Parker report and ratings by N eil M artin October 2014

Parker report and ratings by N eil M artin October 2014

Parker report and ratings by N eil M artin October 2014
Think "+": South Africa 2014
October 31, 2014
"We have only just begun scratching the surface. We are thinking much more positively
nowadays" - winemaker, Duncan Savage.
Hemel-en-Aarde looking southwest towards the ocean
Time moves fast in South Africa's wine industry. Its tectonic plates continually shift, intermittently
jolt, the vinous landscape in constant flux. Winemakers are growing in confidence, expanding
their horizons and opening new export markets as consumers wake up to the "new" South
Africa, albeit in piecemeal fashion. Counter to this forward momentum is an anchor snagged
upon a tradition and stubbornness: deeply entrenched philosophies of which some are more
outdated than others, obdurate winemakers making obdurate wines. More and more, critics are
hailing South African wines while sotto voce, wine estates are put on the market, desperate for
buyers. At times it is a chaotic scene far removed from the stasis of the Old World. South Africa
is roiling cauldron of ideas, perpetually self-questioning, a scene full of characters that boast
some of the most fun, engaging and charismatic personalities you can meet. More than
surveying and writing about the Cape, perhaps the greatest thrill of all is to taste what is going
on.
Previous TWA reports have generally tended to look at the country as a whole, but for this report
I have made sure that regional information is searchable for every wine. Each geographic region
is moving forward at a different pace: some foot to the floor in the fast lane, while others are
content to tootle along in the slow lane. One or two have broken down and are stuck in a ditch.
Looking over the lake at Saronsberg Estate in one of the Cape's lesser-known, but definitely up-and-coming regions - Tulbagh.
Before discussing each region in turn, here is a brief summary of the Cape's wine regions that I
have restricted to those pertinent to this report (I recommend Tim James' excellent book "Wines
of the New South Africa" or "Platter's Guide" for an unabridged list). There are five regions
(written in bold) that contain "Districts" (listed below the region) and within many districts are
individual "Wards" (written in italics.)
Western Cape - basically, wines labelled as such can be sourced from anywhere in the cap, a
multidistrict blend.
Region: Coastal Region districts:
Swartland (Malmesbury, Riebeekberg)
Stellenbosch (Bottelary, Jonkershoek Valley, Polkadraai Hills, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch and
others)
Constantia (No district)
Tulbagh
Paarl (Simonsberg-Paarl, Voor Paadeburg)
Franschhoek
Darling (Groenekloof)
Wellington
Also: Tygerberg, Klein Karoo, Calitzdorp, Langeberg-Garcia
Region: Cape South Coast
Walker Bay (Bot River, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge)
Elgin
Cape Agulhas (Elim)
Overberg (Greyton, Klein River, Elandskloof)
Also Swellendam, Cape Agulhas, Plettenberg Bay. Napier is a ward, but not a district)
Region: Olifants River
Citrusdal Valley
Citrusdal Mountain (Piekenierskloof)
Also Lutzville Valley
Region: Breede River Valley
Breedekloof (contains two wards)
Worcester (contains four wards)
Robertson (contains nine wards)
Other wards not part of a region: Cederberg and four others.
I am not going to discuss every wine region in the Cape, but stick to those I have visited and
whose wines I am most familiar with. That does not imply that others are not worth investigating
or are destined for bright futures.
It's All About Swartland
Chris and Andre Mullineux outside their winery in Riebeek Kasteel.
That is how it feels sometimes. It's all us journalists jabber on about. If ever a wine region
wanted a masterclass on how to grab headlines and create a stir, make waves beyond their
boundaries, then they should examine how a cluster of Swartland winemakers captured the
imagination of consumers and critics alike and made it all seem so easy. All it took was a
pioneer, Charles Back at Spice Route, a charismatic visionary like Back's former headwinemaker Eben Sadie, a behind-the-scenes viticultural guru like Rosa Kruger, a motivated
group of winemakers, a healthy dollop of marketing know-how and an annual festival whose
tickets are harder to obtain than Kate Bush, and presto, you too suddenly can become the
center of attention. Just one thing: don't forget that you have to make sensational, world-class,
distinctive wines, otherwise it will be all for nothing.
Suffice to say that Swartland remains the most exciting region in South Africa. It has almost
single-handedly blown away the cobwebbed prejudices that have stymied the industry's
progress. There is no doubting both the sensory and intellectual attributes of Swartland wines
produced by the likes of Sadie (both Eben and the "Lesser Known David"), Adi Badenhorst,
Chris and Andrea Mullineux, mavericks like Craig Hawkins at Lammershoek, Callie Louw at
Porseleinberg et al. These are certified dudes (certified by me, incidentally.) They appeal to the
new generation of wine consumers and sommeliers who demand top-quality wine, ideally crafted
by a cool hipster-cum-artisan that goes surfing at weekends, and not some retired oil magnate
who in a pique of boredom splashed out on a lifestyle winery so that he can brag about it down
at the clubhouse.
Moreover, Swartland has successfully nurtured an identity, homed in on a style of wine that
coalesces easily in consumers' minds (you could argue that the French AC system does the
same, albeit via legally imposed conditions.) Swartland is synonymous with red and white Rhône
blends that revel in its Mediterranean climate. The key to Swartland's success has been the skill
of winemakers to control alcohol and ripeness levels through careful vineyard management
(those so-called "little steps in the vineyard," prudent fermentation and barrel maturation.) Other
wine regions have retained a much more diverse portfolio of wine styles, especially
Stellenbosch. Diversity can be the spice of life, but it can also muddy a sense of regional
identity.
Adi Badenhorst looking very "Old Testament" among his gnarly old vines.
The best Swartland wines continue to distinguish themselves with bags of personality and style,
bridging that gap between Old World classicism and New World exuberance.
Of course, the reality is not quite as clear-cut.
First, there is more substandard Swartland wine beginning to appear, especially as outsiders
become keen to cash in. Some could be accused of being motivated by the cachet of the name
rather than respect for terroir. Which brings me neatly onto the second subject: Swartland has a
lot of mediocre terroir that for many years made mediocre wines that are sold off to
cooperatives. That terroir has not changed so a priori, consumers have to pick and choose their
wines. It is a hot climate tempered by Atlantic breezes and therefore site location is fundamental
with respect to soil type, altitude, age of vine and so forth.
The bottom line is: don't assume that it is going to be fantastic just because the label says
Swartland.
Also, while there remain many bargains out there vis-à-vis quality, some new labels are
presuming that consumers will not begrudge paying through the nose because it comes from
Swartland, sometimes sans track record. That can be dangerous game to play. Consumers tend
to figure these wines out and it can damage the reputation of a region as a whole. If demand
pushes prices up, well then that's just microeconomics and fair play to you. But if justification is
predicated on self-importance alone then that's an altogether different matter. You can
predesign a very good wine, but not an expensive wine. It's even caught a few self-aggrandizing
Bordeaux names out.
Producers to look out for: Adi Badenhorst, Lammershoek, Mullineux Family Wines, Rall,
Sadie Family.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch remains the most important South African wine region in terms of production, the
number of long-standing stalwart wineries, the money that has been invested into the vineyards,
the constant ferrying of tourists from nearby Cape Town and of course the standard of its finest
wines. It remains a relatively conservative region, especially when compared to Swartland and
when examining vinification modus operandi, where winemakers seem hidebound by maximum
and not necessarily optimal new oak; maturation periods that assume longer is better.
Frustratingly, they can often spoil what could have been a far superior wine with a bit of
prudence and less recourse to a recipe. I've remarked on that before, but it bears repeating
when you spend hours trawling through countless wines that taste identical. Stellenbosch can
boast enviable terroir - it needs to be articulated through the wines.
Murray Barlow at Rustenberg Winery kindly gave me his own perspective.
"Oak complements these wines if the chosen coopers, toasting level, aging regimes and newwood percentages are handled correctly. I would say that most producers are oaking their wines
well, some are over doing it, but then if their customers like an oak - heavy style everyone is
running a business at the end of the day. Is cult California over-oaked? Is Bordeaux over-oaked?
What about many regions in Australia? Yet these regions still have many commercially
successful wines despite the oaking. Oak is not a swear word, it is an important part of a wines
identity if you stylistically can match the wine with the oak and, importantly, sell a wine within a
certain style. Consumers are also driving the agenda when it comes to grape tannin and
therefore body is affected too; green tannins are a no-no and bigger wines are made as a result
of picking riper, more concentrated fruit."
When I was in London, I spoke to one of the region's most forward-thinking winemakers, Carl
van der Merwe about how he sees Stellenbosch. Carl remarked about the tendency for some
growers to mimic Bordeaux both in terms of how they vinify their wines and the resulting style.
Stellenbosch is not the only region guilty of this and there is nothing wrong with aspiring to what
is perceived to be the apotheosis. You might assert that some Stellenbosch winemakers aspire
not to Bordeaux, but First Growths in terms of using 100% new oak. But that is unrepresentative,
and the recipe that has been so successful for the likes of Mouton-Rothschild or Margaux is not
necessarily a recipe for a Stellenbosch grower.
The problem is that the Stellenbosch climate differs greatly from that of Bordeaux, thereby
engendering different Cabernet Sauvignon. As Carl mentioned, the region tends to endure heat
spikes in later January/early February. Canopy management has to be adapted because, at the
moment, too many vines are either overly shaded and as a consequence develop green tannins,
or the berries are exposed and sizzle under the sun. The speed of ripening exacerbates this
bifurcation of ripeness levels and you end up with this jarring sweet/green flavor that I am
pleased to say, is less prevalent than just a decade ago. Carl believes that careful canopy
management is necessary, in particular the removal of leaves earlier in the season and not when
the sun is at its height, as this allows the exposed fruit to naturally build up the skin protection.
There is another threat that must be noted: urban expansion. Both towns of Stellenbosch and
Somerset West have encroached upon vineyard land and even the most propitious vines will
never make the profit margins of real estate. Indeed, one winemaker told me the story of the
Syrah 1997 from Boekenhoutskloof: a benchmark for the industry. What happened to the 1998?
Nobody will ever know because afterward the owner of the contracted land sold it off and
apparently it is now a car park. I wonder if those parking their cars are aware of the real cost of a
ticket? As real estate prices continue to increase, so will the threat of urban expansion because
as we all know, money talks.
This man makes some of South Africa's finest wines: Bruwer Raats of Raats Family Wines and Mvemve Raats.
Will Stellenbosch change? On the surface, Stellenbosch remains a successful region. It has the
most luxurious estates in the most dramatic locations (a tourist magnet for those visiting Cape
Town nearby) and a clutch of icon labels. Many growers seem envious and occasionally
bewildered that Swartland became the darling of journalists and consumers alike. Proprietors of
lifestyle wineries are beginning to wake up to the maxim that the only way to make a small
fortune in wine is to start with a big fortune. There is a susurrus of wineries up for sale to the
highest silent bidder - but finding them is not so easy.
Fortunately, there are interesting movements in the region, especially with the likes of De
Morgenzon, Reyneke, Tokara and Keermont to name but a few. Then there are the stalwarts
such as Kanonkop and Rustenberg who are producing top-quality wines. While the former is just
nailing Pinotage year after year under the talented winemaker Abrie Beeslaar, Murray Barlow
suggested that Stellenbosch should pursue alternative grape varieties to Bordeaux.
