The identities of the South African wines deemed worthy of a top, five-star rating in the John Platter South African Wine Guide 2006 have just been revealed, demonstrating just how contentious the notion of wine quality is among the country’s most notable wine judges who decide on this prestigious, and commercially valuable, list. More than 70 wines were were originally nominated as candidates for a five-star rating but had to garner a majority of ‘yes’ votes to manage the feat. In the end only 11 wines managed to convince a majority of tasters they were worthy, even though the quality of the predominant red wine vintage, 2003, theoretically promised so well.
Those that made it were:
Whites:
Sadie Family Palladius 2004
Steenberg Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Steenberg Semillon 2005
Vergelegen White 2004
Reds:
Glen Carlou Syrah 2004
Thelema Reserve Merlot 2003
Kaapzicht Steytler Vision 2002
Rijk’s Cabernet S 2002
Dessert wines:
Axe Hill Cape Vintage 2003
De Kranz Vintage Reserve 2003
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2000
There are few new names here although Rijk’s, a producer helping to make Tulbagh one of the most dynamic developing wine regions, is new to me. For more details and the usual subversive background, see www.grape.co.za