Parker report and ratings by Neil 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momentum is an anchor snagged upon a tradition and stubbornness: deeply entrenched philosophies of which some are more outdated than others, obdurate winemakers making obdurate wines.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 head-winemaker 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 new-

wood 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 Gevrey-Chambertin 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, high-volume, 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 wines are undervalued. They are in some cases, not in others, and there is a blurred line between undervalued and good value.

(This report, the largest South African report so far for this publication, was written after my 12-

day 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 Price

2013

Alheit Vineyards Cartology Bush Vines 93 Early

2013

Alheit Vineyards MAGNETIC NORTH MOUNTAIN MAKSTOK

91 Young

2013

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

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

A A Badenhorst Family Wines CWG Ch Ramnasgras Hermityk

91 Young

2012

A A Badenhorst Family Wines Dassiekop Granietsteen Chenin Blanc

92 Young

2012

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

2010

Bartinney Private Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 85 Young

2012

Bartinney Private Cellar Chardonnay 87 Young

20

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

24

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

Graham Beck The Ridge Shiraz Franschhoek / Robertson

88 Young

2009

Belfield Magnifica 86 Young

2011

Belfield Syrah 89 Young

2009

Belfield Syrah 88 Early

2011

Belfield Wines Aristata 88 Early

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

25-40

2012

Boekenhoutskloof CWG Syrah Auction Reserve 92 Young

2013

Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah 88 Early

2011

Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 92 Early

33

2011

Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 92 Young

50-56

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

2013

Bouchard Finlayson Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay 88 Early

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

88 Early

2013

Bryan MacRoberts Wines ABBOTSDALE MOURVEDRE ROSE

85 Early

2013

Bryan MacRoberts Wines ABBOTSDALE SHIRAZ CINSAULT MOURVEDRE

92 Early

2013

Bryan MacRoberts Wines Tobias Chenin Blanc 90 Young

2013

Bryan MacRoberts Wines Tobias Shiraz Mourvedre Cinsault

?

2012

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

88 Early

2013

Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 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 Early

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

54

2014

Creation Sauvignon Blanc 87 Early

2012

Creation Syrah 88 Early

2012

Creation Syrah / Grenache 89 Young

30

2013

Creation The Art of Chardonnay 93 Early

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

DGB Pty Ltd Boschendal Reserve Collection Chardonnay

86 Early

2012

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

DGB Pty Ltd The Bernard Series Whole Bunch Grenache Blanc/Viognier

89 Early

2013

DGB Pty Ltd The Bernard Series Whole Bunch Roussanne

83 Mature

2014

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

11

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

Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards Camino Africana Chenin Blanc

89 Early

2012

Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards Camino Africana Pinot Noir

90 Young

2012

Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards David Finlayson Gs Cabernet Sauvignon

89 Young

2013

Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards David Finlayson Pinot Noir

89 Young

2013

Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards Edgebaston Chardonnay

91 Early

2013

Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards Shiraz 90 Young

2012

Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards The Berry Box 86 Early

14

2013

Edgebaston Finlayson Family Vineyards The Pepper Pot

88 Early

2011

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

17

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

42

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

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

36

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

11-15

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

79 Mature

2013

Fleur du Cap Bergkelder Selection Chardonnay 85

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

9-10

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

15-16

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

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

22-35

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

Hartenberg Estate Gravel Hill Shiraz (Cape Winemakers Guild)

89 Young

2011

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

75

2011

Haskell Pillars Syrah 89 Young

2014

Hermanuspietersfontein Bloos 87 Early

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

12-15

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

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

18-20

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

2013

Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc

91 Young

2013

Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 90

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

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 Early

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

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

30

N-V

De Morgenzon Methode Cap Classique (Oct '13 Disgorgement)

83 Mature

2013

De Morgenzon Reserve Chardonnay 92 Early

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

17-23

2013

Mulderbosch Faithful Hound White 88 Early

2014

Mulderbosch Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch

85 Mature

2013

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

2012

Mullineux Family Wines Granite Syrah 92 Young

93

Mullineux Family Wines Iron Syrah 93 Young

2013

Mullineux Family Wines Kloof Street Chenin Blanc 87 Early

12-18

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

60

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

Nabygelegen Private Cellar Seventeen Twelve Wellington

82 Early

2013

Nabygelegen Scaramanga 85 Early

2002

Nederberg Chenin Blanc Reserve (Auction) 83 Mature

1979

Nederberg Edelkeur (Auction Wine) 91 Early

2000

Nederberg Edelkeur Late Harvest Chenin Blanc (Auction Wine)

90 Early

1993

Nederberg Edelkeur Late Harvest Chenin Blanc (Auction Wine)

90 Early

1989

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

2009

Nederberg Private Bin R103 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz (Auction Wine)

86 Early

2007

Nederberg Private Bin R104 Petit Verdot (Auction Wine)

79 Mature

2009

Nederberg Private Bin R109 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Auction Wine)

85 Young

1999

Nederberg Private Bin R109 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Auction Wine)

87 Early

2006

Nederberg Private Bin R121 Shiraz (Auction Wine) 89 Early

2009

Nederberg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon (Auction Wine)

81 Early

2007

Nederberg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon (Auction Wine)

88 Early

2007

Nederberg Private Bin R172 Pinotage (Auction Wine) 88 Early

2000

Nederberg Private Bin S354 Gewurztraminer Special Late Harvest (Auction Wine)

84 Early

2009

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

Nederberg The Young Airhawk Wooded Sauvignon Blanc

84 Mature

2004

Nederberg Weisser Riesling Noble Late Harvest (Auction Wine)

85 Early

2014

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

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

Remhoogte Wine Estate Honeybunch Reserve Chenin Blanc

89 Early

2011

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

50

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

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

Rooiberg Wines Rooiberg Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

85 Early

2012

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

89 Early

2012

Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape Of Good Hope Red Blend 88 Early

2013

Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape Of Good Hope Rhône

White Blend 85 Early

2013

Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape Of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay

90 Early

2013

Anthonij Rupert Wines Cape Of Good Hope Van Lill & Visser Chenin Blanc

88 Early

N-V

Anthonij Rupert Wines L�Ormarins 87 Mature

2008

Anthonij Rupert Wines Merlot 86 Early

2010

Anthonij Rupert Wines Optima Early

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

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

Saxenburg Guinea Fowl Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz

84 Early

2010

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

16

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

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

Springfield Estate Methode Ancienne Cabernet Sauvignon

84 Early

2012

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

23-25

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

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

Stellenrust Wine Estate Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc

83 Early

2014

Stellenrust Wine Estate Chenin Blanc 86 Early

2012

Stellenrust Wine Estate Corner Stone Pinotage 88 Young

2009

Stellenrust Wine Estate Douwe Steyn Cabernet Sauvignon

85 Early

2010

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

24

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

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

Winery of Good Hope Oceanside Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

81 Mature

2013

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