"I am very excited about Shiraz, Grenache, Cinsault and Malbec in Stellenbosch. These are
varieties which are proving to show more finesse beyond the raw power of Cabernet Sauvignon
and Merlot. We are planting more Malbec and have a wonderful and very useful vineyard of
Grenache which is a totally overlooked and out-of-fashion variety that creates wonderfully
drinkable and accessible wines. So these varieties are where we are seeing the biggest changes
in the region. Stellenbosch is making some exciting white wine styles and this is where we are
seeing the biggest changes. We have some wonderful old Chenin that is being recognized and
nurtured, great sites for growing Chardonnay and we are understanding our own brand of
Sauvignon Blanc better and better each year."
Reyneke is one of Stellenbosch's most forward-thinking estates. Winemaker Rudiger Gretschel is pictured here after running
through a tropical storm to check on his Merlot.
The common factor seems to come down to the vision of the winemaker and whether they can
put that into practice without the ego or misguided ideals of the proprietor getting in the way.
Perhaps what seems to be changing in Stellenbosch is that there is more self-examination
taking place either in the open or behind closed doors. That is a good thing. Accepting the status
quo is ill-advised when the wine industry and consumer tastes are constantly changing.
Stellenbosch does need to move forward and not keep waiting for tomorrow, because tomorrow
might be too late.
Producers to look out for: Kanonkop, De Morgenzon, Raats, Reyneke, Rustenberg,
Vilafonté.
Franschhoek
I will cut to the chase: Franschhoek was the most disappointing regional tasting. There were too
many substandard and anodyne wines in proportion to others. For sure, one expects wines that
are predesigned with commercial appeal. But even at a low price- point a wine must offer
freshness, balance and something to say, even if it as banal as "I taste nice." I don't have any
truck with those wines. They are welcomed within this report and some overachieve within this
category. In fact, it's a real opportunity for South Africa. But in Franschhoek I endured a dismal
run of nondescript wines whose shortcomings were thrown into sharp relief by beacons of
quality, the two brightest without question Chamonix or Boekenhoutskloof (I would also add
Colmant whose MCC's I am remiss not to have tasted.) Both these producers excel at premium
and entry-level, so why can't others? The problem is that Franschhoek is one of the most
beautiful wine regions, and land prices have rocketed as the wealthy seek to bag estates,
preferably close to the picturesque town and against the dramatic mountainous backdrop, then
build a chichi restaurant to cater to the constant flow of tourists. It's all too easy. Offer the bare
minimum and those tourists will still depart happy with their ordinary Franschhoek wine, but in
the long run it will nibble away at its reputation as a source of quality South Africa wine, if it has
not done so already. Franschhoek can do much better. They could take a leaf out of
Constantia's book.
Producers to look out for: Boekenhoutskloof, Chamonix.
Hemel-en-Aarde
Kicking up a storm with Hannes, outgoing winemaker at Hamilton Russell.
A fledgling wine region will always have more success when everybody cooperates, supports
each other, exchanges information, promotes the region as "one," while celebrating their
differences and the diversity of the wines. Case in point: Central Otago, Swartland and in the
mid-19th century, even Bordeaux. Hemel-en-Aarde has enormous potential. There is a
benevolent microclimate here: the Atlantic winds funneling up the valley, regulating temperatures
and avoiding the heat spikes that can affect much of South Africa. There is the terroir, the
exposure of the vines and so forth. The problem is that there is an undeniable political and even
personal schism between the relatively small number of growers in Hemel-en-Aarde that do not
see eye-to-eye and insist upon divvying up the region into sub regions. To explain, as you drive
up from the coastal town of Hermanus through the valley you will pass through three wards:
Hemel en Aarde Valley, the home to Bouchard-Finlayson and Hamilton Russell, then Upper
Hemel-en-Aarde and finally Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge (though some contend this is actually a
separate valley.)
Hemel-en-Aarde has the potential to be one of South Africa's superstars. Here's talented winemaker Gordon Newton-Johnson
among the Pinot Noir.
This division implies that one is supposedly better than the other. Frankly, nobody outside
Hemel-en-Aarde gives two hoots and, indeed, there is a more fundamental question of
consumers differentiating Hemel-en-Aarde from Walker Bay (Hemel-en-Aarde was classified as
Walker Bay until 2006 when the latter was made a District two years earlier - I suspect many
conflate the two.) If the wine tastes great and thankfully a lot of their wines do, then precisely
where in the valley the vines call home is a moot point.
I have tasted some of the greatest wines from Burgundy and, take it from me, Hemel-en-Aarde
is making serious, world-class Pinot Noir. If you occupy a wine region whose foundations date
back to Medieval Cistercian monks and your vines can remember World War II, then by all
means, atomize your vineyard into miniscule parcels that are relevant to drinkers who discern
common traits and gain intellectual satisfaction distinguishing Volnay from Pommard or GevreyChambertin from Morey-Saint-Denis. But Hemel-en-Aarde is still in its infancy. Don't be
distracted by slicing up the valley or debating the nuances in terroir unless there is an emphatic,
unequivocal difference in quality. If we are talking about different "shades" of wine then focus
upon establishing a loyal, appreciative audience for your region, foster recognition for the name
"Hemel-en-Aarde" and, as time goes on, let them discern and discuss differences themselves.
That aside, this is fast becoming one of my favorite regions with a bevy of top growers making
exciting wines that deserve more recognition.
Producers to look out for: Ataraxia, Alheit Vineyards, Crystallum, Hamilton-Russell,
Hermanuspietersfontein, Newton Johnson (and bubbling under: Storm, Thorne &
Daughters)
Elgin
There's a lot of buzz going around Elgin at the moment, especially with regard to the white
blends that are gaining traction both domestically and in overseas markets. One great supporter
is importer Richard Kelley MW, who kindly sent some background information that I have used
below.
The first thing to note is that their weather station records the lowest heat summation days:
1,502, which compares to 1,945 for Stellenbosch, 2,058 for Malmesbury (Swartland) and 2,146
for Paarl. It also has one of the lowest mean temperatures in February: 19.7 degrees compared
to 21.5 degrees in Stellenbosch and 23.3 degrees for Swartland. I could present a host of other
data, but these should clearly illustrate why Elgin is perfect for cool-climate Chardonnay, while
Swartland is more suited for red and in particular Rhône varieties.
"Elgin is quite unique," Andries Burger (winemaker at Paul Cluver) explained. "It is the only wine
region in South Africa with natural boundaries formed in the same manner. The valley was
created by the shift in tectonic plates and this gives us natural boundaries in the form of the
mountains. To enter the valley you have to cross a mountain range (all these mountains once
were one.) The valley floor consists mostly of decomposed Bokkeveld shale that was formed
400 million years ago, with the mountains surrounding the valley consisting of Table Mountain
Sandstone. On Paul Cluver, our soils rarely extend more than 1.2metres with the average soil
depth around 60cm with underlying clay. Quite marginal soils compared to the decomposed
granites in Stellenbosch and the Swartland."
"The Elgin valley is situated on an elevated plateau (between 300m - 550m) in close proximity to
the coast, depending on the site, vineyards in Elgin is situated between 7 and 25 km from the
ocean. The combination of elevation and proximity to the coast has a very influential impact on
the climate of the valley, cool moist air coming in from the southeast (most persistent wind in
summer in the Western Cape) the cool moist air rises as it is pushed up the mountains causing
condensation and the formation of clouds. This not only has a tremendous effect in lowering the
average daily temperature, but also reduces the daily sunlight hours, which prolongs the
ripening. We do not get the extreme high temperatures we normally associate with the Western
Cape in February, thus maintaining higher natural acidity in the grapes. Having this more
moderate and cool climate gives us the opportunity to produce wine which is distinctly more
elegant, wine with natural freshness and balance. Also having more marginal soils like we have
at Paul Cluver give us more balanced vineyards, vineyards with not much excessive growth,
thus we do not have to manipulate our canopies in order to retard growth or where we have to
manipulate the crop levels. In all, I am looking to find vineyards and therefor wines with a natural
sense of balance. If you have to manipulate the vineyards and wines you will always have a
situation where something is forced."
So far so good. Plant all the Chardonnay and white varieties. But there is a threat and there's
probably a bowl of them on your dining table...
Apples.
Around 80% of Elgin's farmland is dedicated to apples and the bad news for vines is that at
present they are more profitable (even though an orchard is costlier to run due to higher labor
costs.) This means that there is a constant threat even to established vineyards in an economic
climate where many wine estates are struggling for market share. That would be a shame
because Elgin is already making exceptional Chardonnay from the likes of Paul Cluver and one
senses that there is a lot more to come.
Producers to look out for: Iona, Jean Daneel, Paul Cluver, Shannon
Constantia
Klein Constantia's winemaker, Matthew Day, in the vineyard. Not a bad view across False Bay.
There may be just a handful of producers lucky enough to farm vines on what must be
considered one of the most picturesque regions in the world, but they all seem to set a high
standard. It would be easy for the likes of Klein Constantia, Beau Constantia or Cape Point
Vineyards to rest on their laurels: suck up the tourists and town-dwellers within their ambit and
churn out mediocre wines. Rather, the Constantia seems to have pursued the idea that a
beautiful wine region deserves beautiful wines. Part of that comes from the specific terroir of this
exposed land and part comes from a cluster of talented winemakers exploiting the land such as
Duncan Savage, Justin van Wyk and Matthew Day. Speaking to these winemakers, I get the
impression that the wealthy owners of the likes of Cape Point Vineyards, Constantia Glen and
Klein Constantia respectively, have assiduously given them the liberty to produce to class wines
without too much interference. The result is some exceptionally great Sauvignon Blanc and
Chardonnay wines, not forgetting the resurgent Vin de Constance.
Producers to look out for: Klein Constania, Cape Point Vineyard, Beau Constantia, Eagles'
Nest.
Tulbagh
The pressures on time means that I cannot visit every region, but I endeavor to visit one that I
have never stepped foot in. This year it was Tulbagh, which is about a 90-minute drive from
Stellenbosch, the source of some fine South African wines in previous reports. Much like Eben
Sadie is cited as the man who gave the impetus for Swartland, in Tulbagh it was the
irrepressible Neville Dorrington at Rijk's around the turn of the millennia. In this region, altitude is
key. It is a warm climate with virtually no maritime influence, although I just happened to stay
there on the coldest night ever in South Africa, so it didn't feel that way. Indeed, there is a large
seasonal and diurnal variation in temperature that plays to the winemakers' advantage. There
are swaths of white-grape varieties, mainly Chenin Blanc and Colombard, that supply high
volume brands, but the top wineries are producing some quite wonderful wines. Apart from Rijk's
where Pierre Wahl is crafting some gorgeous reds, look out for excellent wines from Saronsberg
and especially a resurgent Fable Mountain Vineyards that wowed me with their latest releases,
all credit to Rebecca Tanner and Paul Nicholls.
Producers to look out for: Fable Mountain Vineyards, Rijk's, Saronsberg.
Raiding All Shelves In The Larder
There is a counter-flow to South Africa's coalescing of wine regions that cannot be ignored. You
could argue that this report gives a simplistic view of the Cape. A cursory glance implies that this
grower comes from this region and that grower from that and so on. However, it is far more
complex and fluid than that. This is not France: hidebound by strict AC rules. One of the reasons
why South Africa's wines have shown such rapid pace of improvement is the liberty to source
fruit from the best vineyards and multi-regional blends, wines that would have to suffice with "Vin
de Table" in France are not only commonplace, but are the basis of some of the Cape's best
wines. Why restrict your ingredients from one shelf, when you can cherry-pick the entire larder?
