South Africa 2025 Special Report by Tim Atkin MW

Donovan Rall is one of the original Swartland Revolutionaries and among South Africa’s most acclaimed winemakers. Since his debut in 2008 with the Rall White Blend, he has expanded his range to nine wines sourced from over 20 vineyards across the Swartland, with additional parcels in Darling and Wellington.

He owns no vineyards but is deeply involved in farming, focusing on Chenin Blanc and Syrah, particularly on schist and granite soils - a focus reflected in his wines named for his daughters, Ava (Schist) and Noa (Granite).

Critics often describe his wines in near-mystical terms - Tamlyn Currin of JancisRobinson.com likened him to Gandalf, praising his Ava Chenin 2022 as “quiet but magnificent beauty” and awarding both Ava and Noa Chenins 18/20 points. His debut Noa Syrah 2021, released as a Cape Winemakers Guild Auction wine, drew rave reviews and near-perfect scores from international buyers, cementing his reputation as a Syrah master.

Rall’s journey began in Durbanville, where he switched from a BSc to Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch. He gained early experience with Miles Mossop and Eben Sadie before travelling to Cloudy Bay, Hermitage, Germany, Italy, and finally London, where tasting the world’s great wines broadened his perspective. He returned in 2007, crafted his first barrels with help from Johan Kruger and Rosa Kruger, and has since become a central figure in shaping the modern Swartland.

Alongside Rall Wines, he makes Callender Peak Chardonnay on the Ceres Plateau, consults for Vuurberg and Clouds Estate, and continues to explore new terroirs with passion and curiosity. Despite producing only about 50,000 bottles annually, his wines are among South Africa’s most sought-after.

Thoughtful, soft-spoken yet determined, Rall embodies the Swartland spirit—independent, terroir-driven, and quietly revolutionary. His wines balance weightless intensity with complexity, making him, in Currin’s words, a true “wizard” of South African wine.

His latest 2025 releases are all stellar, with highlights including:
2023 Red Blend: 71% Syrah-led (Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault). Rall says, “Without a doubt, our finest effort and the best Rall Red to date.” Yes.

Cinsault Blanc 2024: A rare single-varietal Cinsault Blanc. Only 564 bottles made from a 1989 Wellington vineyard. Bright, textural, rare. Drink now, says Aubergine’s Ralph Reynolds.
Though the Grenache Noir ’24, Grenache Blanc ’24, Ava Syrah ’24, Syrah ’24 (both Schist-based Syrahs, two singular expressions) … Let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

You can shop his latest vintages via Great Domaines here or follow him directly at www.rallwines.co.za.

Stuart Botha, winemaker at Tokara since 2017, has cemented the Stellenbosch estate’s reputation as one of South Africa’s fine wine benchmarks.

Taking over from Miles Mossop after one of the longest handovers in local wine history, Botha has sharpened Tokara’s focus on terroir-driven precision - from gravity-fed cellars to minimal-intervention techniques. Under his watch, Tokara has racked up a haul of accolades, including Winery of the Year, multiple Platter’s 5-star ratings, a historic Dubourdieu Trophy for Sauvignon Blanc in Brussels, and the Veritas overall champion Cabernet Sauvignon.

His releases, from the flagship Director’s Reserve blends to the rare Telos Cabernet and the luxurious Straw Wine, show a balance of classical polish and creative flair, securing Tokara’s place on the world stage.

Visit their website for more information at www.tokara.co.za

Megan van der Merwe is the trailblazing winemaker and oenologist at Beau Constantia, where, since 2019 (assistant from 2015), she has been shaping small-lot, premium wines from the estate’s dramatic, mountainside vineyards above Constantia Nek.

With international harvests in Paso Robles and Châteauneuf-du-Pape behind her, she brings a global sensibility to wines that remain firmly rooted in their place.Minimal intervention, purity of fruit, and a deep respect for land and community define her style. Recognised for her fresh voice and authentic approach, Megan is also pushing boundaries beyond Beau: with her fiancé Beata America, she co-creates Processus, a collaborative project where art and wine meet, exploring heritage grapes and experimental methods in small, expressive releases.

