Wines from the pioneering Stellenbosch Vineyards received top ratings in the 2017 Platter Wine Guide. No less than four wines were regarded worthy of a five-star nomination, of which the recently launched Credo Limited Release Grenache 2015 made it on the Platter five-star winners list.

“The inspiration for this wine came from the powerful force it has behind many of France’s most delicious reds and the distinctive flair it displays as a single varietal. The ideal weather conditions of Stellenbosch and the precision of our winemaking efforts in the cellar created this opulent wine”, comments winemaker Abraham de Villiers. The Credo Limited Release Grenache 2015 offers a beautiful bouquet of fennel, candied apples, currents and a hint of cranberry. “Although often blended with a Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, we decided to focus and share the beautiful solo performance of Grenache through a limited release of only 1198 bottles,” winemaker Bernard Claassen elaborates.

Making a lasting impression with a selection of single-variety wines, Stellenbosch Vineyards received a total of 11 four-star and above ratings, including:

• Credo Limited Release Grenache 2015 – 5 stars
• The Flagship Petit Verdot 2010 – 5 stars
• The Flagship Cabernet Franc 2010 – 4½ stars
• Credo Limited Release Verdelho 2015 – 4½ stars
• Infiniti Brut Methodé Cap Classique 2008 – 4 stars
• Infiniti Noble Late Harvest 2012 – 4 stars
• Credo Pinotage Reserve 2014 – 4 stars
• Credo Shiraz 2014 – 4 stars
• Credo Chardonnay 2015 – 4 stars
• Credo Chenin Blanc 2014 – 4 stars
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Heyden’s Red 2013 – 4 stars

Even though centuries have passed since the original Welmoed Cellar was erected – where the premium wines of Stellenbosch Vineyards are produced – it seems the new and exciting chapter in the history of Stellenbosch Vineyards is just beginning.

“2016 has been a particularly successful and busy year at Stellenbosch Vineyards, with the cellar making sure that the company receives a selection of remarkable accolades on our high-quality wines, including the Platter 2017 five-star rating for the Credo Limited Release Grenache 2015, a Michelangelo Gran d’Or award (double gold) for The Flagship Cabernet Franc 2010 and a Veritas Gold award for the Credo SMV 2012. Through the repositioning of Stellenbosch Vineyards, the success we’ve seen in terms of 2016 accolades achieved confirms this to be a step in the right direction to obtain the desired market share we’ve set out to attain within the premium wine category”, comments managing director Eduan Steynberg.

One cannot help but look forward to what 2017 will bring…

This article in a tweet: @StbVineyards receives top honours from #Platters2017 @wineonaplatter #wineswithindividuality