Sure, you might have to change your regional W.O to the more all-encompassing "Western
Cape," but frankly, nobody really cares, certainly not in the same way that a connoisseur might
turn their nose up at a Vin de France when they could have drunk a "Puligny-Montrachet."
From the left: Chris Alheit, kitten-lover Peter-Allan Finlayson (Crystallum) and John Seccombe (Thorne & Daughters.) All three
have been making outstanding wines from their base in Hemel-en-Aarde, much through meticulously chosen contracted
vineyards both within and beyond the region.
The subject of multiregional blends can be looked at in two ways. Like I said, a talented,
conscientious winemaker can deftly assemble parcels of vine from here and there and create an
excellent wine. On the other hand, if South Africa wants to embrace regional identities that are
distinguishable one from another, thereby enhancing the notion of terroir in the eyes of an
audience that seems reluctant to accept South Africa as anything more than cheap, highvolume, geographically indeterminate vino, then multiregional blends should be discouraged. In
this sense, there has been a move for some producers to give their wines more geographic
specificity, in some cases to improve quality, and in others to shift a few more cases at a few
extra rand.
Personally, I would maintain the status quo for now. There are a lot of winemakers, especially
younger ones, who can refine their craft by their experience in different locales. I hope that as
time moves on and as a wider audiences appreciates the styles of wine not just regionally, but
perhaps even sub-regionally, then that will go in tandem with an even greater focus on site
location, so that consumers gain an intellectual insight into how a delimited patch of vines
performs year after year.
This is the other thing. Much like Burgundy, many winemakers, and in particular a majority of the
younger ones that I spoke to, cannot afford to buy their own vineyards and indicated little desire
to do so, even if that became financially viable. You can view this as a global phenomenon, one
that you could argue has been common in California for decades and now increasingly so in
Burgundy. If I was afforded more time, I could investigate in detail where many of the top names
source their fruit. In many cases, a propitious vineyard is the fountain that bestows fruit for
several top names. Does that matter? Not really, not if the resulting wine is good, which many of
them are. You could argue that it runs contrary to the romantic notion of the winemaker being
intimate with each and every precious vine and, of course, you run the risk of losing your favorite
source of fruit overnight that may denude the Cape of consistency. On the other hand, many
winemakers ensure that contracts run for a number of years (20-25 seemed to be a common
figure).
The Growing Seasons
Of course, there is a variation between different Cape wine regions with regard to the growing
season that are more variable than some other New World countries due to the strong maritime
climate and the altitude of some vineyards. Readers will find more detailed information within the
grower entries in this report. But Murray Barlow at Rustenberg sent me a useful summary of the
2012 and 2013 vintages.
"We had a great winter in 2012, it was cold and wet so budburst was even and the vines grew
vigorously. We had a dry summer although wind played a factor with the flowering of some
varieties. The beginning of the harvest was great, but we had a fair bit of humidity and rain in the
middle of harvest so it was a true test of how well-managed our canopies were and how well our
spray programs were implemented. The 2013 whites have really shown well, while the reds are
a bit mixed. We harvest about two weeks later than the rest of Stellenbosch in general so we
really need the season to end on a warm note to make the wines we are most happy with. The
last three vintages (2012-2014) have been fairly cool on Rustenberg, having started well they
have ended without too much heat and as a result the reds are not as expressive with their fruit
as we would like but have shown exceptional structure built for the long haul."
Cape Winemakers Guild
During September I was able to taste some of the wines being produced for the Cape
Winemakers Guilds and hopefully you should be able to search for these on the database by
simply typing "CWG" into the search engine. Its 45 winemakers represent the peak of
achievement in South Africa and each year submit one, or sometimes two, wines to be sold
through the auction held every autumn, the proceeds going to fund their protégé program and
toward charitable causes. A committee assesses each submission so, for example, any wine
with unacceptable volatile acidity levels or brettanomyces will be rejected, as has happened in
the past. There are some that accuse the CWG of producing relatively conservative wines that
do not represent the Cape's diversity and during the tasting with CWG chairman Andries Burger
of Paul Cluver, there does seem to be a move toward accepting younger winemakers offering
alternative wines, such as Andrea Mullineux's excellent Sauvignon Gris. Tasting through a
number of CWG wines, as I have done for several years now, there remains a tendency for
some wine to be overdone and lacquered with too much ?cosmetics? so that they can flutter
their extra-long lashes down the auction "catwalk." Not everything works. On the other hand, the
CWG auction does offer some extremely good reds that showcase the talent of the winemaker,
though as a buyer I would actually err towards some really outstanding whites.
The Market
At the "Beautiful South" tasting in London, a very well organized event focusing on South Africa,
Chile and Argentina, I met up with Jim Clarke of "Wines of South Africa." He is in charge of the
market in the United States and so is expertly placed to give an overview.
He told me that 2014 was shaping up to be a challenging year for South African exports. Part of
the reason is that much of the US market is focused upon its own wines from California, Oregon,
New York and so on, at the expense of foreign wines with the notable exception of New
Zealand. However, the 10 to 11% reduction in South Africa wine imports has been less dramatic
compared to other New World countries. Part of the reason is a strong interest from sommeliers
and the on-trade, especially with respect to Swartland, Rhône blends and white blends. Regional
recognition stretches only as far as Swartland and Stellenbosch - after that consumer
recognition of the likes of Hemel-en-Aarde or Elgin start getting"blurry". On the retail side,
Chenin Blanc is gaining traction with consumers who are beginning to wake up to both quality
and value. For all categories, the sweet spot is for wines priced between $15.00 and $20.00, and
it is here that South Africa provides strong competition against California.
One of the obstacles is that many retailers remember the substandard wines of the late 1990s. It
takes a long time to remove prejudices and negative preconceptions; therefore they can be more
reluctant to stock South African wines for fear of consumers harboring the same sentiments. In
my opinion, this is something that can only be chipped away by a constant media presence,
information, winemakers conducting tastings in the markets and in front of consumers, and not
forgetting publications like The Wine Advocate giving an independent, third-party overview of its
successes and failures.
Mind The Bling
I have covered a number of countries for this publication, but not one so prone to self-analysis
as South Africa. I get the sense that it is still smarting from the insults thrown its way during the
1990s when a lot of wines fell short of the mark, coupled with the ridicule of Pinotage and
prevalence of leaf-roll virus. I can still remember an infamous tasting in London whose motive
seemed to be to trash South African wine. Perhaps it stung a few people into action?
The wine industry has moved on and addressed many of the issues that stymied progress and
for that they must be congratulated. The melioration in wines has come hand-in-hand with a
constant quest to evaluate itself both intra-regionally and where its wines stand on the global
stage. This has precipitated a burgeoning of competitions so that some samples arrive barely
standing under the weight of gold stickers. They almost need an extra empty bottle to
accommodate them. Perusing the 2014 Platter's Guide, I counted 20 competitions, challenges
and awards, which is far too many. As one winemaker quipped, they keep entering wine
competitions until they win something, so that eventually even the most mediocre wines have
won a gold medal somewhere. So my advice is do not be inveigled by glitter on the bottle. And
winemakers that I spoke to were unanimous in a need to cull some of more dubious
competitions from their midst, because at the end of the day it detracts from the better-run, more
meaningful competitions.
Why The Hell Should I Buy South African Wines?
It seems like a bland question, but it's a relevant one because there is still a stigma about South
Africa that is only gradually being eaten away. At value level, i.e. below $25 per bottle, there is a
surfeit of good quality and sometimes, excellent quality wines for consumer to enjoy. At the
same time, there is no escaping the fact there is a lot of dross out there. So pick carefully and
use this report as a guide.
But I will repeat my headline that South Africa is the most dynamic and exciting New World
country at the moment.
Why?
Because at the top end there are genuine world-class wines, not by dint of expensive oak or
because Angelain the marketing department said so, but because of genuine reasons such
terroir, vine age, talented winemakers and skillful winemaking.
Why should you buy the top South African wines? What makes them special?
1) They taste delicious (amazing how often that is forgotten.)
2) They combine the best of the New World with the Old World. The best offer plenty of fruit
without overpowering the senses and inducing life-threatening hangovers.
3) South Africa has terroir, not "terroir" dreamed up the aforementioned Angela in the
marketing department. There is some seriously complex geology in South Africa, maybe
not
as atomized as Burgundy, but the kind of geology that lends something to wine.
4) South Africa has old vines, seriously old. A lot have been lost to cooperatives and are still
threatened by urbanization and just blended away. But the likes of Rosa Kruger and Eben
Sadie are saving them from extinction. The result is a burgeoning of serious wines from
ancient gnarly old vines.
5) There is greater emphasis on considered winemaking, especially from the younger
generation of winemakers who have learned their craft from the masters in classic wines
regions BUT...
6) ...unlike those winemakers, they are not hidebound by rules, therefore there is a sense
of adventure in the Cape.
7) The best wines have the substance, balance and persistency to suggest they will
reward cellaring.
8) Pinotage has undergone a revolution and both old and new producers are beginning to
exploit this grape variety. Journalists do not joke about Pinotage as much as they used to,
although high-volume brands need to pull their socks up. Pinotage can also age extremely
well as I have found myself, even decades in some cases.
9) South Africa's whites are on a roll. If you love Chardonnay, and let's face it, we all do,
then the Cape is producing some of the most exquisite, mineral-driven you can find.
Alternatively, the white Rhône blends are constantly delivering something more esoteric,
yet well-crafted and packed full of flavor, especially from Swartland.
10) Re-read points one to nine and then look at the prices. Even the most revered wines
represent good value, to the chagrin of many South African winemakers convinced that
their
line
wines are undervalued. They are in some cases, not in others, and there is a blurred
between undervalued and good value.
(This report, the largest South African report so far for this publication, was written after my 12day visit to the Cape in July 2014, where I visited many growers and undertook regional tastings
for those I could travel to. This was supplemented by an additional week of tasting in the UK.
One or two growers that have been covered in the past did not wish to submit their newest
releases because of the stage their wines were in, but they will reappear in the future. As is
normal practice, all costs and meals were paid for by TWA, including dinners which was
opportune to get the background to the South African wine scene, speak with growers and of
course, investigate the thriving cuisine (see Hedonist Gazette reports.) Wines of South Africa,
both in Cape Town and London assisted with the logistics and the gathering of data from
growers ? as usual they did an exemplary, professional job for which I am very grateful.)