Shop her Beau Constantia wines via www.beauconstantia.com and Processus via Instagram @_processus

Danie Carinus stands at the intersection of heritage and innovation in the Cape Winelands. A sixth-generation wine grape grower with well-established vineyards in the Polkadraai Hills on the farm Bluegum Grove. He and his distant cousin (agter-agter-kleinneef) Hugo, who farms in the Swartland and Devon Valley, oversee vineyards that feed into some of South Africa’s most acclaimed wines, while also producing their own Carinus label with friend and winemaker Lukas van Loggerenberg.

In Danie’s world, farming doesn’t end with grapes, he’s as likely to be checking on free-range hens or citrus trees as he is walking vineyard rows, sketching out new ideas for site-specific wines. Curious by nature, from initially drawing inspiration from Santorini Assyrtiko and the Rieslings of Alsace and the Mosel, Danie now draws inspiration from the wines his friends make of Carinus fruit, striving to bottle the best grapes every year. He thrives in the company of this new generation of winemakers who share his relentless pursuit of possibility.

For more information on the Carinuses and their wines, visit www.carinusvineyards.co.za.

Nestled among the rugged slopes of the Swartland, the Riebeek Valley Wine Co. is the enduring heart of the region’s wine legacy.

Born in 1941, when a band of local farming families joined forces to endure and thrive in a harsh, dry-land landscape, this community-driven cellar has evolved into both a respected Wine of Origin Swartland producer and a boutique services powerhouse.

Guided by the mantra “Guardians of the Swartland, Custodians of Quality,” the company champions terroir-driven wines, from elegant Chenin Blanc and Shiraz to playful experimental ranges, while upholding sustainability, ethical trade, and deep-rooted partnerships with vineyard families. Including well-known brands like Kasteelberg, Raar, 22 Families, Pieter Cruythoff, among others. 

Visit www.riebeekvalleywineco.com for more information.

Paul Clüver Snr is a pioneering force in South African wine, best known for transforming his family’s Elgin apple farm into the country’s first estate dedicated to cool-climate viticulture.

A neurosurgeon by training and farmer by passion, he planted vineyards in the early 1980s and became instrumental in establishing Elgin as a world-class wine region, championing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling long before they were fashionable. Beyond wine, Clüver has been a leader in conservation and community development, with vast portions of the estate set aside for biodiversity protection and projects that uplift local workers. Visionary yet deeply grounded, he’s as much a custodian of land and people as of fine wine.

Visit www.cluver.com for more information on this pioneering Elgin farm and its award-winning wines.

In the heart of the Bot River Valley, Gabriëlskloof’s cellar door is where the estate’s vision of terroir-driven elegance comes to life. Set against the backdrop of the Houwhoek and Babylonstoren ranges and cooled by Atlantic breezes, the tasting room invites you to savour their signature wines - whether Gabriëlskloof Range, Landscape Series, or their playful Projects line, each crafted with minimal intervention to express the unique soils and microclimate of their land.

You can book guided experiences like the estate’s distinctive Estate vs. Landscape tastings, dig deeper with sommelier-led flight comparisons, or simply unwind with wine and a bistro-style bite from the Kitchen Door restaurant on the shaded courtyard or sweeping lawns.

With welcoming staff, sustainable practices, and a light, rustic elegance throughout, the Gabriëlskloof cellar door offers a warm, unhurried taste of the Overberg’s spirit.

Visit www.gabrielskloof.co.za for more information. 

2024 Alheit Vineyards Magnetic North Chenin Blanc, Citrusdal Mountain

Score: 100 points

Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc
Origin: Citrusdal Mountain
Producer: Chris Alheit

"It takes a lot for me to give a wine 100 points. It must be something that makes me think, beguiles my palate, and leaves me with a sense of wonder and longing. The 2024 Magnetic North does just that. A wonderful tribute to the memory of Basie van Lill, who farmed this parcel for years, it's a stunning wine of great intensity, beauty and profundity, made by a winemaker who is reaching for the stars. Sappy, savoury and ludicrously long on the palate, it has restrained power, salty intensity and flavours of quinine, quince and grapefruit. Its finish echoes like a reverberation across a wide canyon." - Tim Atkin 2028-40

HALL OF FAME: 2023 Alheit Vineyards Nautical Dawn Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch; 2022 Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans Chenin Blanc, Citrusdal Mountain; 2020 Boekenhoutskloof Semillon, Franschhoek; 2020 Alheit Vineyards Magnetic North, Citrusdal Mountain; 2019 Sadie Family Skurfberg, Olifants River; 2018 Sadie Family ’T Voetpad, Swartland; 2017 Sadie Family T’Voetpad; 2016 Sadie Family Kokerboom, Olifants River; 2015 David & Nadia Hoë Steen Chenin Blanc, Swartland; 2014 Chamonix Reserve Chardonnay, Franschhoek.  

