The inaugural The Sommeliers Selection competition attracted close to 400 entries, of which just more than a quarter were selected for the Sommeliers Selection Wine List.

The competition catered for wines, beers, and ciders, entered by large, small and niche producers into what had been called the ‘A New Wine Award With a Difference’. Judging was done by members of the South African Sommelier Association, under the joint-chairmanship of David Clarke and Higgo Jacobs.

The focus of the competition was to keep it fresh, new, and different, but still retaining the serious aspect of wine, and guaranteeing the highest standard.

The Wine By The Glass Trophy Wine List winners are as follows:

HOUSE WINE – WHITE

Nederburg Riesling 2014
HOUSE WINE – RED

Hartenberg Alchemy Syrah 2013

HOUSE WINE -BUBBLES

Graham Beck Brut Rosé NV
WHITE – FRESH/CRUNCHY

Villiera Sauvignon Blanc 2014
WHITE – ELEGANT/CLASSY

La Motte Chardonnay 2013
Laibach The Ladybird White Organic 2014
Shannon Semillon 2014
WHITE – FULL/RICH

Durbanville Hills Rhino Fields Chardonnay 2012
Grande Provence Chardonnay 2013
RED – FRESH/ JUICY

Stellar Organics Reserve 2013
RED – ELEGANT / CLASSY

Longridge Pinotage 2013
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2014
RED – VOLUPTUOUS/RICH

Flagstone Dragon Tree 2012
Oldenburg Syrah 2012
VINTAGE MCC

Domaine des Dieux Claudia 2009
BLANC DE BLANCS

Bon Courage Blanc de Blanc 2009
STICKYS

Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest 2014
INTERNATIONAL WINES

Domaine Grier – France Rosé 2014
FORTIFIED

Monis Muscadel

Higgo Jacobs commented about The Sommelier Selection winners: ‘We found the overall standard of entries received above average with an excellent range of wines to work with and judge. We believe in the potential of a wine competition in this format and can’t wait to see consumers’ reaction and engagement with the awards’.

The Sommelier Selection, www.thesommeliersselection.co.za Twitter: @SommelierS

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio. Cell 082 55 11 323 www.whalecottage.com  Twitter: @WhaleCottage