In 2009, a stream of high profile wine industry awards and venerated ratings confirmed Woolworths’ status as a purveyor of unique, South African wines of outstanding quality. In August, John Platter confirmed 5-star ratings for four Woolworths wines, to be published in the authoritative 2010 John Platter South African Wine Guide. Woolworths Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Limited Release Spectrum TMV 2008, Limited Release Cape Point Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and Jordan Cobbler’s Hill 2005 all met the stringent requirements for Platter’s highest rating – ‘5-star – Superlative – A Cape Classic’. More recently at the Veritas Awards, South Africa’s most enduring and prestigious wine industry competition, five Woolworths wines were recognised by the judges as wines of exceptional quality winning double gold & gold rankings. As a guideline for connoisseurs, Woolworths True to Terroir The Hutton Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 and Woolworths Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007 will bear the distinctive Veritas Double Gold symbol of excellence; Woolworths True to Terroir Koffie Klip Merlot 2007, Woolworths True to Terroir and The Abacus Chardonnay 2008 will bear the Veritas Gold. Throughout 2009, Woolworths wines have also enjoyed strong showings in competition. A highlight of the year was the award at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show of two 2009 trophies for ‘Best Chenin Blanc’ and ‘Best Overall White Wine’ for the Woolworths Limited Release Chenin Blanc – Simonsig 2008. Not only did this wine make it through The Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show’s rigorous tasting panels with top honours, it also notched up a Gold medal at the Veritas Wine Awards. More than 1500 wines from 263 producers were entered into this year’s Michelangelo Awards competition, Woolworths Simonsvlei Hercules Paragon Shiraz 2006, Limited Release Pinotage Diemersfontein 2008 and Ladybird Red also received Gold medals. The Ladybird Red also went on to win the best organic red wine at the Green Awards. Of note is that nine of these eleven award-winning Woolworths wines are approved by the Biodiversity in Wine (BWI) initiative and carry the BWI emblem on the labels. As part of its Good business journey, Woolworths ensures that the majority of their wine suppliers use sustainable production measures that protect the natural environment and the unique Cape Floral Kingdom. It is this particular selection of top quality wine-making partners that enables Woolworths to deliver a notable difference to its wine-loving customers. Woolworths enjoys a unique relationship with its producers who are committed to innovation that pleases the customer, as well as to the highest quality standards. Every facet of the wine-making process is carefully considered from the vines and the terroir, through the processing and blending. Cape Wine Master and Woolworths Wine Selector, Allan Mullins comments: “It takes a special kind of passion for wine, and a determination to keep sourcing, selecting and blending to come up with exceptional ranges of premium wines at the right prices. All the fantastic awards we have won this year show that Woolworths is fortunate to be in partnership with excellent winemakers who are as excited about innovation and quality as we are.” ENDS EDITOR’S NOTES 5 Star John Platter rated Woolworths wines: Limited Release Spectrum TMV 2008 – Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards Spectrum 2008 is a blend of Chenin Blanc (62%), Chardonnay (14%), Grenach (9%), Rousanne (8%), and Viognier (7%). Crisp, fresh with intense concentration and a deliciously lingering finish, this exquisitely blended wine covers the full spectrum of flavours from all the different cultivars used in creating this blend, appropriately called Spectrum. The palate is rich and complex with elegant layers of citrus, lime and vanilla flavours. This wine complements roast herb chicken or duck with orange and ginger sauce. Enjoy now or cellar for a further 2-3 years from harvest. Woolworths Steenberg Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2009 This wine is a superb blend of fresh Sauvignon Blanc with barrel fermented Semillon. The nose is steely and crisp with overtones of lime and subtle nuances of tangerine in the background. The palate is elegant with orange blossom well integrated with a soft smokiness form the oak. Serve lightly chilled (10-12°c). If possible decant and allow breathing before serving. Ideal with crayfish, tuna tartare and gently spiced eastern dishes. This wine can be enjoyed now but will develop over the next 2 years. It is recommended that it be drunk within 3-4 years of harvest. Limited Release Cape Point Sauvignon Blanc 2009 – Cape Point Vineyards Green peppers, passion fruit and hints of gooseberry pack the nose and the palate is zesty and fresh but with full, succulent mouth feel. Enjoy it with Cape linefish, prawns or free range chicken. A great match with seared tuna or salmon. Best drunk within 2-3 years of harvest. Jordan Cobblers Hill 2005 This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (43%), Merlot (42%) and Cabernet Franc (15%). Richly structured with deep blackberry and cassis fruit, mouth-filling mocha and complex depth. This wine is a perfect match for fine dining especially rich, red meat dishes and roasts. It will mature well for another 5-7 years Veritas Awards – Double Gold: Woolworths True to Terroir The Hutton Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Deep, rich Hutton soils are a dominant feature of the terroir of this wine. Hutton soils are best planted to noble, sensitive cultivars, giving rise to elegant, full-bodied wines; as with the Hutton Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, ripe blueberries, blackcurrants and mulberries are layered with tobacco spice and mineral character. A complex, ripe and full-bodied wine of structure and elegance. The wine is full bodied and wooded. Spier Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007 Prominent mint flavours are joined on the palate by coffee, mocha and dark chocolate. Well structured tannins and elegant fruit produce a mouth-filling wine with a lingering almond after taste. The grapes for this wine were handpicked from selected vineyards at optimum ripeness, gently vinified, and matured in new French oak barrels over 18 months. Serve at room temperature (+/- 16̊C). This wine will compliment rich meat dishes such as oxtail stew or seared beef fillet. Enjoy now or within 4 – 6 years of harvest. This wine is full bodied and barrel matured. Veritas Awards –Gold: Woolworths True to Terroir Koffie Klip Merlot 2007 Dark, rich Koffie Klip soils with lumps resembling coffee beans are a defining feature of the terroir of this wine. Koffie Klip soils are well suited to cultivars that benefit from an even ripening phase; such as the velvety-smooth Koffie Klip Merlot. Prominent blackcurrant, berries and cherries are layered with minerality, chocolate and spice, producing a profile of richness and structure. These combine with pleasant oak on a smooth and elegant palate with a lingering aftertaste. The wine is full bodied and wooded. Woolworths True to Terroir The Abacus Chardonnay 2008 The Abacus Chardonnay is named for the contribution of the students of Helderberg College for the planting of the vines. Intense lemon and lime show on an elegant palate of leesy nut and rich cream. Gentle oak spice and subtle notes join to produce a balanced and complex affect. The wine is dry and barrel fermented. Veritas Awards –Gold & 2 x Old Mutual Trophy awards: Woolworths Limited Release Chenin Blanc – Simonsig 2008 Well balanced and complex wine, layered with fragrant baked apple and spicy toasty oak complemented by pear and touch of minerality on the nose. The round palate is perfectly balanced by a zesty, clean acidity providing a beautiful freshness to the dry finish. Serve lightly chilled (12-14°c). This wine is a match made in heaven with Wineland Camembert, shell fish and glazed ham. Enjoy now or cellar for further 4 years under favourable conditions.