Journey’s End Chardonnay on top of the charts
Owned by the Gabb family, Journey’s End Estate, the strikingly beautiful wine farm high above the town of Sir Lowry’s Pass Village in the Helderberg area of the Stellenbosch wine district, has triumphed twice with its Chardonnay, and with its Merlot at two recently-held prominent wine shows. The Journey’s End Chardonnay 2009 won one of only four Diamond Awards for chardonnay at the 2010 Winemakers’ Choice Awards. This impressive Diamond accolade was followed by two Double Golds for Journey’s End at the prestigious 2010 Michelangelo International Wine Awards: for the Journey’s End Chardonnay 2008 (one of only 5 Double Golds for chardonnay) and the Journey’s End Merlot 2007 (one of only 3 Double Golds for Merlot).
The Winemakers’ Choice Awards is unique in that it is the only competition in South Africa to be judged exclusively by winemakers. The awards structure encompasses six trophies followed by Diamond Awards for the wines deemed to be absolutely exceptional – this year only 37 wines received Diamond Awards. Overall, the ratio of Diamonds awarded this year was lower than in 2009 – with more wines being judged.
The Michelangelo International Wine Awards, established in 1997, is true to its name in that the wines were judged according to international standards by international judges: a panel of 15 judges representing 15 different countries. The Michelangelo International Wine Awards attracted 1310 entries this year, of which only 28 were awarded Double Gold (Grand D’Or). Given the high level of South African wine exports, the focus of the Awards is on selecting wines that will appeal to consumers in international markets.
Journey’s End Chardonnay
The Journey’s End Chardonnay first came to prominence in 2004 when the maiden Journey’s End Chardonnay 2002 was awarded 5-stars in Platter’s South African Wines guide.
Journey’s End Chardonnay 2009
(Diamond Award at the 2010 Winemakers’ Choice Awards)
The wine was part naturally fermented and part inoculated with yeast, new oak barrel fermented and matured for 9 months in new French oak. 90% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in the barrel.
The appearance is clear with a light gold-green colour. The nose is vibrant with citrus and tropical notes and hints of almonds. A sweet ripe fruit mid-palate combined with a rich core gives the wine a lingering and complex finish. This classic style wine is well-balanced with excellent wood integration and some minerality and promises to age well. This wine is best enjoyed with cheese, pastas and seafood.
The Journey’s End Chardonnay retails between R120 and R125.
Journey’s End Chardonnay 2008
(Double Gold at the 2010 Michelangelo International Wine Awards)
The maiden 2002 vintage was awarded 5 Stars by the 2004 Platter wine guide, the first white wine, new to Platter, ever to receive their highest star rating.
The wine was part naturally fermented and part inoculated with yeast, new oak barrel fermented and matured for 9 months in new French oak. Half the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in the barrel.
The appearance is clean with a pale gold colour. The nose is complex with citrus, concentrated tropical fruit and hints of pear drops. The palate shows sweet ripe fruit and creaminess with well-balanced acidity. The wood integration is harmonious with the fruit and the aftertaste lingers with a smooth finish. This wine is best enjoyed with cheese, pastas and seafood.
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