Breedekloof Makers: 2023 Awards
Nestled in the arms of the majestic Du Toitskloof Mountains, the Breedekloof Valley has a unique terroir with late-ripening vines, allowing for an extended growing season that brings out the character and complexity in the region's famed Chenin Blanc grapes. These conditions, a mix of natural bounty and geological serendipity, allow our Breedekloof Makers to make wines that capture the essence of their terroir and garner top awards and global recognition.
In the league of the 'Expected' Wooden Chenin Blancs, our Breedekloof Makers have consistently impressed critics at prestigious competitions. Tim Atkin MW, a renowned name in the wine industry, has scored Jason’s Hill Beatrix Reserve Chenin Blanc 2022 with 91 points, while Opstal Carl Everson 2022 has topped that with a score of 93 points. Botha Kelder Amyah Chenin Blanc 2020, DTK Wines - Quest Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022, and others have notched up 90+ points, showcasing the high standard of winemaking that defines the valley.
The Michelangelo Awards, an international wine competition recognising wine excellence, echoed this sentiment, bestowing Gold to DTK Wines - Quest Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022 and Double Gold to Badsberg Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2022. The Merwida Family Vintners Chenin Blanc 2022 also struck Gold, underscoring the valley's proficiency in crafting exceptional Chenin Blanc.
Notably, the Daschbosch Mossiesdrift Steen 2022 received Double Gold at the Veritas competition, one of the oldest and most prestigious wine contests in South Africa. Here, DTK Wines and Merwida again secured Gold, reinforcing their stellar reputation.
Decanter, a leading wine authority, rated the DTK Wines - Quest Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022 at an impressive 95 points, while the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) acknowledged its excellence with a score of 90 points. Even in categories dedicated to new releases, such as Winemag’s New Release Category, Olifantsberg Lark 2022 has triumphed with a 90-point rating, and the Platter’s guide, a benchmark for South African wine aficionados, awarded Opstal Carl Everson 2022 a stellar 4.5 stars and Bergsig Patmos Chenin Blanc 2020 with 4 stars.
In the 'Unexpected Wines' category, Breedekloof's innovativeness shines through. DTK Wines Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2022 received 92 Points from Tim Atkin MW, while Olifantsberg Grenache Noir 2021 and Daschbosch Skin Contact were rated 93. These wines, while diverging from the valley’s Chenin Blanc stronghold, display the versatility and adaptability of the terroir.
The Michelangelo Awards continued to applaud the region's diversity, granting Double Gold to DTK Wines Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2022 and Badsberg Belladonna 2021, with Belle Rebelle Mariette Chardonnay Cap Classique 2016 and Merwida Barbera both seizing Gold.
Decanter and Winemag have also recognised DTK Wines Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc with 92 Points. Similarly, the Platter's guide lauded the Jason’s Hill Izak Reserve Bordeaux Blend 2018 with 4 stars and the Bersig Dom Prop Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2019 with 4.5 stars, both reflecting the valley’s robust profile in reds. The SA Terroir Awards crowned the latter as the Breedekloof District Winner, further highlighting the region's quality and innovation.
In the realm of the ‘Other Chenin’ awards, the valley's Chenin Blanc diversity continues to sparkle. Tim Atkin honoured Jason’s Hill Arrois Cap Classique Chenin Blanc 2018 with 90 points, while Opstal Bergsteen stood out with a remarkable 95 points. The Michelangelo Awards echoed this with a sweep of Gold awards for DTK Wines, Badsberg Badslese, Merwida Chenin Blanc, and Mountain Ridge The Twins Chenin Blanc, all 2023 vintages. Winemag’s Chenin Blanc Report again placed Jason’s Hill Arrois Cap Classique Chenin Blanc 2018 amongst the elite with a 90-point accolade.
The awards and scores testify to the valley's winemaking prowess. The terroir, characterised by its well-drained alluvial soils, a result of the meandering Breede River, and the shielding mountains that temper the summer heat, has been instrumental in creating a microclimate that allows Chenin Blanc to thrive. The late-ripening nature of the vines allows the grapes to develop a balance of acidity and sugar, imbuing the wines with a unique profile that carries the whispers of the valley's soils and terroir.
The Breedekloof Maker's well-established reputation for high-quality Expected and Unexpected wines is a matter of regional pride and a significant chapter in South Africa's winemaking story. Each award and accolade elevates the winery and cements our Breedekloof Maker's status in the competitive global wine industry. Through innovation, commitment to quality, and a deep understanding of their land, the Makers of the Breedekloof continue to create wines that are not only expectedly excellent but delightfully unexpected.