—Neal Martin
Year
Wine Name
Rating
Maturity
2013
Alheit Vineyards Cartology Bush Vines
93
Early
2013
91
Young
2013
Alheit Vineyards MAGNETIC NORTH MOUNTAIN
MAKSTOK
Altydgedacht Gewurztraminer
87
Early
2013
Altydgedacht Pinot Noir
84
Early
2013
Altydgedacht Pinotage
88
Early
2014
Altydgedacht Sauvignon Blanc
84
Mature
2012
Amares Chardonnay
91
Early
2012
Anwilka Petit Frere
88
Early
2013
Arendsig Chardonnay
89
Early
2013
Arendsig Inspirational Batch
85
Mature
2012
Arendsig Syrah
83
Early
2013
Aria Music By D’aria Shiraz Cabernet Merlot
84
Mature
2009
Asara Avalon
89
Early
2012
Asara Cape Fusion
85
Mature
2009
Ashbourne Hemel en Aarde Valley
90
Young
2008
Ashbourne Hemel en Aarde Valley
90
Early
2009
Ashbourne Sandstone (Sauvignon Blanc)
91
Early
2013
Ataraxia Chardonnay
92
Early
2013
Ataraxia CWG Under the Gavel Chardonnay
93
Early
Price
2009
Ataraxia Mountain Vineyard Serenity Western Cape
91
Early
2014
Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc
90
Early
2013
Avondale Wine Estate Anima Chenin Blanc
86
Early
2009
Avondale Wine Estate Avondale Armilla
85
Mature
2012
Avondale Wine Estate Avondale Jonty's Ducks Red
80
Mature
2012
Avondale Wine Estate Cyclus
88
Early
2013
Avondale Wine Estate Jonty's Ducks White
85
Mature
2009
Avondale Wine Estate La Luna
89
Early
2009
Avondale Wine Estate Samsara Syrah
84
Early
2010
Backsberg Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
83
Mature
2013
Backsberg Estate Chardonnay
83
Mature
2014
Backsberg Estate Chenin Blanc
84
Early
2013
Backsberg Estate John Martin Sauvignon Blanc
86
Mature
2012
Backsberg Estate Klein Babylons Toren
87
Early
2013
Backsberg Estate Kosher Brut
85
Early
2013
Backsberg Estate Kosher Chardonnay
85
Early
2013
Backsberg Estate Kosher Merlot
84
Early
2013
Backsberg Estate Kosher Pinotage
89
Early
2013
Backsberg Estate Pinotage Western Cape
86
Early
2010
Backsberg Estate Pumphouse Shiraz
86
Early
2014
Backsberg Estate Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2012
A A Badenhorst Family Wines Ch Raaigras Grenache
93
Early
2012
91
Young
92
Young
2012
A A Badenhorst Family Wines CWG Ch Ramnasgras
Hermityk
A A Badenhorst Family Wines Dassiekop Granietsteen
Chenin Blanc
A A Badenhorst Family Wines Family Red Blend
92
Young
2011
A A Badenhorst Family Wines Family Red Blend
93
Early
25
2012
A A Badenhorst Family Wines Family White Blend
90
Early
42
2011
A A Badenhorst Family Wines Family White Blend
93
Early
NV
A A Badenhorst Family Wines Funky White Blend
90
Early
2013
A A Badenhorst Family Wines Secateurs Chenin Blanc
88
Early
12-15
2012
A A Badenhorst Family Wines Secateurs Red Blend
90
Early
16
2014
A A Badenhorst Family Wines Secateurs Rose
89
Mature
2012
2010
Bartinney Private Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon
85
Young
2012
Bartinney Private Cellar Chardonnay
87
Young
2012
Beau Constantia Aidan
90
Young
2013
Beau Constantia Cecily Viognier
91
Early
2012
Beau Constantia Lucca
93
Young
2013
Beau Constantia Pas de Nom White
86
Mature
2012
Beau Constantia Shiraz
90
Young
2011
Beaumont Wines Chenin Blanc
86
Early
2013
Beaumont Wines Hope Margurite Chenin Blanc
88
Early
2012
Beaumont Wines Pinotage
88
Early
2011
Beaumont Wines Shiraz Mourvedre
81
Early
2011
Beaumont Wines Vitruvian
86
Young
2009
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs
88
Early
N-V
Graham Beck Bliss Demi Sec
89
Mature
2013
Graham Beck Bowed Head Chenin Blanc
89
Early
N-V
Graham Beck Brut
90
Mature
N-V
Graham Beck Brut Rose
87
Early
2009
Graham Beck Brut Rose
89
Early
2007
Graham Beck Brut Zero
88
Early
2011
Graham Beck Coffeestone Cabernet Sauvignon
87
Early
2009
Graham Beck Cuvee Clive
89
Early
2012
Graham Beck Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
88
Young
2013
Graham Beck Game Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
85
Early
2013
Graham Beck The Game Reserve Chardonnay
88
Early
2013
Graham Beck The Game Reserve Chenin Blanc
87
Early
2012
Graham Beck The Game Reserve Pinotage
87
Young
2012
Graham Beck The Game Reserve Shiraz
90
Young
2012
88
Young
2009
Graham Beck The Ridge Shiraz Franschhoek /
Robertson
Belfield Magnifica
86
Young
2011
Belfield Syrah
89
Young
2009
Belfield Syrah
88
Early
2011
Belfield Wines Aristata
88
Early
20
24
2014
Beyerskloof Chenin Blanc / Pinotage
85
Early
2012
Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage
90
Young
2013
Beyerskloof Pinotage
81
Early
2012
Beyerskloof Reserve Pinotage
87
Young
2012
Beyerskloof Synergy Stellenbosch
86
Young
2011
Bizoe Wines Estalet Syrah
86
Early
2013
Bizoe Wines Hernietta
90
Early
2012
Black Pearl The Mischief Maker
90
Early
2012
Black Pearl Vineyards Oro
86
Early
2012
Blackwater Wine Mmxi Cultellus Syrah
90
Young
2012
Blackwater Wine Mmxi Noir
87
Early
2013
Bloemendal Estate Kanonberg Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2013
Bloemendal Estate Suider-Terras Sauvignon Blanc
81
Mature
2012
Bloemendal Estate Syrah
88
Early
2011
Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon
89
Young
2012
Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block Franschhoek
90
Early
2012
Boekenhoutskloof CWG Syrah Auction Reserve
92
Young
2013
Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah
88
Early
2011
Boekenhoutskloof Semillon
92
Early
2011
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah
92
Young
2011
Boekenhoutskloof The Journeyman
94
Young
2005
Boekenhoutskloof The Journeyman
89
Early
2012
Boer & Brit The Field Marshall
87
Early
2012
Boer & Brit The General
80
Mature
2013
Botanica The Mary Delaney Collection Pinot Noir
87
Early
2014
Botanica Wines Big Flower Rose
82
Mature
2013
Botanica Wines Mary Delany Collection Chenin Blanc
87
Early
2013
Bouchard Finlayson Blanc de Mer
85
Early
2012
Bouchard Finlayson CWG Auction Reserve Pinot Noir
87
Early
2012
Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir Walker Bay
90
Young
2012
Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal
90
Young
2013
Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Chardonnay
90
Young
25-40
33
50-56
2013
Bouchard Finlayson Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay
2014
Bruwer Vineyards Clos de Alexandrie
(88-90)
2014
Bruwer Vineyards Egalité
(88-90)
2014
Bruwer Vineyards Liberté
(90-91)
Young
2013
Bryan MacRoberts Wines ABBOTSDALE CHENIN
BLANC
Bryan MacRoberts Wines ABBOTSDALE
MOURVEDRE ROSE
Bryan MacRoberts Wines ABBOTSDALE SHIRAZ
CINSAULT MOURVEDRE
Bryan MacRoberts Wines Tobias Chenin Blanc
88
Early
85
Early
92
Early
90
Young
?
2012
Bryan MacRoberts Wines Tobias Shiraz Mourvedre
Cinsault
Cape Chamonix Cabernet Franc
90
Young
2013
Cape Chamonix Chardonnay
91
Young
2013
Cape Chamonix Pinot Noir Reserve
89
Young
2012
Cape Chamonix Pinotage
88
Early
2013
Cape Chamonix Reserve White
90
Early
2012
Cape Chamonix Troika Reserve
90
Young
2013
Cape Point Vineyards CWG Reserve White
92
Young
2013
Cape Point Vineyards Isliedh Sauvignon Blanc
92
Early
2013
Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
90
Early
2013
Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve
92
Early
2012
Catherine Marshall Wines Peter’s Vision Merlot
88
Early
2012
Cederberg 5 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon
90
Early
2011
Cederberg 5 Generations Chenin Blanc
90
Early
2013
Cederberg Bukettraube
89
Early
2011
Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon
87
Early
2013
Cederberg Chenin Blanc
89
Early
2013
Cederberg CWG Ghost Corner Semillon
90
Young
2012
Cederberg CWG Teen Die Hoog Shiraz
92
Young
2013
Cederberg Ghost Corner Pinot Noir
90
Early
2011
Cederberg Merlot-Shiraz
86
Early
2013
Cederberg Private Cellar David Nieuwoudt Ghost
Corner Sauvignon Blanc
Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
88
Early
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
88
Early
2011
Cederberg Shiraz
90
Early
2011
Cirrus Wine Company Cirrus Syrah
88
Early
2013
Paul Cluver Chardonnay
91
Young
2013
Paul Cluver Close Encounter Riesling
91
Young
2012
Paul Cluver CWG Auction Selection Pinot Noir
88
Early
2013
Paul Cluver CWG The Wagon Trail Chardonnay
92
Early
2013
Paul Cluver Gewurztraminer
90
Young
2013
Paul Cluver Pinot Noir
90
Young
2012
Paul Cluver Pinot Noir
88
Young
2013
Paul Cluver Riesling
90
Young
2014
Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc
90
Young
2013
Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2011
Paul Cluver Seven Flags Pinot Noir
92
Young
2013
Paul Cluver Village Pinot Noir (M&S Label in UK)
87
Early
2012
Paul Cluver Weisser Riesling Noble Late Harvest
2010
Constantia Glen Five
91
Young
2009
Constantia Glen Five
88
Young
2013
Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2011
Constantia Glen Three
90
Early
2013
Constantia Glen Two
89
Early
2012
Corder Cool Climate Chardonnay
82?