2023 Porseleinberg Syrah, Swartland (R850)

Grape Variety: Syrah
Origin: Swartland
Producer: Callie Louw

Score: 100 points

"The 2023 growing season was 'dry and difficult', according to Callie Louw, at least in this wild and starkly beautiful corner of the Swartland, but you wouldn’t know it from the quality of this superlative Syrah. Picked late, right up to March 8th, it has the concentration and intensity of a small crop. Fermented with 90% whole clusters, with 70% of the wine using the submerged cap technique, it's one of the most sublime Porseleinbergs yet, pairing aromas of incense, thyme and black pepper with firm, age-worthy tannins, blackberry, red berry and liquorice flavours and a stony, mineral core. Truly world class."- Tim Aktin 2027-35

HALL OF FAME: 2022 Porseleinberg Syrah, Swartland, joint with 2022 Sadie Family Columella, Swartland; 2021 Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah, Stellenbosch; 2020 Sadie Family Columella , Swartland; 2019 Sadie Family Columella, Swartland; 2018 Porseleinberg Syrah, Swartland; 2017 Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah, Stellenbosch; 2015 Kanonkop Paul Sauer, Stellenbosch; 2015 Beeslaar Pinotage, Stellenbosch; 2014 Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah, Stellenbosch; 2013 Sadie Family Columella, Swartland.   

2025 Doolhof Xclusiv Rosé, Limietberg (R275)

Grape Variety: 51% Grenache, 49% Syrah
Origin: Wellington
Producer: Rüdger van Wyk

Score: 94 points

"If the 2024 release of XCLUSIV was good, then this is remarkable, an ambitious rosé from one of the best young winemakers in the Cape. Made from a cuvée of Grenache and 48% Syrah, it's a focused, layered, wonderfully elegant pink wine with lots of zip and energy, wild strawberry, rosehip and watermelon flavours and a satisfyingly dry finish. Hugely exciting." - Tim Atkin 2025-27

HALL OF FAME: 2023 Terblanche Family Vineyards Elmie Rosé, Stellenbosch; 2022 Lievland Liefkoos Rosé, Stellenbosch; 2021 Lievland Liefkoos Rosé, Stellenbosch; 2020 Bellingham Founders’ Series Quintessential Couple, Stellenbosch; 2019 Lievland Liefkoos Rosé, Stellenbosch; 2019 Holder Dorper Elmie Rosé, Stellenbosch; 2017 Raised by Wolves Newlands Pinot Meunier Deon Joubert, Stellenbosch.

2019 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive Cap Classique, Western Cape (R1340)

Grape Variety: 81% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Noir
Origin: Robertson & Durbanville
Producer: Pierre De Klerk

Score: 97 points

"Sparkling wine lovers in the know have long appreciated the quality of Cuvée Clive, which deserves to share the limelight with the very best Champagnes. Sourced from Durbanville
and Robertson, it's a seamless blend of wooded Chardonnay and 19% Pinot Noir of remarkable depth and complexity. Savoury, spicy and toasty, it has layers of lemon zest, strawberry, malt and shitake mushrooms, effortless structure and focus and perfectly judged autolysis from 67 months on lees." - Tim Atkin 2026-35

HALL OF FAME: 2018 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive Cap Classique, Western Cape; 2015 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive Magnum, Western Cape; Colmant Brut Absolu Zero Dosage Non-Vintage, Western Cape; 2014 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive, Western Cape; 2014 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive, Western Cape; 2012 Le Lude Magnum Vintage Cuvée, Western Cape; 2011 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive, Western Cape; 2010 Silverthorn Jewel Box, Western Cape; 2009 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive, Western Cape. 

