Kloovenburg Clenches Top Honours in the 2024 Taransaud Hallo Merlot Top 10 Competition
Kloovenburg, a cherished wine farm that holds a very special place in my heart, has once again shone like a beacon of excellence at this year’s Hallo Merlot Top 10 Competition 2024 with their Merlot 2021. Kloovenberg Wine and Olive Estate is nestled in the lush embrace of Riebeek-Kasteel’s Swartland wine region. It’s not just the fertile soil or the sun-kissed vines that make Kloovenburg exceptional; it’s also the passion and the story which is poured into every bottle.
Kloovenburg had every reason to beam with pride as their Merlot 2021 not only did they soared to the top of the wine charts but also clinched a shiny new oak barrel. This accolade came courtesy of the generous folks at French cooperage Taransaud, who have been the event’s largest sponsor for three consecutive years. This year’s Taransaud Hallo Merlot Top 10 Competition awards ceremony, was held at the scenic Vrysmansfontein in Paarl on 12th June 2024!
While Kloovenburg basked in the limelight with the highest scoring wine, Stellenbosch wasn’t far behind, claiming eight spots on the Hallo Merlot Top 10 Competition 2024 with its velvety Merlots. Nilberg Estate had us all doing a double-take with not one, but two wines making the cut – their Merlot 2017 and Merlot Reserve 2018.
Bein Private Cellar continued its winning streak for the third year running with its Bein Little Merlot 2021. And let’s not forget the other Stellenbosch stars: Delaire Graff (Banghoek Reserve Merlot 2021), Dornier (Merlot 2020), Glenelly (Glass Collection Merlot 2020), Quoin Rock (Merlot 2021), and Zorgvliet (Merlot 2021).
Franschhoek’s Anthonij Rupert Wines wrapped up the Top 10 with its Anthonij Rupert Merlot 2018, adding that Franschhoek je nais se quois to the mix.
Dawie Botha, the chairman of the Merlot Forum and winemaker extraordinaire at Anthonij Rupert Wines, couldn’t help but highlight how this year’s competition once again showcased South African winemakers’ unwavering dedication to crafting top-notch Merlot. It’s all about that “terroir-expression that makes each bottle uniquely delightful”.
Botha hit the nail on the head when he said that while Merlot is South Africa’s favorite red varietal, what we’ve been missing is a competition that truly celebrates our local vintners’ efforts and shines a spotlight on our regional specialties. This year’s Hallo Merlot Top 10 2024 did just that, with a whopping 63 wines from across Cape’s wine regions entering the fray. “It’s clear that our love affair with Merlot is fueled by quality – something this competition joyfully acknowledges”.
A massive thank you to Taransaud for once again spicing up the competition by gifting a brand-new French oak barrique to the top scorer. As Botha puts it, “quality barrels are key to creating a standout Merlot”, and Taransaud has long been a trusted ally for Cape winemakers in our quest to showcase South African Merlots’ diverse excellence.
This year’s judging panel was nothing short of stellar, featuring Matthew Copeland from Vondeling Wines at the helm, Jenna Higgins from Windmeul-kelder, Sommelier LeRoi Van de Vyver, wine consultant and judge Samarie Smith-Meletiou, Morné Vrey from Delaire Graff, and Shane Mumba – sommelier and drinks ambassador extraordinaire.