CMB Announces Winners of the 2025 South Africa Selection: Groenland Steenkamp Ou Bosstok Steen 2024 and Whaletale XO Potstill Brandy Take Top Honors

The 2025 South Africa Selection by CMB has concluded with outstanding results, showcasing the best in local wine and spirits. The competition’s top accolade, the Multi Color Corporation Trophy for the highest-scoring white wine, went to Groenland Steenkamp Ou Bosstok Steen 2024, which also received a prestigious Grand Gold Medal. In the spirits category, Whaletale XO Potstill Cape Brandy from leading alcohol brand company, Select Spirits Beverages, was awarded the Cause&Effect Trophy for the best distilled product.

Adding to the celebration, two more exceptional wines each earned both a Grand Gold medal and a trophy. These are Quoin Rock Shiraz 2019, awarded the Trane Service First Trophy for the Highest Scoring Red Wine, and Beyerskloof Pinotage Reserve 2023, which was honored with the RX Trophy for the Highest Scoring Pinotage.

Alvi’s Drift ‘s much revered Reserve Viognier again proved its supremacy with the 2024 vintage being the judging panel’s choice for the Anchor Oenology Trophy for the Best Oaked White Wine. The sixth trophy in this year’s line-up, namely the African Cellar Suppliers (ACS) sabre for the best Cap Classique, was awarded to Sabrage Cap Classique Brut Rosé entered by Nicholson Smith Agencies.

In total, 46 medals were awarded during this second edition of the South Africa Selection. The competition’s medal tally reflected the diversity and quality of South African wine and spirits, with notable representation from Cabernet Sauvignon and Oaked White Wines. Of these, 18 wines scored above 89 points to earn Gold Medals, while an additional 22 entries received Silver Medals.

Big Five Duty Free shops and focused on-line promotions for our winners!

South Africa Selection by CMB director Lorraine Immelman, emphasized the competition’s role in promoting local excellence: “Our focus is on opening opportunities for our winners through strategic marketing and distribution. One example is our partnerships with virtual sales platforms such as Port2Port and GetWine who actively promote and sell our trophy and medal winners online.”

Another exciting opportunity for prominent exposure for our winners continues with the announcement that Helena Melis, marketing manager for the Big Five Duty Free Shops and a respected CMB jury member, has confirmed a dedicated South Africa Selection display at Cape Town International Airport’s Big Five Duty Free shop. This initiative offers a significant platform for South Africa Selection winners to catch the eye of international travellers.

The 2025 judging panel

The 2025 tasting session took place from August 18 to 20 in Somerset West, with a panel comprising influential local and international retailers, buyers, and industry journalists. Among the esteemed panel were Katie Bailie (WCellar, Woolworths), Martin Lemaire (Figaro Vin, France), Thierry Cowez (Cinoco, Belgium & Luxembourg), Helena Melis (Big Five Duty Free), Marlene Bester (Heineken Beverages), Dr. Carien Coetzee (South African wine researcher), Kurt Schlechter (Cause&Effect), Carrie Adams (wine broadcaster and retailer), Jamie Baxter (UK distiller), Lauren Behrens (Anchor Oenology), and Natalie van Rooyen (Coastal Wine Export).

Throughout the judging week, participants enjoyed immersive tastings and industry insights, including a Pinotage session at Beyerskloof celebrating “100 Years of Pinotage,” and presentations at Spier Wine Estate highlighting South Africa’s industry milestones. The group also experienced a traditional South African hospitality tour, with distillery visits, cooperage demonstrations, brandy tastings at Van Ryn Distillery, and meals at Quoin Rock and Koelenhof Kelders.

Every product tasted by the panel receives a detailed flavor profile and Aroma Wheel report, ensuring that all entrants gain valuable feedback, whether or not they receive a medal.

• An informal awards ceremony to honor this year’s winners will be held on Friday, October 3, at the headquarters of competition sponsor, Multi Color Corporation.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Benoît Carion benoit.carion@vinopres.com

Pictures of the competition available on flickr.com/photos/concoursmondial/albums/72177720328482999/with/54735242549