Bouchard Finlayson, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley takes 5/17 on the Wine Spectator list Hot

Wine.co.za reported that Internationally read wine magazine Wine Spectator continues to sing the praises of South African wines and included a list of top Cape white wines in its most recent issue. Aptly entitled “17 Impressive White Wines,” the article highlights the consistency, diversity and value delivered by local Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Chenin blancs. Senior editor and South African wine expert James Molesworth looked at the so-called blue-chip varieties of Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc and selected his top 17 including five Chenin blancs as well as six Chardonnays, four Sauvignons and two white blends. The 2008 Raats Chenin Blanc once again made the list with illustrious company provided by Ken Forrester, De Morgenzon’s maiden Chenin and Backsberg. Eben Sadie’s Chenin-driven blend Palladius also received the nod. “Local Chenin blancs are finally coming into their own and it is definitely encouraging to see so many Chenins and Chenin-driven blends making a top listing such as this one in Wine Spectator. I think wine lovers are becoming more adventurous by trying lesser known varietals and eventually enjoying the complexity of flavours offered by a great Chenin blanc,” mentions Raats.

The complete list of nominated whites are:

• SADIE FAMILY Palladius Swartland 2008
• KEN FORRESTER Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch The FMC 2008
• BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Chardonnay Overberg Crocodile’s Lair 2008
• DE MORGENZON Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2008
• BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Chardonnay Overberg Sans Barrique 2008
• BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Chardonnay Walker Bay Missionvale 2008
• HARTENBERG The Eleanor Stellenbosch 2006 • HARTENBERG Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2007
• RAATS FAMILY Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2008
• BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay Reserve 2009
• KEN FORRESTER Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2009
• BACKSBERG Chardonnay Western Cape 2007
• BOUCHARD FINLAYSON Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay 2009
• MAN VINTNERS Chardonnay Coastal Region 2009
• BACKSBERG Chenin Blanc Western Cape 2009
• BACKSBERG Sauvignon Blanc Western Cape 2009
• KEN FORRESTER Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2009