2022 Boekenhoutskloof Noble Late Harvest, Franschhoek

Not yet released. 2021 available here (R600)

Grape Variety: Semillon
Origin: Franschhoek
Producer: Gottfried Mocke / Eben Meiring

Score: 98 points

"Boekenhoutskloof is best known for its dry Semillon, but the sweet, botrytis-affected version can be every bit as good. Stylishly wooded in new French oak, the 2022 is like a cross between a Barsac and a Jurançon sticky, with wonderful citrus peel, honey and crème caramel flavours, a waft of cinnamon spice and near-perfect balance between fresh acidity and 184 grams of residual sugar." - Tim Atkin 2026-35

HALL OF FAME: 2021 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, Constantia; 2022 Mullineux Straw Wine, Swartland; NV Mullineux Olerasay Straw Wine #3, Swartland; 2018 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, Constantia; 2017 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, Constantia; 2016 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, Constantia; 2015 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, Constantia; 2012 Mullineux & Leeu Essence, Swartland; 2013 Boekenhoutskloof Noble Late Harvest, Franschhoek; 2012 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, Constantia.

2005 Boplaas Colheita 20-Year-Old Cape Tawny, Calitzdorp

Grape Variety: Tinta Barocca & Touriga Nacional
Origin: Calitzdorp
Producer: Carel Nel

Score: 97 points

"How good is this! You may have to dig into your savings' account to acquire a bottle, but it's one of the greatest Cape fortifieds I've ever tasted. Described by Carel Nel as a "super Tawny", it's a complex, mature delight, all fig, date, caramel and dried fruit flavours, a balsamic lift and a nutty, rancio finish. Stunningly good, it lingers on the palate for more than a minute." - Tim Atkin 2025-35

HALL OF FAME: 2022 Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve, Calitzdorp; 2007 Boplaas CWG Auction Reserve Tawny Single Harvest Colheita, Calitzdorp; 2005 Boplaas Cape Tawny Single Harvest Colheita, Calitzdorp; 2004 Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve, Calitzdorp; 2018 De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve, Calitzdorp; 2017 De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve, Calitzdorp; 2016 De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve, Calitzdorp; 2015 De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve Port, Calitzdorp.

2022 Beeslaar The Sacrament, Stellenbosch (R1000 - Sold Out)

Grape Variety: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Origin: Banhoek & Helderberg
Producer: Abrie Beeslaar

Score: 97 points

"Understandably sold out on release, although the wine will surely come up at auction in the future, The Sacrament is a head-turning new assemblage from Abrie Beeslaar of just
1,400 bottles. Partnering Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, deftly aged in new French oak, it's a class act, with seamlessly assembled flavours of toast, blackcurrant and fresh herbs, racy cranberry acidity and the concentration and structure to develop for a decade or more." - Tim Atkin

HALL OF FAME: 2021 Fairview Lanner Hill Syrah, Darling; 2021 Rall CWG Noa Syrah, Swartland; 2019 Kershaw Syrah Deconstructed Groenland Bokkeveld Shale SH22, Elgin; 2018 Taaibosch Crescendo, Stellenbosch; 2019 Miles Mossop Sam, Stellenbosch; 2018 AA Badenhorst Ringmuur Cinsault, Swartland; 2017 Rall Ava Syrah, Swartland; 2015 Gabriëlskloof The Landscape Series Cabernet Franc, Bot River; 2015 Newton Johnson CWG Seadragon Pinot Noir, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley; 2014 AA Badenhorst Brak-Kuil Barbarossa, Swartland.

2024 Sadie Family Twiswind, Swartland (R600 - only available on allocation)

Grape Variety: Vermentino, Picpoul, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Cinsaut Blanc, Palomino, Chenin Blanc, Grillo, Assyrtiko, Verdelho, Clairette Blanche & Semillon
Origin: Paardeberg, Swartland
Producer: Eben Sadie

Score: 95 points

"Twiswind - “to argue with the wind” in Afrikaans - is the maiden release of a brilliant field blend from a 1.4-hectare site planted as recently as 2019. Featuring a medley of Chenin Banc, Cinsault Blanc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Grillo, Marsanne, Palomino, Picpoul, Semillon and Vermentino, it’s like a who’s who of the Mediterranean, with lime, greengage, grapefruit, quinine and juniper flavours, thrilling acidity and a mineral core." - Tim Atkin 2027-32

HALL OF FAME: 2023 Kruger Family Wines Karoo Chardonnay, Sutherland;  2022 Sadie Family Rotsbank, Swartland; 2021 Rall Noa Chenin Blanc Swartland; 2020 Mullineux Iron Chenin Blanc, Swartland; 2019 Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders Sauvignon Blanc, Citrusdal Mountain; 2018 Wolf and Woman Chenin Blanc, Swartland; 2017 Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans, Citrusdal Mountain; 2016 Rall Ava Chenin Blanc, Swartland; 2015 BLANKbottle Orbitofrontal Cortex, Western Cape; 2014 Patatsfontein Steen, Montagu.

