KWV wines returned from the prestigious Michelangelo International Wine Awards this year with a veritable treasure trove of awards. The Mentors wine range led the KWV pack, collecting no less than four Golds while the KWV Heritage 1937 won Grand D’Or (Double Gold) and the trophy for Best Dessert Wine.

The results of the competition, in its 15th year, were announced at a gala luncheon at the NH The Lord Charles hotel in Somerset West on September 9. The Paarl-based KWV was among 226 producers that entered a record total of 1 385 wines to be assessed by an international panel of 15 judges.

The prestige of the competition lies in the rule that only 30% of entries may be awarded a medal, although this can be exceeded should several wines attain the same score at the cut off.

Gold awards were collected by:

• KWV The Mentors Orchestra 2009, a typical Bordeaux style wine has upfront fresh fruit like cassis, plum, strawberry and cherry. The fruit flavours are complemented by perfume, violets, dark chocolate and subtle smoky and mint aromas. The palate is full with fine, firm tannins and good length with a fruity finish;
• KWV The Mentors Pinotage 2009, a beautiful crimson red coloured wine with multiple layers, truly showcasing the best varietal characteristics. Juicy blackberry and plum are complemented by notes of toffee, dark chocolate, hints of spice, fruitcake and soft floral notes. On the generous, soft palate the wine is well rounded and full with velvety tannins and integrated maturation nuances;
• KWV The Mentors Shiraz 2009, a ruby red, full bodied red wine with complex fruit and concentration. Blackcurrant, mulberry and blackberry fruit are complemented by black pepper, spice and caramel nuances. The wine is fresh and lively with soft, silky and rounded tannins showing beautiful restraint and a seamless end; and,
• KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2009, a green-tinged wine bursting with green fig, green pepper and floral aromas that expresses varietal characteristics from the first nose. With the upfront fruit, complemented by granadilla, lemon grass and lime flavours, the wine displays juicy concentration and intensity. The seamless palate ends with a crisp finish. Wines chosen to be part of The Mentors range are made from grapes sourced from top vineyards across the country. These wines are only bottled under The Mentors label should they satisfy the goals and vision of the KWV winemaking team in the production of premium quality, modern wines in an old style and of international standing.

The awards at a competition of the stature of the Michelangelo International Wine Awards serve as an important indicator of the success of this vision, said KWV chief winemaker Richard Rowe. “We are very pleased with the achievement, which reflects a broader appreciation for our quality range of wines.”

KWV The Mentors have enjoyed consistent performance in various respected wine competitions, including at the recent National Young Wine Show and the Absa Top 10 Pinotage Competition.

The Michelangelo International Wine Awards event was established in 1997 with the aim of annually identifying South African wines likely to fare well in international markets. The judging panel this year comprised South African CWM Christine Rudman as well as recognised wine authorities from Europe, Australia and Argentina.

As was the case in 2009 and 2010, the red wine category attracted the most entries, led by Shiraz. Among the white wine entries, Sauvignon Blanc topped the list.