This will be the fifth edition of this definitive report, which is due for release in September. Atkin tasted close to 1700 wines for his report and is of the opinion that the South African wine scene has never been more exciting or more diverse.
Heading the scoreboard with 95 points each are two of the estates’ flagship wines - the 2016 Longridge Ou Steen and the 2015 Longridge Clos du Ciel Chardonnay. This was followed by the 2015 Longridge Ekliptika on 94 points.
Five wines were awarded 93 points, which included the multiple award-winning 2016 Longridge Pinotage, the 2015 Longridge Maandans, the 2009 MCC Vintage Brut Reserve, the 2015 Longridge Merlot and the 2016 Longridge Organic Chardonnay, of which a previous vintage carried the title as best organic white wine in the country last year.
The 2014 Longridge Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2015 Longridge Chenin Blanc both scored 92 points, with the Longridge MCC Brut coming in on 91 points and the MCC Brut Rosé and 2015 Edelgoud receiving 90 points.
According to cellar master Jasper Raats, it is quite an accomplishment for so many of their wines to receive such praise from the British Wine Master. “This is most probably the most comprehensive report on the South African wine industry and carries a lot of weight. It is also a positive reinforcement of the winemaking team’s commitment to organic and bio-dynamic farming practices and minimal interference in the winemaking process,” mentions Raats.
Raats also received Medals of Excellence for four of his private label wines. The 2015 Jasper Raats Driefontein Sauvignon Blanc scored 93 points, while Die Plek Cinsaut 2016 and the Driefontein Syrah 2014 both received 92 points and the 2015 Cuvée Rika Pinot Noir was awarded 91 points.
To taste these highly acclaimed wines, visit Longridge on the Eikendal Road off the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. For more information, visit www.longridge.co.za or contact +27.218552005.