The luncheon function was held at Delaire Graff
We were shown, when we arrived, to a very rainy car park and had a fantastic, helpful driver, Bhayibheli,
who took us in his golf cart from the drenched car park down to the door of the Restaurant and tasting room
and back again at the end of the event
We were wrapped in cloud and the terrace was also wrapped in plastic
Some lovely, welcoming and smiling faces with a selection of excellent Cap Classique wines
It makes such a difference on a cold and wet day to be so welcomed
Chatting in the entrance hall
Brad Paton said that he was unsure as to why he was there
We knew it was to get an award; everybody who attends the lunch has won either a gold medal or a trophy
We could guess what it would be for,
as, at the Feedback session, the judges said that there had been one outstanding dessert wine
We have always been big fans of his excellent Buitenverwachting "1769" Limited Release NLH
Unfortified Dessert wine
Some interesting canapes were circulating. Miso glazed aubergine with smoked tomato, basil. Very umami
Beef tartare, potato pavé, shiitaki bacon, crispy spinach. Very tall, needed two bites! Very good
Confit cauliflower, romesco sauce and parsley. For the vegetarians
One of the stunning Graff collection jewels in the entrance halls, A replica of a large amber brown topaz
This is a very good facsimile and very covetable
More of the cauliflower canapé which did need a fork
Michael Fridjhon and Cathy van Zyl MW
Not a hair out of place
Amorim Cork (SA) MD Joachim Sa and Buitenverwachting cellarmaster Brad Paton
The display of trophies
Crisp Sesame lavash and warm ciabatta were the bread offerings
Michael Fridjhon starts proceedings
The audience of winemakers, wine farm owners, competition judges and media representatives
Hugo van der Ahee, Head of Winelands Region at Investec Bank Ltd
He told us that Investec is here to support and celebrate our wine industry
The list of wines to be served with lunch. We were able to ask the sommeliers to bring certain wines for us to taste
The menu
John's starter, without mushrooms, was a roasted slice of butternut topped with vegan cheese, carrots and tomato
Very good for vegans, not so much for John who said the "cheese" was rather bland
Lynne's starter, mushrooms on top of unfilled ravioli pasta with a foam, might have benefitted from a sauce?
Then it was time for dessert
It was a glorious Chocolate Ganache delice with a coffee ice cream and ocoa crumb, caramel jelly and macadamia nuts
Lynne was served a superb green tea after lunch, so fragrant and refreshing
An excellent double espresso for John
Janice Fridjhon gets a hug from James Pietersen. She does such a magnificent organising job
It was a boot day!
Trophy for the Most Successful producer awarded to Zevenwacht Cellarmaster Hagen Viljoen
by Georgie Alexander, High Net Worth International Leader, Investec Bank
All the Trophy winners
Photograph per kind favour of Danie Nel
The top performers
The top of the pass, still wreathed in chilling fog
We cannot wait to taste the winning wines at the Public tastings:
Johannesburg on 14th June and Cape Town on 21st June
There will be public tastings in Johannesburg and Cape Town
Booking arrangements here: https://www.trophywineshow.co.za/diary-of-events/
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