Excellent wines from Tim Atkin
The new report shows a country full of energy, diversity and sustainable strength. From old vines to modern classics - discover the top-rated wines of the year now
With his annual South Africa Special Report, Tim Atkin MW once again sets the benchmark for the evaluation of South African wines in 2025. The British Master of Wine analyses the industry more comprehensively than anyone else - and this time comes to a pleasing conclusion: South Africa has found its identity.
According to Atkin, the current vintage marks a return to balance after years of extreme weather. Mild temperatures, healthy vines and long, even growth have resulted in wines that combine clarity, freshness and depth. The white wines show precision and tension, while the red wines are characterised by structure and elegance.
But Atkin looks beyond the vintage: he describes a country in which sustainability, biodiversity and old vines are no longer marginal phenomena, but part of the mainstream. More and more estates are working regeneratively and focussing on what happens in the soil. Names such as Spier, Waterkloof, Rustenberg, Kleine Zalze and Van Loveren are representative of this movement - they show that working responsibly and accessible quality are not mutually exclusive.
Another core theme is the importance of old vines. The Old Vine Project combines history and the future in a unique way. Winemakers such as Perdeberg, Mullineux, Thorne & Daughters, Sadie Family Wines, Bellingham, Damascene and Stellenrust not only preserve decades-old plots, but also use them to create authentic, characterful wines with an unmistakable expression.
Atkin sees South Africa today on a par with the great wine regions of the world. No longer as "up-and-coming", but as an established force that radiates self-confidence and yet has remained down-to-earth.
Anyone who wants to understand South African wine will find Tim Atkin's report a snapshot full of energy, diversity and inspiration.
Méthode Cap Classique Brut Rosé
- Graham Beck Wines
- Schaumwein - off dry
- South Africa - Western Cape
- Pinot Noir
- Sommeliers Selection 2015 List: Trophy Winner
- John Platter:4 stars
- Tim Atkin 2018: 89 points
- Veritas Awards 2018: Gold
Content: 0.75 Liter (€22.47* / 1 Liter)
Méthode Cap Classique Brut
- Graham Beck Wines
- Schaumwein - off dry
- South Africa - Western Cape
- Pinot Noir
- John Platter: 4 stars
- Tim Atkin 2018: 90 points
- Vinordic Wine Challenge 2017: Best value for money and golden trophy
- Veritas Awards 2018: Silver
Content: 0.75 Liter (€23.27* / 1 Liter)
Brut Rosé Méthode Cap Classique
- Boschendal
- Schaumwein - dry
- South Africa - Western Cape
- Pinotage
- Tim Atkin 2020: 91 points
Content: 0.75 Liter (€26.53* / 1 Liter)
The Chocolate Block
- Boekenhoutskloof
- Red wine - dry
- South Africa - Swartland
- Viognier
- John Platter: 4.5 stars / 93 points
Content: 0.75 Liter (€30.53* / 1 Liter)
Cape Tawny Limited Release
- De Krans
- Fortified - sweet
- South Africa - Calitzdorp
- Touriga Nacional
- John Platter: 4.5 stars
- Robert Parker: 87 points
- Tim Atkin 2018: 89 points
- Veritas Awards 2018: Silver
Content: 0.75 Liter (€26.60* / 1 Liter)
Méthode Cap Classique Brut Rosé
- Kleine Zalze
- Schaumwein - off dry
- South Africa - Western Cape
- Pinot Noir
- John Platter: 4 stars
- Amorim Cork Classique Challenge 2015: Gold
- The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirit Awards 2016: Gold
Content: 0.75 Liter (€23.93* / 1 Liter)
Coastal Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc
- Delaire Graff
- White wine - dry
- South Africa - Coastal Region
- Semillon
- John Platter: 4.5 stars / 92 points
Content: 0.75 Liter (€20.67* / 1 Liter)
The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon
- Thelema Mountain Vineyards
- Red wine - dry
- South Africa - Stellenbosch
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- John Platter: 4 stars / 88 points
- Tim Atkin 2018: 94 points
Content: 0.75 Liter (€43.93* / 1 Liter)
Reserve Red Blend
- Glenelly Estate
- Red wine - dry
- South Africa - Stellenbosch
- Shiraz/Syrah
- John Platter: 4.5 stars / 94 points
- Tim Atkin 2018: 93 points
- Vinous 2018: 91 points
- Wine Magazine South Africa 2018: 91 points
Content: 0.75 Liter (€21.93* / 1 Liter)
Thelema Grenache Rosé
- Thelema Mountain Vineyards
- rosé wine - dry
- South Africa - Elgin
- Grenache Noir
- John Platter: 3 stars / 81 points
Content: 0.75 Liter (€14.60* / 1 Liter)
Méthode Cap Classique
- Pongracz
- Schaumwein - off dry
- South Africa - Western Cape
- Pinot Noir
- John Platter: 4 stars
- Tim Atkin 2018: 87 points
- Veritas Awards 2018: Silver
Content: 0.75 Liter (€19.80* / 1 Liter)
Auret
- Clos Malverne
- Red wine - dry
- South Africa - Stellenbosch
- Merlot
- John Platter: 4.5 stars "Volume 2016" A rating for the volume 2017 is not available until the Platter edition 2020!
Content: 0.75 Liter (€26.53* / 1 Liter)