Contributors
Chief Winemaker Bruce Jack
A Capetonian whose curiosity and palette has taken him the length and breadth of the globe. Bruce completed his undergrad in Political Science and Literature at UCT and then read his Masters in Literature at St Andrew’s in Scotland. His subsequent winemaking degree came from the Roseworthy Campus at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Bruce is a pioneer, and in many respects a maverick, and what he brings to winemaking is an articulate opinion about his greatest passion.
Editor Andrew Arnott
Andrew studied Literature and Sociology at UCT before setting off on a global trek that saw him working under the seas of the Caribbean, on the snow covered slopes of the Canadian Rockies and writing for a variety of financial and travel institutions. Now at home in Cape Town, Andrew’s passion for wine and writing is married on this blog.
Bruce Jack Wins Winemaker of the Year Award Posted on December 05 2011 by
Bruce Jack was honoured last month with his second Winemaker of the Year Award, bestowed on him in 2011 by the Wine-of-the-Month-Club at their annual awards lunch held at Stellenbosch's Spier Wine Estate.
The Wine-of-the-Month-Club is not only South Africa's oldest consumer-direct retailer, but also home to some seriously experienced wine critics. To be recognised by an accomplished panel is a magnificent feather in one's cap, and Bruce's reaction to his win burst with pride, "South Africa has so many talented winemakers, so being named Wine-of-the-Month-Club’s 2011 Winemaker of the Year is quite overwhelming." He continued to pay tribute to natures marvel, the grape, as well as dedicated growers and colleagues without which his accomplishments would simply not be possible.
Bruce Jack's award stemmed from his outstanding achievements in 2011, having won the most categories during the year as selected by Wine-of-the-Month-Club's independent experts in blind tastings.
Although predominantly achieved with Flagstone's wines, a notable sister blend, Kumala Chenin Blanc/Viognier 2010 achieved an impressive category win.
Flagstone Wines collecting top honours across the categories are:
- Flagstone Dark Horse Shiraz 2007
- Flagstone Dragon Tree Cape Red Blend 2007
- Flagstone Free Run Sauvignon Blanc 2009
- Flagstone Longitude 2008
- Flagstone Noon Gun 2009
- Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve Cabernet/Merlot 2005
- Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve White 2009
- Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2008
Bruce has previously been named winemaker of the year by Michael Oliver in his 2009 CRUSH South African Wine Guide, and 2008's South African Wine Personality of the Year by Business Day.
