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Signature Red Blend Report 2019

By Christian Eedes, 30 July 2019

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The fourth annual Signature Red Blend Report, featuring wines distinctive of their originators, is now out. 58 entries were received from 42 producers for this year’s competition. These were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by the three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.

The top 12 wines (with rating alongside) are as follows:

Alto Rouge 2016 – 92
Alto Rouge 2017 – 92
DeMorgenzon Maestro Blue 2017 – 92
Donkiesbaai Rooiwijn 2017 – 94
Ernie Els Big Easy Red Blend 2017 – 92
Fairview Extraño 2016 – 93
Nederburg The Motorcycle Marvel 2017 – 92
Org de Rac Die Waghuis 2017 – 93
Plaisir De Merle Grand Plaisir 2014 – 93
Rust en Vrede Estate 2016 – 94
Underworld Blend 3 2018 (Strange Kompanjie) – 92
Vondeling Monsonia 2016 – 93

To read the report in full, including key findings, tasting notes for the top 12 and scores on the 100-point quality scale for all wines entered, download the following: Signature Red Blend Report 2019

To view a photo album from yesterday’s announcement function, click here.

Signature Red Blend Report

Comments

7 comment(s)

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Mike Froud | 31 July 2019

Christian, I am curious as to how many Pinotage-driven ‘Cape Blends’ were on the tasting bench? Are you surprised that there were none among the wines rated 90-plus?

Christian Eedes | 31 July 2019

Hi Mike, Based on a quick scan of the 58 entries, there appear to be only three that contain Pinotage, namely Asara Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2016 (38%), Babylonstoren Babel 2018 (5%) and Old Road Wine Co. The Butcher and Cleaver 2015 (30%), all rating 89. Prominent example Beyerskloof Faith 2015 rated 88 in last year’s tasting. As to why more were not entered, I’m not sure (it’s the prerogative of producers not to participate if they don’t see fit) but perhaps the “Cape Blend” is simply a concept that has run out of time.

Bernard De Boer | 31 July 2019

Hi Christiaan,
Where can one get the Underworld blend? One only gets the Kate Beckinsale movie franchise on Google!
Really want to try that Donkiesbaai as well

Kwispedoor | 31 July 2019

Bernard, you can do a whole lot worse than treating your palate to the (truly delicious) Donkie and your eyes to Ms Beckinsale.

Christian Eedes | 31 July 2019

Hi Bernard, Underworld Blend 3 is made by Boutinot SA. As to how you get your hands on it, I’m not entirely sure. They have acquired a farm in Franschhoek but not sure if this is open to the public…

TopWineSA | 31 July 2019

Underworld available from the producer at wildeberg.co.za – but for R110pb rather than the R90 as given in the report…

Christian Eedes | 1 August 2019

Orders can be placed with Henriette Henn of Boutinot via email: HenrietteH@boutinot.com

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