In the highly anticipated 12th edition of Tim Atkin’s South African Special Report, numerous wines from Elgin have achieved remarkable scores, solidifying Elgin's reputation as a premier destination for cool-climate wines.
Tim Atkin, a UK-based Master of Wine and one of the world's leading wine commentators, is renowned for his in-depth analysis and independent assessment of the world's most important wine regions. Atkin’s meticulous approach in producing his reports involves walking the vineyards, engaging with producers, and savouring the wines to deliver unparalleled advice and perspectives to wine enthusiasts and professionals alike. Offering unique insights into the country's viticulture, his annual South African Special Report is highly regarded locally and internationally.
This year’s report is particularly significant for Elgin, as 36 wines produced within the Wines of Elgin collective have been awarded scores of 93 points and above, placing them among the top wines in Atkin’s assessment. This remarkable achievement is indicative of the region's dedication to producing wines of exceptional poise, finesse, and elegance and positions the terroir as a beacon of excellence in the competitive world of cool-climate viticulture.
Paul Clüver, chair of Wines of Elgin, expressed his pride in the region's achievements, stating: "The recognition from Tim Atkin is an encouragement for all of us in Elgin, and a testament to the dedication of many who believe in the quality of wine that this country can produce. Top scores of 93 points and over indicate wines of outstanding quality, depth, and character. Atkin’s rigorous evaluation process ensures these ratings reflect the highest standards in the industry. They vindicate our decisions in terms of varietal focus and our ability to consistently deliver top-quality wines that express our terroir and site."
About the Elgin region
Located just an hour east of Cape Town, the high-lying Elgin district is circled by mountains, in the Overberg region of South Africa. Traditionally an apple-growing area, Elgin has emerged as a leader in cool-climate viticulture, producing award-winning wines known for their balance, complexity, and elegance.
The region's vineyards, situated at elevations between 260 and 500 metres above sea level, benefit from a unique terroir that allows grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with fresh acidity and vibrant flavours.
The cool temperatures, elevated sites, and hardy shale soils lead to the production of wines that have garnered acclaim for their distinctive character and quality.
Elgin’s top performers in the 2024 Tim Atkin SA Special Report
The 2024 Tim Atkin Report has recognised the following Elgin wines, each scoring 93 points and above:
- Iona Wines
- Oak Valley Estate
- Elgin Vintners
- Kershaw Wines
- Thelema Mountain Vineyards
- Shannon Vineyards
- Highlands Road Estate
- Radford Dale
- Paul Clüver Family Wines
Elgin wines leave a lasting finish in 2024 rankings
The outstanding performance of Wines of Elgin in the 2024 Tim Atkin Report celebrates the exceptional quality and diversity of Elgin’s wine offerings and reinforces the region's position as a vital contributor to South Africa’s highly-regarded wine industry. As Elgin continues to evolve and innovate, the accolades from Tim Atkin will undoubtedly inspire both producers and enthusiasts to further explore and appreciate the unique terroir and craftsmanship that define Elgin wines.
To purchase and read the full report, please visit Tim Atkin’s website at https://timatkin.com/reports.