FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 2014 winners

First among equals.

The winners in the 2014 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 competition are as follows:

Anura Reserve Unfiltered 2013
Boschendal 1685 Grand Vin Blanc 2014
Brampton 2014
Cape Point Vineyards Reserve 2013
Du Plevaux Private Collection 2014 (Imbuko)
Hermit on the Hill The Infidel 2012
KWV The Mentors Darling 2013
Nederburg Arnold Graue The Young Airhawk 2013
Spier 21 Gables 2013
Zevenwacht 360° 2013

Guests were able to taste the 20 finalists before the announcement and my top five were as follows:

Cape Point Vineyards Reserve 2013
Matured for 14 months in barrel, none new. Properly complex – citrus, black currant, a subtle leesy quality plus appealing oak spice. Concentrated fruit, tangy acidity. Memorable.

Score: 93/100.

Driehoek Ludic 2014
Citrus blossom, lime and just a hint of reduction on the nose. Exhilarating to drink – really zippy acidity and a pithy finish.

Score: 91/100.

Flagstone Free Run 2013
70% Elim, 30% Elgin. Pear, white peach and lime plus some talcum powder-like dustiness. Lean and savoury on the palate, which makes for an elegant glass wine.

Score: 91/100.

Hermit on the Hill The Infidel 2012
Fermented and matured for 10 months in old French oak. Black currant, honey and some attractive signs of bottle age: honey and some more savoury notes. Creamy texture, coated acidity.

Score: 92/100.

Uva Mira Sing-a-Wing 2014
Citrus blossom and lime on the nose. Great fruit concentration, driving acidity and a long, dry finish. A singular wine.

Score: 91/100.