Early
2012
Corder Cool Climate Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2013
Craven Wines Pinot Noir
84
Early
2013
Creation Chardonnay
91
Early
2012
Creation Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot
86
Early
2013
Creation Pinot Noir
85
Early
2013
Creation Reserve Pinot Noir
90
Early
2012
Creation Reserve Pinot Noir
89
Young
2014
Creation Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2012
Creation Syrah
88
Early
2012
Creation Syrah / Grenache
89
Young
2013
Creation The Art of Chardonnay
93
Early
Early
54
30
2012
Creation The Art of Pinot Noir
92
Early
2014
Creation Viognier
90
Early
2013
Crystallum Bona Fide Pinot Noir
92
Early
2013
Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay
91
Early
2013
Crystallum Cuvee Cinema Pinot Noir
93
Early
2013
Crystallum Mabalel Pinot Noir
93
Early
2013
Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir
90
Early
2013
Crystallum The Agnes Chardonnay
91
Early
2014
D’Aria Music By D’Aria Sauvignon Blanc
83
Mature
2013
D’Aria Songbird Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2013
Jean Daneel JD Initial Red
88
Young
2013
Jean Daneel JD Initial White
91
Early
2013
Jean Daneel Signature Chenin Blanc
92
Early
2013
Jean Daneel Signature Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2013
D'Aria Lullaby
87
Early
2012
D'Aria Soprano
87
Early
2013
David Aristargos
92
Early
2013
David Chenin Blanc
92
Early
2012
David Elpidios
91
Young
2013
David Grenache
93
Early
2011
De Meye Cabernet Sauvignon
78
Mature
2014
De Meye Chenin Blanc
81
Mature
2012
De Meye Shiraz
83
Early
2014
De Meye Shiraz Rose
85
Mature
2011
De Meye Trutina
84
Mature
2014
De Meye Unwooded Chardonnay
81
Mature
2012
Delaire Graff Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
89
Young
2012
Delaire Graff Estate Delaire Graff Botmaskop
88
Young
2013
Delaire Graff Estate Delaire Graff Chardonnay
91
Early
2013
Delaire Graff Estate Delaire Graff Chenin Blanc
88
Early
2013
Delaire Graff Estate Delaire Graff Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2012
Delaire Graff Estate Delaire Graff White Reserve
91
Early
2011
Delaire Graff Estate Laurence Graff Reserve
88
Young
2013
Delheim Chardonnay Sur Lie
88
Early
2013
Delheim Family Chenin Blanc
87
Early
2013
Delheim Noble Late Harvest Edelspatz
85
Early
2012
Delheim Pinotage
85
Early
2009
Delheim Vera Cruz Shiraz
88
Young
2014
DGB Pty Ltd Bellingham Citrus Grove Chenin Blanc
88
2013
DGB Pty Ltd Bellingham Old Orchard Chenin Blanc
89
Young
2012
DGB Pty Ltd Boschendal Cecil John Reserve Shiraz
90
Young
2012
DGB Pty Ltd Boschendal Grande Reserve
85
Early
2012
86
Early
2012
DGB Pty Ltd Boschendal Reserve Collection
Chardonnay
DGB Pty Ltd Boschendal Reserve Collection Shiraz
85
Early
2013
DGB Pty Ltd Pinotage
86
Early
2014
DGB Pty Ltd Sauvignon Blanc
84
Mature
2013
DGB Pty Ltd Semillon
86
Early
2011
DGB Pty Ltd The Bernard Series Organic Shiraz
87
Early
2012
DGB Pty Ltd The Bernard Series Small Barrel Smv
87
Early
2013
89
Early
83
Mature
2014
DGB Pty Ltd The Bernard Series Whole Bunch
Grenache Blanc/Viognier
DGB Pty Ltd The Bernard Series Whole Bunch
Roussanne
DGB Pty Ltd Unwooded Chardonnay
81
Mature
2013
Diemersdal Chardonnay Reserve
84
Mature
2013
Diemersdal Pinotage
82
Early
2013
Diemersdal Pinotage Reserve
81
Mature
2013
Diemersdal Shiraz
82
Mature
2012
Dunstone Shiraz
90
Young
2011
Durbanville Hills Pinotage
82
Mature
2013
Durbanville Hills Rhinofields Sauvignon Blanc
83
Mature
2011
Eagles' Nest Shiraz
92
Young
2010
Eagles' Nest Verreaux
90
Early
2013
Eagles' Nest Viognier
89
Young
2012
Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards Cabernet
Sauvignon
88
Young
2013
11
2013
89
Early
90
Young
89
Young
89
Young
91
Early
2013
Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards Camino
Africana Chenin Blanc
Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards Camino
Africana Pinot Noir
Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards David
Finlayson Gs Cabernet Sauvignon
Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards David
Finlayson Pinot Noir
Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards Edgebaston
Chardonnay
Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards Shiraz
90
Young
2012
Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards The Berry Box
86
Early
2013
88
Early
2011
Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards The Pepper
Pot
Elgin Vintners Chardonnay
86
Early
2011
Elgin Vintners Pinot Noir
78
Mature
2013
Neil Ellis Amica Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2011
Neil Ellis Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch
86
Young
2013
Neil Ellis Chardonnay
87
Early
2013
Neil Ellis Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2012
Neil Ellis Groenekloof Shiraz
87
Young
2011
Neil Ellis Pinotage
86
Early
2009
Neil Ellis Rodanos
83
Early
2010
Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
90
Young
2010
Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection Grenache
88
Young
2014
Ernie Els Big Easy (White)
86
Early
2012
Ernie Els CWG 2012
91
Young
2012
Ernie Els Merlot
87
Young
2012
Ernie Els Proprietor's Cabernet Sauvignon
88
Young
2011
Ernie Els Proprietor's Cabernet Sauvignon
90
Young
2012
Ernie Els Proprietor's Syrah
89
Young
2014
Ernie Els Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2011
Ernie Els Signature
90
Young
2013
Ernie Els The Big Easy
87
Young
2012
Ernie Els The Big Easy
86
Early
2012
Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon
84
Mature
2014
Excelsior Chardonnay
84
Mature
2012
2012
2013
2013
14
17
42
2014
Excelsior Sauvignon Blanc
86
Mature
2012
Excelsior Shiraz
84
Mature
2012
Fable Mountain Vineyards Jackal Bird
89
Early
2011
Fable Mountain Vineyards Night Sky
92
Early
2011
Fable Mountain Vineyards Syrah
94
Young
2014
Fairview Darling Chenin Blanc
85
Mature
2014
Fairview Darling Sauvignon Blanc
83
Mature
2011
Fairview Eezaamheid Shiraz
90
Young
2014
Fairview Goats Do Roam
82
Mature
2011
Fairview Jakkalsfontein Shiraz
89
Young
2013
Fairview La Beryl Chenin Blanc
90
Early
2013
Fairview La Capra Malbec
78
Mature
2013
Fairview La Capra Pinotage
84
Early
2014
Fairview La Capra Pinotage Rose
83
Mature
2012
Fairview MCC Brut
86
Early
2013
Fairview Nurok
90
Young
2010
Fairview Pegleg Carignan
90
Early
2013
Fairview Pinotage
88
Early
2012
Fairview Primo Pinotage
87
Early
2012
Fairview Semillon Oom Pagel
85
Early
2011
Fairview The Beacon Shiraz
88
Early
2013
Fairview Viognier
87
Early
2013
False Bay Chardonnay
85
Early
2013
False Bay Chenin Blanc
83
Mature
2014
False Bay Sauvignon Blanc
85
Mature
2012
False Bay Shiraz
84
Early
2012
Flagstone Dragon Tree
90
Young
2013
Flagstone Longitude
88
Young
2013
Flagstone Noon Gun
89
Young
2012
Flagstone The Rumour Mill
84
Early
2012
Fleur du Cap Bergkelder Selection Cabernet
Sauvignon
Fleur du Cap Bergkelder Selection Chardonnay
79
Mature
2013
85
36
11-15
2008
Fleur du Cap Laszlo
84
Early
2007
Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon (Auction)
82
Early
2009
Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Chardonnay
83
Mature
2013
Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Noble Late Harvest
87
Early
2011
Ken Forrester Merlot Reserve
87
Young
2013
Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc
88
Early
2012
Ken Forrester Petit Cabernet / Merlot
85
Early
2014
Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc
86
Early
2013
Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage
83
Early
2014
Ken Forrester Petit Rose
86
Mature
2014
Ken Forrester Petit Sauvignon Blanc
86
Mature
2010
Ken Forrester Renegade
88
Young
2013
Ken Forrester Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch
87
Young
2011
Ken Forrester T Noble Late Harvest
90
Early
2012
Ken Forrester The FMC
92
Young
2011
Ken Forrester The Gypsy
91
Young
2013
Fram Chardonnay
89
Early
2013
Fram Pinotage
87
Early
2013
Fram Shiraz
87
Young
2013
Glen Carlou Chardonnay
87
Early
2011
Glen Carlou Grand Classique
86
Early
2009
Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon
84
Early
2009
Glen Carlou Petit Verdot Tannat
81
Mature
2012
Glen Carlou Quartz Stone Chardonnay
89
Early
2013
Glen Carlou Unwooded Chardonnay
85
Early
2012
Ernst Gouws & Co 2012
83
Mature
2014
Ernst Gouws & Co Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2012
De Grendel Merlot
85
Early
2011
De Grendel Op De Berg Pinot Noir
88
Early
2013
De Grendel Pinot Gris
88
Mature
2014
De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2012
De Grendel Shiraz
87
Early
9-10
15-16
2013
Groot Constantia Chardonnay
90
Early
2012
Groot Constantia Gouveneurs Reserve
90
Young
2010
Groot Constantia Gouveneurs Reserve Red
86
Early
2010
Groot Constantia Grand Constance
87
Young
2013
Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2010
Groot Constantia Shiraz
86
Early
2013
Groote Post Kapokberg Pinot Noir
81
Early
2012
Groote Post Merlot
77
Mature
2013
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay
92
Young
2014
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir
(90-92)
Young
2013
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir
94
Young
37-44
2012
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir
92
Young
30-47
2007
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir
92
Early
2001
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir
90
Early
2010
Hartenberg Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
86
Young
2011
Hartenberg Estate Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz
87
Young
2011
Hartenberg Estate Chardonnay
88
Early
2012
Hartenberg Estate Doorkeeper Shiraz
89
Young
2009
89
Young
2011
Hartenberg Estate Gravel Hill Shiraz (Cape
Winemakers Guild)
Hartenberg Estate Merlot
86
Early
2012
Hartenberg Estate Riesling
81
Mature
2013
Hartenberg Estate Sauvignon Blanc
89
Early
2010
Hartenberg Estate Shiraz
90
Early
2012
Hartenberg Estate The Eleanor Chardonnay
92
Early
2010
Hartenberg Estate The Mackenzie Bordeaux Blend
90
Young
2010
Hartenberg Estate The Stork Shiraz
92
Young
2011
Haskell Aeon Syrah
88
Early
2012
Haskell Anvil Chardonnay
91
Early
2010
Haskell Haskell Ii
91
Young
2009
Haskell Haskell Iv
88
Young
2011
Haskell Pillars Syrah
89
Young
2014
Hermanuspietersfontein Bloos
87
Early
22-35
75
2013
Hermanuspietersfontein Bloos
82
Early
2010
Hermanuspietersfontein Die Arnoldus
90
Young
2009
Hermanuspietersfontein Die Arnoldus
87
Young
2012
Hermanuspietersfontein Die Bartho
82
Early
2011
Hermanuspietersfontein Die Martha
89
Young
2012
Hermanuspietersfontein Kleinboet
89
Early
2014
