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Top Shiraz South Africa: 2024 Shiraz SA Challenge Winners Revealed

The 12th annual Shiraz SA Challenge has once again showcased the finest Shiraz wines in South Africa. This year, six standout vintages from various regions earned top honours, cementing their place among the best Shiraz in the country. The prestigious awards ceremony, held on Thursday, 15 August 2024, at Simonsvlei Wine Cellar in Paarl, was attended by industry leaders and wine enthusiasts alike. Vinventions, a long-standing partner, proudly sponsored the event, which continues to be a significant highlight in the South African wine calendar.

Top 12 Shiraz Wines in South Africa for 2024

Sixteen exceptional wines were awarded across three distinct categories, with Zandvliet Wine Estate impressively securing two spots in the Top 12 Shiraz list for 2024:

Top Shiraz South Africa – 2024:

  • Bon Courage The Pepper Tree Shiraz 2022
  • De Morgenzon Reserve Syrah 2019
  • Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Syrah 2020
  • Leeuwenkuil Shiraz 2023
  • Lomond Single Vineyard Conebush Shiraz 2021
  • Nederburg The Winemasters Shiraz 2022
  • Survivor Wines Syrah 2022
  • Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz 2022
  • Spier Seaward Shiraz 2022
  • Stellenbosch Reserve Kruithuis Syrah 2022
  • Zandvliet Kalkveld Shiraz 2020
  • Zandvliet Hill of Enon Shiraz 2021

Why These Shiraz Wines Stand Out in South Africa

The Shiraz SA Challenge is renowned for its rigorous judging process, and this year was no exception. A panel of leading wine experts, led by Charles Hopkins, cellar master at De Grendel, evaluated the entries from 16 to 19 July at Nederburg. The panel, which included Cape Wine Master Bennie Howard, vice-chairman of the SA National Wine Show Association, and other notable experts, was impressed with the quality and diversity of the wines.

Hopkins praised the winning wines, stating: “The winners represent the best of South African Shiraz, with a range that spans from bold, complex wines to modern, delicate styles with distinctive peppery notes.” He also highlighted the impressive quality across various vintages, with many standout wines from 2022 and 2021, as well as older vintages.

Top Shiraz Blends and Rosé of 2024

In addition to the top Shiraz wines, the following Shiraz blends and a Shiraz Rosé were recognised:

Top Shiraz Blends South Africa – 2024:

  • Benguela Cove Lighthouse Collection Moody Lagoon 2021
  • Eagle’s Cliff Wines Arendskloof Shiraz Tannat 2020
  • KWV Roodeberg Dr Charles Niehaus 2020

Top Shiraz Rosé South Africa – 2024:

  • Eerste Hoop Shiraz Rosé 2024

Celebrating Excellence: Jordan Wine Estate Wins Prestigious Shiraz Trophy

Jordan Wine Estate was honoured with the third annual Bellingham Bernard Podlashuk Shiraz Trophy, along with a R30 000 cash prize, sponsored by Bellingham. This prestigious trophy, named after Bernard Podlashuk, the “Father of South African Shiraz,” celebrates excellence, sustainability, innovation, creativity, and social responsibility in Shiraz production.

The 2024 judging panel selected Jordan as the winner from a shortlist that included Babylonstoren and Stellenrust, recognising Jordan’s outstanding contribution to the Shiraz category in South Africa.

Celebrate National Shiraz Day on 21 August

Shiraz lovers across South Africa are encouraged to celebrate National Shiraz Day on Wednesday, 21 August. Shiraz SA is offering a special “Seven Days of Celebrating Shiraz” experience, featuring exclusive pairing events and tastings.

For more details and the full list of winners, visit ShirazSA.co.za and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ShirazSAAwards. Follow Shiraz SA on Twitter @Shiraz_SA, Facebook @ShirazSouthAfrica, and Instagram @shirazsouthafrica.

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