Organised by Events by Celia, the judging of the 2023 Chardonnay Challenge took place on 19 October 2023 in Cape Town by three experienced tasters. The tasters were Greg Mutambe, sommelier at Rust en Vrede in Stellenbosch; Janine van Zyl, a Michael Fridjhon Judging Academy graduate and Cape Wine Master student; and Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman as chair.
The tasting was completely blind, without any vintage or origin information. Judging was according to the international 100 point system, and all wines were evaluated in the presence of an auditor. Cecil Kilpin and Co.There was no discussion until after the tasting, when overall impressions were called for.
Stellenbosch and Robertson accounted for the majority of the entries, others coming from Swellendam, Overberg, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Wellington. Vintages ranged from 2018 to 2023, although the majority were 2022. Stylistically there was diversity, some wines with minerality, others with citrus or stone fruit flavours. Generally speaking, the wines had balanced freshness which not only aided their appeal but promised some ageing ability.
There were 14 golds awarded, 90 points and above, and 7 silvers, 80-89, making this one of the best performing competitions. A few of the wines were unwooded, but for the majority, the panel was particularly complimentary about the judicious use of oak, giving the wines flavour, complexity and balance, without dominating. Fruit purity was also commented on, reflecting good harvesting choices as well as careful cellar handling. Two Blanc de Blancs were entered, both gold medal winners, with the Graham Beck 2018 a clear competition winner.
For more information on the Chardonnay Challenge and other wine competitions by Events by Celia, contact Celia Gilloway on celia@eventsbycelia.com.
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