Hermanuspietersfontein No. 3 Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2013
Hermanuspietersfontein No. 5 Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2012
Hermanuspietersfontein No. 5 Sauvignon Blanc
84
Early
2013
Hermanuspietersfontein No. 7 Sauvignon Blanc
89
Early
2013
Hermanuspietersfontein Posmeester
84
Mature
2012
Hermanuspietersfontein Skoonma
90
Early
2011
Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskap
90
Early
2010
Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskap
86
Young
2013
Indaba Chardonnay
87
Early
2013
Indaba Chenin Blanc
86
Early
2013
Indaba Merlot
82
Mature
2013
Indaba Mosaic
83
Early
2013
Indaba Sauvignon Blanc
84
Mature
2013
Intellego Wines Chenin Blanc
88
Young
2013
Intellego Wines Elementis
89
Early
2013
Intellego Wines Kolbroek
91
Young
2013
Intellego Wines Shiraz
90
Early
2013
Iona Chardonnay
90
Young
2009
Iona One Man Band
90
Young
2012
Iona Pinot Noir Limited Release
87
Early
2013
Iona Sauvignon Blanc Elgin
87
Early
2013
JC Wickens Wines Chenin Blanc
91
Early
2013
JC Wickens Wines Swerwer
90
Early
2011
Joostenberg Wines Joostenberg Bakermat
80
Mature
2011
Joostenberg Wines Joostenberg Fairhead
89
Early
2012
Joostenberg Wines Joostenberg Family Blend Red
84
Early
12-15
2011
Joostenberg Wines Joostenberg Family Blend White
85
Early
2012
Joostenberg Wines Syrah
85
Mature
2013
Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
90
Early
2013
Jordan Bradgate Chenin Blanc
83
Mature
2013
Jordan Bradgate Syrah
86
Early
2011
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon
88
Early
2013
Jordan Chenin Blanc
85
Early
2011
Jordan Cobblers Hill
92
Early
2013
Jordan CWG Chardonnay Auction Reserve
89
Early
2011
Jordan CWG Sophia
88
Early
2013
Jordan Jordan Chameleon Cabernet / Merlot
85
Early
2011
Jordan Jordan Chameleon Cabernet / Merlot / Syrah
87
Early
2013
Jordan Jordan Chameleon Dry Rose
83
Mature
2013
Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay
92
Early
2014
Jordan Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2013
Jordan The Outlier Sauvignon Blanc
89
Early
2012
Jordan The Prospector Syrah
91
Young
2013
Jordan The Real Mccoy Riesling
83
Mature
2012
Journey’s End Destination Chardonnay
87
Early
2012
Journey's End Griffin Shiraz
86
Early
2011
Journey's End Merlot
85
Early
2012
Journey's End Single Vineyard Chardonnay
88
Early
2009
Journey's End The Cape Doctor
89
Young
2010
Kaapzicht Cabernet Sauvignon
85
Early
2014
Kaapzicht Chenin Blanc
83
Early
2010
Kaapzicht Steytler Pinotage
86
Early
2010
Kaapzicht Steytler Vision Cape Blend
87
Young
2011
Kaapzicht Estate Pinotage Stellenbosch
84
Early
2012
Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage
94
Young
2011
Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon
89
Young
2004
Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon
90
Early
2012
Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend
84
Early
2012
Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage
87
Young
2014
Kanonkop Kadette Rose
87
Mature
2010
Kanonkop Paul Sauer
92
Young
2003
Kanonkop Paul Sauer Stellenbosch
91
Early
2012
Kanonkop Pinotage Stellenbosch
91
Young
35-37
2011
Kanonkop Pinotage Stellenbosch
90
Young
30-40
1999
Kanonkop Pinotage Stellenbosch
89
Early
2013
Kanu Chenin Blanc
81
Mature
2012
Kanu Wines Barrel Ferment Chardonnay
82
Early
2011
Kanu Wines GSM
84
Early
2010
Kanu Wines Shiraz
83
Early
2013
Kanu Wines Single Vineyard Viognier
84
Early
2012
Keermont Vineyards Fleurfontein
91
Young
2012
Keermont Vineyards Keermont
89
Young
2012
Keermont Vineyards Keermont Syrah
92
Young
2013
Keermont Vineyards Riverside Chenin Blanc
89
Young
2012
Keermont Vineyards Steepside Syrah
92
Young
2012
Keermont Vineyards Topside Syrah
94
Young
2013
Keermont Vineyards White Blend Terrasse
89
Early
2012
Kershaw Clonal Selection Elgin Chardonnay
90
Early
2012
Kershaw Clonal Selection Elgin Syrah
85
Mature
2011
Klein Constantia Brut
87
Mature
2013
Klein Constantia Estate Red Blend
86
Young
2013
Klein Constantia Metis Sauvignon Blanc
91
Early
2013
Klein Constantia Organic Sauvignon Blanc
89
Early
2012
Klein Constantia Perdeblokke Limited Release
90
Early
2012
Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc Block 382
89
Early
2013
Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc Constantia
87
Early
2009
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine
94
Early
2014
Kleine Zalze Bush Vines Chenin Blanc
88
Early
2014
Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Chenin Blanc
89
Early
2014
Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc
86
Mature
18-20
2013
91
2013
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Old Bush Vine Chenin
Blanc
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Young
2013
Kleine Zalze Shiraz / Mouvedre / Viognier
86
Early
2013
Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chardonnay
89
Early
2014
Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc
89
Young
2012
Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Shiraz
88
Early
2011
Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Shiraz
90
Early
2013
Kleine Zalze Zalze Malbec Reserve
85
Early
2009
Kleinood Tamboerskloof John Spicer Syrah
87
Early
2010
Kleinood Tamboerskloof Syrah
88
Young
2014
Kloovenberg Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
82
Mature
2012
Kloovenberg Merlot
78
Mature
2014
Kloovenberg Sauvignon Blanc
85
Mature
2012
Kloovenberg Shiraz
81
Early
2011
De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve
92
Young
2011
De Krans Tritonia Calitzdorf Blend
86
Early
2013
KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2013
KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon
90
Early
2013
KWV The Mentors Semillon
86
Early
2013
KWV The Mentors Shiraz
89
Early
2012
La Bri Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon
87
Young
2011
La Bri Merlot
84
Early
2010
La Bri The Haven
89
Young
2013
La Bri Estate Chardonnay
87
Young
2011
La Bri Estate Syrah
88
Young
2013
La Bri Estate Viognier
88
Early
2011
La Vierge Anthelia Syrah
84
Early
2012
La Vierge Jezebelle Chardonnay
87
Early
2013
La Vierge Original Sin Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2011
La Vierge Pinot Noir
75
Mature
2011
La Vierge Satyricon
86
Early
2013
La Vierge Seduction Pinot Noir
83
Early
90
2013
Lammershoek Cellar Foot Harslevelu
90
Early
2013
Lammershoek Cellar Foot Mourvedre
91
Early
2013
Lammershoek Cellar Foot Orange Wine
88
Early
2012
Lammershoek Cellar Foot Petty Cash
86
Mature
2013
Lammershoek Cellar Foot The Underwater Wine
90
Early
2013
Lammershoek Chenin Blanc
91
Early
2013
Lammershoek Lam Pinotage
89
Early
2013
Lammershoek Lam Rose
88
Mature
2013
Lammershoek Lam Syrah
87
Early
2013
Lammershoek LAM White
90
Early
2012
Lammershoek Roulette Blanc
2012
Lammershoek Roulette Rouge Swartland
90
2012
Lammershoek Syrah
90
Young
2014
Lands End Sauvignon Blanc
85
Mature
2011
Lands End Shiraz
87
Early
2012
Landskroon Bush Camp Our Daily Red
85
Early
2014
Landskroon Chenin Blanc Dry
83
Mature
2011
Landskroon Paul De Villiers Cabernet Sauvignon
85
Early
2010
Le Bonheur Cabernet Sauvignon
85
Early
2013
Le Bonheur Chardonnay
87
Early
2014
Lion’s Lair Chenin Blanc
82
Mature
2012
Lion’s Lair Family Reserve Red
86
Early
2013
Lion’s Lair Shiraz
84
Early
2013
Lion's Lair Family Reserve White
82
Early
2012
Lismore Estate Chardonnay
91
Early
2013
Lismore Estate Sauvignon Blanc
90
Early
2012
Lismore Estate Viognier
93
Early
2013
Lomond Cape Agulhas Sauvignon Blanc
85
Early
2013
Lomond Wines Sugarbush Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2013
Man Vintners Bosstok Pinotage
86
Early
2014
Man Vintners Essay Chenin Blanc/Viognier
90
Early
2013
Man Vintners Essay Shiraz / Cinsault / Mourvedre /
Grenache
87
Early
Early
2014
Man Vintners Free-Run Steen Chenin Blanc
90
Early
2013
Man Vintners Jan Fiskaal Merlot
89
Early
2013
Man Vintners Ou Kalant Cabernet Sauvignon
85
Early
2014
Man Vintners Padstal Chardonnay
88
Early
2013
Man Vintners Skaapveld Shiraz
87
Early
2012
Man Vintners Tormentoso Cabernet Sauvignon
89
Early
2012
Man Vintners Tormentoso Mourvedre
87
Early
2013
Man Vintners Tormentoso Pinotage
87
Early
2014
Man Vintners Warrelwind Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2012
Marianne Floreal
86
Early
2005
Marianne Floreal
79
Mature
2013
Marianne Sauvignon Blanc Cuvee L'Escapade
86
Early
2013
Catherine Marshall Amatra Chenin Blanc
86
Young
2012
Catherine Marshall Pinot Noir
89
Early
2013
Catherine Marshall Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2012
Meerlust Chardonnay
88
Young
2012
Meerlust Merlot
80
Mature
2012
Moreson Knoputibak
88
Young
2012
Moreson Mercator Premium Chardonnay
88
Young
2013
De Morgenzon DMZ Cabernet Rose
85
Mature
2013
De Morgenzon Dmz Chardonnay
87
Early
2014
De Morgenzon Dmz Chenin Blanc
86
Early
2013
De Morgenzon Dmz Sauvignon Blanc
85
Early
2012
De Morgenzon Dmz Syrah
85
Early
2013
De Morgenzon Garden Vineyards Rosé
87
Early
2011
De Morgenzon Maestro (Bordeaux Blend)
89
Young
2011
De Morgenzon Maestro (Rhône Blend)
88
Early
2014
De Morgenzon Maestro White
(90-92)
Young
2013
De Morgenzon Maestro White
90
Early
2012
De Morgenzon Maestro White
92
Early
N-V
De Morgenzon Methode Cap Classique (Oct '13
Disgorgement)
De Morgenzon Reserve Chardonnay
83
Mature
92
Early
2013
30
2013
De Morgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc
89
Young
2012
De Morgenzon Reserve Syrah
88
Young
2013
De Morgenzon Special Cuvée Chenin Blanc
93
Early
2013
Miles Mossop Kika
91
Early
2010
Miles Mossop Max Stellenbosch
89
Early
2012
Miles Mossop Saskia
90
Early
2012
Miles Mossop The Introduction
88
Early
2010
La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon
87
Young
2012
La Motte Chardonnay
88
Young
2011
La Motte Chardonnay
86
Early
2009
La Motte Hanneli R
88
Young
2012
La Motte Millenium
89
Young
2013
La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc
88
Young
2011
La Motte Pierneef Shiraz / Viognier
90
Young
2014
La Motte Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2011
La Motte Shiraz
89
Young
2012
Mount Abora Koggelbos Chenin Blanc
89
Early
2013
Mount Abora Saffraan Cinsault
90
Early
2012
Mount Abora The Abyssinian
90
Early
2011
Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Cabernet Sauvignon
82
Mature
2011
Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Chardonnay
88
Early
2011
Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Malbec
81
Early
2013
Mulderbosch Chardonnay
88
Early
2013
Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc
86
Early
2012
Mulderbosch Faithful Hound
87
Early
2013
