, ignite the fires, release the pigeons, or just get tweeting - Glen Carlou Zinfandel 09 is an absolute beauty.

If it’s not one of the Cape’s best reds, it’s certainly the best Zinfandel. This wine exudes class, charm and plenty of classic Zin plus some Barolo-like intensity. But wait that’s not all – It’s not only got BLIC – balance, length, intensity and complexity – it’s got the S for savoury version too.

You can expect to find red berries, tea leaf, clove, cedar wood and violets on the nose. The palate is at once juicy and tangy yet dense with fine tannins and velvety textures. It’s shows great tension between the tannin and acids, making it very food friendly and certainly easy to drink without.

Its got everything for Sin freaks to get evangelical. The sad news is that the 09 vintage is their last following the grubbing up of the vineyard. The good news is they have some stock of the 09 – and its only R130 a bottle.