We are proud to announce that our Spijker Malbec 2019 was awarded a gold medal (90+ points) at the Malbec Challenge 2021!
In its 3rd year of running, the 2021 Malbec Challenge had its highest number of entries to date, 32 wines from the 2015 to 2020 vintages, which is just over half of the Malbecs listed in the current Platter Guide.
Judging took place on October 21st in Cape Town. There were 14 gold medals (90+ points) awarded by the three internationally experienced judges Carrie Adams from Johannesburg, and Cape Wine Masters Ginette de Fleuriot and Christine Rudman, the panel chair. The judging out of 100 points was done blind with no regional or vintage information and monitored by auditor Niel de Kock from Cecil Kilpin.
Commenting on the quality of the wines, the panel agreed that the majority had plushness, good berry expression and lovely drinkability. The producers who did best respected the variety’s succulence by careful oaking so as not to overwhelm the fruit. While Malbec is a Bordeaux variety, the danger can be to treat it like its 4 siblings, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, by use of new oak or long barrel ageing, and there were a few such examples in the tasting.
A juicy, soft-skinned variety, Malbec requires care in the vineyard to avoid over-cropping or sunburn damage, and in the cellar quick and careful fermentation to prevent oxidation.
To see the full results, please click here.