2024 Lost Boy Latigo, Cape Agulhas (R320)

Grape Variety: Mourvédre
Origin: Cape Agulhas
Producer: Dave Pelzer

Score: 93 points

"One of the rosé discoveries of my trip, American ex-pro cyclist Trevor DeRuisé's Mourvèdre is a pale, intense, beautifully crafted delight. Barrel fermented in older wood, it has sappy, floral flavours of redcurrant and hibiscus, a touch of aniseed and a crunchy finish." - Tim Atkin 2025-27

HALL OF FAME: NV Vinevenom Shining Rosé No. 2, Swartland

2020 Boschendal Mountain Rosé Pinot Noir Rosé Cap Classique, Coastal

Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Origin: Western Cape
Producer: Danielle Coetsee, Boschendal

Score: 93 points

"Impressive stuff from fizz specialist Danielle Coetsee, Mountain Rose is a new wine at Boschendal. Components from Stellenbosch and Darling make up the blend here, contributing to a fresh, slightly malty palate of pomegranate and red cherry, with some
colour from added (still) Pinot Noir, a hint of hazelnut from 48 months on lees and a refreshingly dry finish." - Tim Atkin 2025-28

NV Saldanha Oloroso N° 3, Swartland

Grape Variety: Palomino
Origin: Swartland
Producer: Adi Badenhorst / Selma Willemse

Score: 94 points

"Adi Badenhorst is a Sherry aficionado, so he should take a bottle of this to show the locals on his next visit. Made from unspecified varieties, including Muscat I suspect, it's a complex, savoury, nutty fortified with 55 grams of sugar, savoury intensity, hints of date and dried herbs and a balsamic twist." - Tim Atkin 2026-30

2023 Windmeul OVP Chenin Blanc Reserve, Paarl (R110)

Grape Variety: 1974 planted 100% Chenin Blanc
Origin: Paarl
Producer: Danie Marais, Windmeul

Score: 92 points

"Ridiculously cheap at the price, especially for an Old Vine Project Chenin Blanc from a vineyard planted in 1974, this is one of the Cape's great bargains. Deftly barrel fermented, it has jasmine and chamomile aromas, a touch of stony reduction, flavours of grapefruit and passion fruit and a racy, refreshing finish." - Tim Atkin 2025-30

HALL OF FAME:  2024 AA Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc, Swartland; 2021 Windmeul Cellar OVP Reserve Chenin Blanc, Paarl; 2021 Paul Clüver Village Chardonnay, Elgin; 2020 Cape Dreams Chardonnay, Robertson; 2019 Eikendal Janina Unwooded Chardonnay, Western Cape; 2019 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape; 2018 Stellenrust Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch; 2017 Swartland Winery Limited Release Roussanne.

2024 Kloovenburg Village Red, Swartland (R110)

Grape Variety: 49% Grenache, 32% Shiraz, 14% Garnacha Peluda, 5% Mourvédre
Origin: Swartland
Producer: Duncan Stuart

Score: 91 points

"Wonderfully drinkable stuff from the talented Duncan Stuart, this is an eminently drinkable blend of Grenache, 32% Syrah, 14% Garnacha Peluda and 5% Mourvèdre that's bottled with a screwcap for easy access. Juicy, tangy and lightly wooded, it's a Cape Côtes du Rhône, with bramble, strawberry and white pepper flavours and textured tannins." - Tim Atkin 2025-30

HALL OF FAME: 2022 Mullineux Kloof Street Rouge, Swartland; 2020 Alto Rouge, Stellenbosch; 2021 Brookdale Mason Road Syrah, Paarl; 2019 Mountain Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Breedekloof; 2019 Boplaas Touriga Nacional Family Reserve, Calitzdorp; 2018 Fairview Grenache Noir, Western Cape; 2016 Zonnebloem SMV, Stellenbosch; 2014 Onderkloof Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch.

