Lourensford Estate in Somerset West is celebrating being one of the top performers at the Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards this week, with a trio of wines judged the best South Africa has to offer in their respective categories, and the Lourensford Ltd Release Noble Late Harvest 2014 receiving the highest average score of any wine entered in the annual competition.
Lourensford’s 2017 Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards National Winners:
Top Merlot: Lourensford Limited Release Merlot 2015
Top Viognier: Lourensford Limited Release Viognier 2016
Top Natural Sweet: Lourensford Ltd Release Noble Late Harvest 2014 – also named one of the Top 5 Estate Wines overall, based on its average score
The three Lourensford wines were named best in the country, having already been recognised as the top performers in their categories in the Stellenbosch District Terroir Awards (including Stellenbosch wards).
The 12th annual Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards, which attracted more than 320 entries this year, were judged by a respected panel of connoisseur wine tasters.
Lourensford Estate cellar master Hannes Nel said: “It is wonderful for our winemaking team to receive this recognition, especially with our Noble Late Harvest receiving the highest average score of any wine entered in the competition. Winning national awards across three categories also illustrates that Lourensford is a special site, producing exceptional grapes across a range of cultivars.”
One of the world’s most beautiful wine estates, Lourensford is a visual feast with 4000 hectares of forest, Fynbos, fruit orchards, vineyards and mountains.