Mulderbosch Faithful Hound White
88
Early
2014
85
Mature
2013
Mulderbosch Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch
Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2013
Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc Block A
90
Young
2013
Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc Block S2
90
Young
2013
Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc Block W
92
Young
2013
Mullineux Family Wines CWG Semillon Gris
92
Early
17-23
2012
Mullineux Family Wines Granite Syrah
92
Young
Mullineux Family Wines Iron Syrah
93
Young
2013
Mullineux Family Wines Kloof Street Chenin Blanc
87
Early
2013
Mullineux Family Wines Kloof Street Rouge
88
Early
2013
Mullineux Family Wines Quartz Chenin
94
Young
2013
Mullineux Family Wines Schist Chenin
93
Early
2012
Mullineux Family Wines Schist Syrah
95
Young
2013
Mullineux Family Wines Straw Wine
96
Early
2012
Mullineux Family Wines Syrah
90
Young
2013
Mullineux Family Wines Tinta Barocca
88
Early
2013
Mullineux Family Wines White
92
Early
2011
Muratie Ansela Van de Caab
84
Early
2013
Muratie Laurens Campher
86
Early
2011
Muratie Ronnie Melck Shiraz
86
Early
2012
Mvemve Raats De Compostella
96
Young
2007
Mvemve Raats De Compostella
93
Early
2006
Mvemve Raats De Compostella
88
Early
2005
Mvemve Raats De Compostella
89
Early
2004
Mvemve Raats De Compostella
92
Early
2014
Nabygelegen Chenin Blanc
85
Early
2010
82
Early
2013
Nabygelegen Private Cellar Seventeen Twelve
Wellington
Nabygelegen Scaramanga
85
Early
2002
Nederberg Chenin Blanc Reserve (Auction)
83
Mature
1979
Nederberg Edelkeur (Auction Wine)
91
Early
2000
90
Early
90
Early
1989
Nederberg Edelkeur Late Harvest Chenin Blanc
(Auction Wine)
Nederberg Edelkeur Late Harvest Chenin Blanc
(Auction Wine)
Nederberg Eminence (Auction Wine)
85
Mature
2007
Nederberg Petit Verdot
76
Mature
2012
Nederberg Pinotage Winemaker’s Reserve
83
Early
1964
Nederberg Port (Auction Wine)
88
Early
2009
Nederberg Private Bin Grenache (Auction Wine)
79
Mature
93
1993
12-18
60
2009
Nederberg Private Bin R103 Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz (Auction Wine)
Nederberg Private Bin R104 Petit Verdot (Auction
Wine)
Nederberg Private Bin R109 Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot (Auction Wine)
Nederberg Private Bin R109 Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot (Auction Wine)
Nederberg Private Bin R121 Shiraz (Auction Wine)
86
Early
79
Mature
85
Young
87
Early
89
Early
Nederberg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon
(Auction Wine)
Nederberg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon
(Auction Wine)
Nederberg Private Bin R172 Pinotage (Auction Wine)
81
Early
88
Early
88
Early
84
Early
2009
Nederberg Private Bin S354 Gewurztraminer Special
Late Harvest (Auction Wine)
Nederberg Sauvignon Blanc (Auction)
87
Mature
2000
Nederberg Semillon Late Harvest (Auction Wine)
91
Early
2012
Nederberg The Anchorman
82
Mature
2010
Nederberg The Brew Master
82
Early
2012
Nederberg The Motorcycle Marvel
85
Mature
2012
84
Mature
85
Early
2014
Nederberg The Young Airhawk Wooded Sauvignon
Blanc
Nederberg Weisser Riesling Noble Late Harvest
(Auction Wine)
Nederberg Winemaster’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
81
Mature
2012
Neils Verberg (aka Luddite) Saboteur
93
Young
2013
Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Chardonnay
89
Young
2012
Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Chardonnay
92
Early
2012
Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Pinot Noir
88
Early
2012
Newton Johnson Granum
90
Young
2013
Newton Johnson Resonance
88
Early
2013
Newton Johnson Southend Chardonnay
90
Early
2012
Newton Johnson Windansea Pinot Noir
91
Young
2011
Noble Hill Chardonnay
87
Early
2013
Oak Valley Mountain Reserve White Blend
87
Early
2013
Oak Valley Wines Chardonnay
88
Early
2012
Oak Valley Wines Pinot Noir
85
Early
2012
Oak Valley Wines Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2008
Oak Valley Wines The Blend
84
Early
2007
2009
1999
2006
2009
2007
2007
2000
2004
2011
Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Franc
87
Early
2011
Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
89
Early
2013
Oldenburg Vineyards Chardonnay
89
Early
2013
Oldenburg Vineyards Chenin Blanc
89
Early
2012
Oldenburg Vineyards Merlot
90
Early
2011
Oldenburg Vineyards Rhodium
87
Early
2011
Oldenburg Vineyards Syrah
89
Young
2013
Overgaauw Chardonnay
87
Young
2014
Overhex Balance Chenin Blanc
85
Mature
2013
Overhex Cabernet Sauvignon
87
Early
2014
Overhex Chardonnay
86
Mature
2014
Overhex Chardonnay Pinot Grigio
86
Mature
2012
Overhex Pinotage
87
Early
2013
Overhex Shiraz Mourvedre
83
Mature
2013
Painted Wolf Peloton Blanc
89
Early
2012
Painted Wolf Peloton Rouge
87
Early
2013
Painted Wolf Rosalind Rose
85
Mature
2013
Painted Wolf The Den Cabernet Sauvignon
85
Early
2013
Painted Wolf The Den Chenin Blanc
88
Early
2010
Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Sauvignon Paarl
82
Mature
2013
Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay Paarl
85
Mature
2008
Plaisir de Merle Grand Plaisir
76
Mature
2012
Porseleinberg Syrah
95
Young
2014
Quando Chenin Blanc / Viognier
88
Early
2014
Quando Mourvedre Rose
84
Mature
2012
Quando Pinot Noir
89
Early
2014
Quando Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2013
Quando Sauvignon Blanc
90
Early
2012
Raats Cabernet Franc
91
Young
2013
Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc
89
Young
2014
Raats Old Vine Chenin Blanc
(91-93)
Young
2013
Raats Old Vine Chenin Blanc
92
Young
2013
Raats Red Jasper
(90-92)
Young
2012
Radford Dale Chardonnay
84
Early
2013
Radford Dale Nudity
81
Mature
2012
Radford Dale Radford Dale Black Rock
84
Young
2013
Radford Dale Radford Dale Frankenstein Pinotage
89
Young
2013
Radford Dale Radford Dale Freedom Pinot Noir
85
Mature
2012
Radford Dale Radford Dale Syrah
80
Early
2013
Radford Dale Renaissance Chenin Blanc
86
Early
2012
Rall Red Blend
94
Young
2013
Rall White Blend
94
Early
2012
Remhoogte Wine Estate Aspect Merlot
88
Young
2012
Remhoogte Wine Estate Bushvine Pinotage
86
Early
2013
Remhoogte Wine Estate Chenin Blanc
83
Early
2013
89
Early
2011
Remhoogte Wine Estate Honeybunch Reserve Chenin
Blanc
Remhoogte Wine Estate Sir Thomas Cullinan Reserve
90
Young
2012
Remhoogte Wine Estate Soaring Eagle
88
Early
2013
Reyneke Chenin Blanc
93
Early
2012
Reyneke Chenin Blanc
91
Early
2012
Reyneke Cornerstone
90
Young
2012
Reyneke Pinotage
89
Early
2010
Reyneke Reserve Red
93
Young
2013
Reyneke Reserve White
92
Young
2012
Reyneke Reserve White
94
Early
2013
Reyneke Sauvignon Blanc
90
Early
2012
Reyneke Syrah
93
Early
2011
Rickety Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon Paulina’s Reserve
86
Early
2013
Rickety Bridge Chardonnay
86
Early
2009
Rickety Bridge The Bridge
88
Early
2013
Rickety Bridge The Foundation Stone
85
Early
2009
Rijk's "888" Pinotage
91
Young
2009
Rijk's Chenin Blanc Reserve
88
Early
2013
Rijk's CWG Chenin Blanc
93
Young
50
2010
Rijk's Private Cellar Pinotage
91
Young
2008
Rijk's Private Cellar Shiraz
88
Young
2010
Rijk's Reserve Pinotage
92
Young
2009
Rijk's Rijk's Shiraz Reserve
92
Young
2012
Rijk's Touch Of Oak Chenin Blanc
88
Early
2013
Robertson Winery Chardonnay
83
Mature
2011
85
Early
2012
Rooiberg Wines Rooiberg Cabernet Sauvignon
Reserve
Rooiberg Wines Rooiberg Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
83
Early
2013
Rooiberg Wines Rooiberg Chardonnay Reserve
85
Early
2014
Rooiberg Wines Rooiberg Chenin Blanc
83
Mature
2014
Rooiberg Wines Rooiberg Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2012
Rooiberg Wines Rooiberg Shiraz
84
Early
2011
Rupert & Rothschild Baron Edmond
90
Young
2011
Rupert & Rothschild Baroness Nadine
91
Early
2012
Rupert & Rothschild Classique
92
Young
2013
Anthonij Rupert Wines Altima Sauvignon Blanc
89
Early
2009
Anthonij Rupert Wines Cabernet Franc
86
Early
85
2009
Anthonij Rupert Wines Cabernet Sauvignon
87
Early
85
2013
Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape Of Good Hope Laing
Semillon
Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape Of Good Hope Red Blend
89
Early
88
Early
85
Early
90
Early
88
Early
N-V
Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape Of Good Hope Rhône
White Blend
Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape Of Good Hope Serruria
Chardonnay
Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape Of Good Hope Van Lill &
Visser Chenin Blanc
Anthonij Rupert Wines L’Ormarins
87
Mature
2008
Anthonij Rupert Wines Merlot
86
Early
2010
Anthonij Rupert Wines Optima
2008
Anthonij Rupert Wines Proprietary Red Blend
88
Early
2008
Anthonij Rupert Wines Syrah
88
Early
2010
Rust en Vrede 1694 Classification
93
Young
2012
Rust en Vrede Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
89
Young
2013
Rust en Vrede Estate Merlot
86
Early
2012
2013
2013
2013
Early
2011
Rust en Vrede Estate Red
90
Young
2012
Rust en Vrede Estate Shiraz
88
Young
2011
Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah
91
Young
2012
Rustenberg Chardonnay Five Soldiers
93
Early
2013
Rustenberg Chardonnay Stellenbosch
90
Early
2014
Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2012
Rustenberg Shiraz
89
Young
2012
Rustenberg Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon
89
Young
2012
Sadie Family Columella
96
Young
2013
Sadie Family Old Vine Series Kokerboom
94
Early
2013
Sadie Family Old Vine Series Pofadder
95
Early
2013
Sadie Family Old Vine Series Skerpioen
90
Early
2013
Sadie Family Old Vine Series Skurfberg
93
Early
2013
Sadie Family Old Vine Series Soldaat
87
Early
2013
Sadie Family Old Vine Series T Voetpad
95
Early
2013
Sadie Family Old Vine Series Treinspoor
93
Early
2012
Sadie Family Palladius
94
Early
2010
Saronsberg Brut Methode Cap Classique
88
Early
2012
Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz
87
Early
2012
Saronsberg Shiraz
90
Young
2012
Saronsberg Viognier
92
Young
2011
Saronsberg Cellar Full Circle
92
Young
2011
Saronsberg Cellar Provenance Rooi
88
Young
2012
Savage Wines Proprietary Red
95
Young
2013
Savage Wines Proprietary White
93
Early
2012
84
Early
2010
Saxenburg Guinea Fowl Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon /
Shiraz
Saxenburg Merlot Private Collection
86
Early
2012
Saxenburg Private Collection Chardonnay
85
Early
2013
Saxenburg Private Collection Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2012
Saxenburg Private Collection Shiraz
89
Young
2009
Saxenburg Shiraz Select
92
Young
2013
Scali Pinotage
87
Early
2011