2024 Le Sueur Grenache Rosé, Klein Karoo (R120)

Grape Variety: Grenache Noir
Origin: Klein Karoo
Producer: Louis van der Riet

Score: 91 points

"Le Sueur's pink Grenache hails from a vineyard in the Kammanassie mountains in the Klein Karoo, well away from the glamour of Stellenbosch. Pithy, stony and very mineral, it's a tangy, lip-smacking style with redcurrant and hibiscus flavours and a nip of tannin." - Tim Atkin 2025-27

HALL OF FAME: 2023 Noble Hill Mourvèdre Rosé, Simonsberg-Paarl; 2022 Noble Hill Mourvèdre Rosé, Simonsberg-Paarl; 2021 Dieu Donné Blanc de Noir, Franschhoek; 2021 AA Badenhorst Secateurs Rosé, Piekenierskloof; 2019 Meerhof Grenache Rosé, Swartland; 2019 Bon Courage Lady of the House Pinotage Rosé, Robertson; 2018 Oude Kompagnies Post Swanepoel Rosé, Tulbagh.

2024 Rebel Rebel Cinsaut Méthode Ancestrale, Bottelary (R185)

Grape Variety: Cinsaut
Origin: Bottelary, Stellenbosch
Producer: Kayleigh Hattingh

Score: 90 points

"As well as being the assistant at Kaapzicht, Kayleigh Hattingh makes a fun range under her own Rebel Rebel label. This Méthode Ancestrale bubbly, produced from Cinsault, is a case in point, with the focus and concentration of vines planted in 1991, flavours of redcurrant, raspberry and Campari spices and a bone-dry finish." - Tim Atkin 2025-27

HALL OF FAME: NV Pongrácz Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique, Western Cape; NV KWV Laborie Brut, Western Cape; 2013 Bon Courage Jacques Bruère Brut Reserve, Robertson; Saltare Brut Rosé Non-Vintage, Stellenbosch; 2011 Bon Courage Jacques Bruère Blanc de Blancs, Robertson; NV KWV Laborie Blanc de Blancs, Western Cape; Villiera Tradition Brut NV, Western Cape; Villiera Tradition Brut NV, Stellenbosch.

2024 Van Loveren VRL Special Late Harvest Gewürtztraminer, Robertson (R95)

Grape Variety: Gewürtztraminer
Origin: Robertson
Producer: Van Loveren

Score: 90 points

"Picked late and fermented cool to retain fruit intensity, this is a very drinkable Gewürztraminer that has classic lychee, orange peel and ginger spice flavours, appealing zip and freshness and 39 grams of residual sugar. Appealingly affordable." - Tim Atkin 2025-28

HALL OF FAME: 2023 Van Loveren VRL Special Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Robertson; 2023 Van Loveren VRL Special Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Robertson; 2020 Slanghoek Winery Crème de Chenin, Slanghoek; 2020 Joostenberg Noble Late Harvest Chenin Blanc, Paarl; 2019 Klawer Cellars Villa Esposto Straw Wine, Citrusdal Mountain; 2017 Highlands Road Noble Late Harvest, Elgin; 2013 Namaqua Noble Late Harvest, Olifants River.

NV KWV Classic Collection Cape Tawny, Western Cape, Western Cape (R109)

Grape Variety: Tinta Barocca, Cinsaut, Souzão, Touriga Nacional, Shiraz
Origin: Western Cape
Producer: KWV, James Ochse

Score: 93 points

"I have no idea how much longer the KWV will be able to keep releasing Tawnies of this quality at such a bargain price, but fill your boots while you can, folks. Made from an unusual line-up of Chenin Blanc, Souzão, Tempranillo, Tinta Barocca and Touriga Nacional, it's an incredible solera-style fortified, with flavours of date, fig and molasses, 138 grams of residual sugar and a drizzle of caramel." - Tim Atkin 2026-33

 HALL OF FAME: NV KWV Classic Collection Cape Tawny, Western Cape; NV KWV Cape Classic Tawny, Western Cape; NV KWV Classic Cape Tawny, Western Cape; 2019 Du Toitskloof Red Muscadel, Breedekloof; 2014 Alvi’s Drift Muscat de Frontignan, Worcester; 2012 Allesverloren Fine Old Vintage, Swartland; 2015 Du Toitskloof Red Muscadel, Breedekloof.