September 2008

Not one, not two, but three gold medals (and a silver) were awarded to Robertson Winery at the 12th annual Michelangelo International Wine Awards in 2008.

RW’s flagship, the Robertson Winery Constitution Road 2005, won gold, as did the Vineyard Selection Wolfkloof Shiraz 2005 and the Vineyard Selection Prospect Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. Also in the Vineyard Selection range, the Retreat Sauvignon Blanc 2008 was awarded a silver medal.
These awards were in keeping with the general trends of the competition which showed Shiraz dominating the medal tally, with sweet wines and Sauvignon Blancs also impressing the judges.

The No.1 Constitution Road is a barrel selection of the Wolfkloof Shiraz which is a single vineyard on a farm at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains that has been in the Viljoen family since 1886. The wine spent 24 months in oak barrels and is a deep purple colour with intense aromas of dark ripe black berry with seductive spicy fruit and black pepper. The Wolfkloof Shiraz has a more spicy profile with cinnamon and cloves balancing the pronounced mulberry flavours.

The Prospect Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is undoubtedly a good investment. Intense aromas of blackcurrant and brambly wild fruit lead promisingly to rich flavours of ripe cassis and chocolate, as well as some earthiness. Balanced tannins and acidity ensure a well-defined structure and an elegant finish.

The Retreat Sauvignon Blanc is a slight anomaly in Robertson, not known for the varieties better suited to cooler climes. However, the Retreat farm is relatively far south for Robertson and situated high up the on the Riviersonderend mountains, so the micro-climate in the vineyard is unusually cool. Winemaker Jacques Roux works closely with viticulturist Briaan Stipp to pick at just the right time. Roux handled the grapes very carefully in the cellar to create a wine that oozes tropical fruit flavours balanced by the signature flintiness of the weathered shale soils.

Of the 1 342 entries in the competition, only 258 were lauded with medals at the gala event held at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West.