Sequillo Cellars Red Blend
90
Early
42
2012
Sequillo Cellars White Blend
90
Early
19-20
2011
Shannon Vineyards Mount Bullet Merlot
85
Early
2013
Shannon Vineyards Rockview Ridge Pinot Noir
87
Early
2013
Shannon Vineyards Sanctuary Peak
89
Early
2010
Sijnn Red Blend
91
Early
2012
Sijnn White Blend
91
Early
2013
Simonsig Chardonnay
90
Early
2014
Simonsig Chenin Blanc
88
Early
2011
Simonsig Frans Malan Reserve
91
Young
2012
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut
86
Mature
2013
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rose
86
Early
2009
Simonsig Labrynth Cabernet Sauvignon
89
Young
2011
Simonsig Merindol Syrah
90
Early
2011
Simonsig Mr Borio's Shiraz
87
Young
2012
Simonsig Pinotage Stellenbosch
90
Early
2011
Simonsig Redhill Pinotage
91
Young
2013
Simonsig Rousanne
87
Early
2014
Simonsig Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2013
Slent Farms Chenin Blanc
83
Mature
2013
Solms Delta Amalie
85
Mature
2012
Solms Delta Koloni
85
Early
2013
Southern Right Pinotage
92
Young
2012
Southern Right Pinotage
91
Early
2012
Spice Route Chakalaka
88
Early
2013
Spice Route Chenin Blanc Swartland
85
Early
2012
Spice Route Grenache
88
Early
2012
Spice Route Pinotage Swartland
86
Early
2014
Spice Route Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2012
Spice Route Terra de Bron Mourvedre
91
Early
2012
Spice Route Terra de Bron Single Vineyard Syrah
88
Young
2009
Spice Route Terra de Bron Single Vineyard Syrah
88
16
2014
Spice Route The Amos Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2013
Spice Route Viognier
87
Early
2011
Spier "21 Gables" Pinotage
90
Early
2011
Spier Creative Block 5
85
Early
2013
Spier Discover Pinotage/Shiraz
85
Mature
2012
Spier Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
86
Early
2013
Spier Private Collection Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2013
Spier Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
82
Mature
2014
Spier Signature Chardonnay
84
Mature
2014
Spier Signature Chenin Blanc
85
Early
2013
Spier Signature Merlot
82
Mature
2013
Spier Signature Pinotage
86
Early
2014
Spier Signature Sauvignon Blanc
86
Mature
2013
Spier Signature Shiraz
84
Mature
2012
Spier Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
88
Early
2013
Spier Vintage Selection Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2012
Spier Vintage Selection Shiraz
89
Early
2013
Springfield Estate Life From Stone Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2012
84
Early
2012
Springfield Estate Methode Ancienne Cabernet
Sauvignon
Springfield Estate Methode Ancienne Chardonnay
87
Early
2010
Springfield Estate Pinot Noir
85
Early
2013
Springfield Estate Special Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc
89
Early
2012
Springfield Estate Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon
85
Early
2012
Springfield Estate Wild Yeast Chardonnay
88
Early
2011
Stark-Conde Cabernet Sauvignon
86
Early
2011
Stark-Conde Syrah
90
Young
23
2013
Stark-Conde The Field Blend
88
Early
25
2011
Stark-Conde Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon
91
Young
2011
Stark-Conde Three Pines Syrah
90
Young
2012
Stark-Condé Lingen
88
Young
2011
Steenberg Magna Carta
85
Early
2014
Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc
82
Mature
23-25
2012
Steenberg Semillon
82
Mature
2013
Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2012
Steenberg The Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc
85
Early
2012
Stellenbosch Hills “1707” White Reserve
88
Early
2014
Stellenbosch Hills Chenin Blanc
85
Early
2014
Stellenbosch Hills Polkadraai White
85
Early
2012
Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chenin Blanc
89
Young
2010
Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Chenin Blanc
87
Early
2010
Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Shiraz Merlot Viognier
85
Early
2013
Stellenbosch Vineyards Heyden’s White
84
Early
2012
83
Early
2014
Stellenrust Wine Estate Barrel Fermented Chenin
Blanc
Stellenrust Wine Estate Chenin Blanc
86
Early
2012
Stellenrust Wine Estate Corner Stone Pinotage
88
Young
2009
85
Early
2010
Stellenrust Wine Estate Douwe Steyn Cabernet
Sauvignon
Stellenrust Wine Estate Peppergrinder Shiraz
87
Early
1994
Stellenzicht Stellenzicht (Auction Wine)
80
Mature
2013
Stony Bridge Vineyards Ghost Gum
87
Early
2009
Stony Bridge Vineyards Ghost Gum
85
Early
2008
Stony Bridge Vineyards Lyle
88
Mature
2010
Stony Bridge Vineyards Shiraz Mourvedre Viognier
85
Early
2013
Stony Bridge Vineyards The “J”
87
Early
2010
Stony Bridge Vineyards The Max
83
Early
2012
Storm Pinot Noir Moya’s
88
Early
2012
Storm Pinot Noir Vrede
92
Early
2011
Strandveld Wines First Sighting Pinot Noir
86
Early
2013
Strandveld Wines First Sighting Sauvignon Blanc
89
Early
2013
Strydom Family Wines CWG Triple 7 Pinot Noir
85
Young
2013
Sutherland Chardonnay
87
Early
2013
Sutherland Sauvignon Blanc
84
Early
2013
Testalonga El Bandito
Early
2013
Testalonga El Bandito Cortez
Early
2013
Testalonga Sweet Cheeks
Early
2013
The Three Foxes Clairette Blanche
86
Early
2010
Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon
88
Young
2013
Thelema Chardonnay
88
Early
2010
Thelema Merlot
86
Early
2011
Thelema Mountain Red
86
Early
2010
Thelema Rabelais
90
Young
2011
Thelema Riesling
85
Early
2013
Thelema Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2011
Thelema Shiraz
86
Early
2011
Thelema The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon
89
Young
2013
Thorne & Daughters Rocking Horse Cape White
92
Early
2013
Thorne & Daughters Tin Soldier Semillon
93
Early
2013
Tokara Chardonnay
87
Early
2011
Tokara Director's Reserve Red
90
Young
2013
Tokara Director's Reserve White
90
Young
2012
Tokara Director's Reserve White
91
Young
2014
Tokara Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc
90
Early
2013
Tokara Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc
91
Early
2013
Tokara Reserve Collection Stellenbosch Chardonnay
89
Early
2012
Tokara Reserve Collection Stellenbosch Chardonnay
92
Early
2011
Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah
90
2010
Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah
92
Young
2014
Tokara Sauvignon Blanc
90
Early
2012
Tokara Shiraz
86
Young
2012
Tokara White Label Cabernet Sauvignon
86
Early
2012
Topaz Wine Company Shiraz/Mourvedre
87
Early
2011
De Trafford Blueprint Shiraz
91
Young
2009
De Trafford Cabernet Sauvignon
86
Early
2012
De Trafford Chenin Blanc
90
Early
2009
De Trafford CWG Merlot
85
Early
2008
De Trafford Elevation 393
92
Young
2008
De Trafford Merlot
82
Early
2010
De Trafford Straw Wine
88
Early
2010
De Trafford Syrah 393
90
Young
2001
Uitkyk Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz (Auction Wine)
85
Early
2012
Val De Charron Reserve Chardonnay
87
Early
2012
Val De Charron Reserve Pinot Gris
85
Early
2012
Vansha Farm Ridgeback Cabernet Franc
88
Young
2011
Vansha Farm Ridgeback Cabernet Sauvignon
85
Early
2012
Vansha Farm Ridgeback Journey
88
Early
2014
Vansha Farm Ridgeback Sauvignon Blanc
85
Mature
2012
Vansha Farm Ridgeback SGMV
83
Mature
2011
Vansha Farm Ridgeback Shiraz
83
Mature
2013
Vansha Farm Ridgeback Viognier
88
Early
2013
Neils Verburg (Aka Luddite) Chenin Blanc
89
Young
2009
Neils Verburg (Aka Luddite) Shiraz
90
Young
2012
Vilafonte Series C
94
Young
2011
Vilafonte Series C
92
Young
2010
Vilafonte Series C
94
Young
2009
Vilafonte Series C
93
Early
2008
Vilafonte Series C
90
Early
2007
Vilafonte Series C
92
Early
2006
Vilafonte Series C
92
Early
2005
Vilafonte Series C
91
Early
2004
Vilafonte Series C
88
Early
2003
Vilafonte Series C
89
Early
2011
Vilafonte Series M
90
Young
2014
Villiera Wines Chenin Blanc
88
Early
2012
Vinum Cabernet Sauvignon
83
Early
2012
Vonderling Wines Babiana
91
Early
2013
Vonderling Wines Baldrick Shiraz
86
Early
2012
Vonderling Wines Cabernet Sauvignon
83
Mature
2013
Vonderling Wines Chardonnay
90
Early
2013
Vonderling Wines Merlot
81
Mature
2014
Vonderling Wines Rose
83
Mature
2014
Vonderling Wines Sauvignon Blanc
87
Early
2011
Vrede En Lust Boet Erasmus
83
Early
2013
Vrede En Lust Casey’s Ridge Sauvignon Blanc
88
Early
2013
Vrede En Lust Casey’s Ridge White Mischief
85
Early
2012
Vrede En Lust Marguerite
90
Early
2010
Vrede En Lust Syrah
90
Early
2013
Vriesenhof Vineyards Grenache
87
Early
2012
Vriesenhof Vineyards Grenache
83
Mature
2009
Vriesenhof Vineyards Kallista
82
Mature
2013
Vriesenhof Vineyards Paradyskloof Chardonnay
89
Early
2011
Vriesenhof Vineyards Pinotage
85
Early
2010
Vuurberg Wines Reserve
92
Early
2013
Vuurberg Wines White
92
Early
2011
Warwick Estate Blue Lady
91
Early
2011
Warwick Estate Cabernet Franc
88
Young
2012
Warwick Estate First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon
86
Early
2012
Warwick Estate Pinotage Old Bush Vines
89
Young
2013
Warwick Estate Sauvignon Blanc Professor Black
86
Early
19
2012
Warwick Estate The First Lady Unoaked Chardonnay
88
Early
13-15
2012
Warwick Estate Three Cape Ladies
90
Young
2011
Warwick Estate Warwick Estate Reserve (Trilogy)
90
Young
2013
Warwick Estate White Lady Wooded Chardonnay
90
Early
2011
Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
88
Early
2012
Waterford Estate Chardonnay
90
Early
2010
Waterford Estate Kevin Arnold Shiraz
91
Young
2009
Waterford Estate The Jem
92
Young
2014
Waterkloof Estate Circumstance Cape Coral Rose
85
Mature
2012
Waterkloof Wines Circle Of Life White
89
Early
2013
Waterkloof Wines Seriously Cool Cinsault
85
Early
2011
Weathered Hands Chenin Blanc
87
Early
2012
Weathered Hands Pinotage
90
Early
24
2008
Weathered Hands Shiraz
87
Early
2012
De Wetshof Estate Bateleur Chardonnay
89
Early
2014
De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon Chardonnay
88
Early
2013
De Wetshof Estate Chardonnay Lesca
89
Early
2014
De Wetshof Estate Limestone Chardonnay
90
Early
2012
81
Mature
2013
Winery of Good Hope Oceanside Cabernet
Sauvignon/Merlot
Winery of Good Hope Reserve Chenin Blanc
82
Early
2013
Winery of Good Hope Unoaked Chardonnay
87
Early
2013
Wolftrap Red
87
Early
8-11
2013
Wolftrap White
87
Early
9-12
2013
Yardstick Chardonnay
88
Early
2013
Yardstick Marvellous Blue
85
Early
2013
Yardstick Marvellous Red
86
Early
2013
Yardstick Marvellous Yellow
85
Early
2013
Yardstick Pinot Noir
87
Early
2013
Zevenwacht Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
89
Early
2013
Zevenwacht Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc
84
Early
2013
Zevenwacht Sauvignon Blanc
86
Early
2010
Zevenwacht Syrah
85
Early
2013
Zevenwacht Tin Mine
83
Mature
2013
Zevenwacht Tin Mine
88
Early