Mulderbosch Vineyards were awarded three trophies at the recent Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, held on Tuesday 4 June at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. This success will however be the last for the award-winning Block A Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc.

Now in its 18th year, the Trophy Wine Show is South Africa’s premier wine competition, identifying the very best wines, recognising the achievements of the country’s winemakers, and honouring excellence in the wine industry.

Mulderbosch, in unparalleled success, walked away with the following three trophies for the Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc Block A:

  • Harold Eedes Trophy for Best Chenin Blanc
  • Old Mutual International Judges’ Trophy
  • Old Mutual Trophy for Best White Wine

The Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc Block A is one in a set of three wines each made from a different region in Stellenbosch. This particular vineyard was uprooted by the new owner of the land in order to plant red grapes. “One day it was there and the next I saw the bulldozer rising everything out,” says head of winemaking Adam Mason.

The vineyard was estimated to be in its 35th year and would have just qualified for old vine status. According to Tim Atkin, renowned UK wine writer, the old vine project is vital to the South African wine industry and confirms why the country’s heritage vineyards are so unique.

“We spend months trying to find the perfect sites for our Single Vineyard Chenin Blancs and the fact that we will now never be able to produce a Block A again is to my mind what makes this wine even more rare. The 2018 will the last vintage of the Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc from Block A.

“While we are truly honoured by the recognition from the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show judges, the story of this particular vineyard in my mind raises the plight of sustainably making these wines and furthermore protecting our old vines,” says Mason.

The Old Vine Project (OVP), a project unique to South Africa, allows producers to apply a Certified Heritage Vineyards seal on bottles of wine made from vineyards of 35 years or older. This is a guarantee to the consumer of authentic wines grown according to the OVP viticultural and winemaking guidelines.  The OVP seeks to develop the culture of caring for younger vines too, so that they can look forward to a healthy and productive old age.

Mulderbosch is widely considered one of South Africa’s iconic wineries and has established a reputation for excellence since 1989.  Built over many years, theirs is a reputation of and a dedication to excellence and innovation in wine.