This year’s report included 2,115 South African wines tasted - the largest ever - and is highly regarded for the international perspective commentary Tim, a British wine writer and Master of Wine, provides for local producers. Tim rates those wines scoring between 90 and 94 to be outstanding with 95 to 100 reserved for those wines he deems to be benchmarks on his 100-point scale.
Libertas Vineyards and Estates portfolio of eight brands, which includes Zonnebloem, Nederburg and Alto amongst others, have been awarded. The brands each scored no less than two wines in the top 90 plus rating with some having five wines awarded the coveted accolades. The Alto MHPS 2015 took the top score by being awarded 95, the highest rating and reserved to only 8% of wines entered this year. Libertas Vineyards and Estates CEO, Kay Nash, says Tim’s expertise is highly regarded internationally for recognising the best performing and most prized wines.
“High-profile wine critics such as Tim draws consumers to fine wines and with his international expertise, ensures that South African wines are scored on par with the best from around the world. Tim’s 100-point rating system has become one of the key quality indicators in the fine wine market, and has made it much easier for collectors to identify which wines are worth investing in.”
“South Africa’s fine winemaking culture is growing and evolving with innovation and excellence that reflects origin and true varietal character. Fine wines are our top priority and we aim to reignite a voracious appetite for South African fine wines, sharing a collective story of excellence.”
Nash says an upsurge in interest in wines from South Africa can only be driven if regions continue to express the unique terroir and varietal expression in their wines, and that “by reviewing the top achievers in Tim’s report, it’s clear that we have a fleet of brilliantly made wines that offers world-wide appeal.”
The top performing wines and their scores:
Allesverloren Tinta Barocca 2017 - 91
Allesverloren Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 - 91
Allesverloren Fine Old Vintage 2012 - 90
Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 - 93
Alto MPHS 2015 - 95
Alto Rouge 2017 - 90
Alto Signature Red Blend 2016 - 93
Durbanville Hills Cape Honey Bee Noble Late Harvest 2018 - 92
Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve The Cableway Chardonnay 2018 - 90
Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve The Cape Mist Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - 90
Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve The Promenade Pinotage 2017 - 90
Fleur du Cap Series Privée Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 - 93
Fleur du Cap Series Privée Chardonnay 2018 - 90
Fleur du Cap Series Privée Merlot Stellenbosch 2016 - 92
Nederburg Private Bin Eminence Noble Late Harvest Muscadel 2018 - 93
Nederburg The Anchorman Chenin Blanc 2018 - 91
Nederburg The Winemaster's Noble Late Harvest 2018 - 94
Nederburg The Young Airhawk Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - 93
Nederburg Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 - 91
Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Franc 2017 - 91
Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 - 90
Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay 2018 - 90
Plaisir de Merle Grand Plaisir 2016 - 91
Pongrácz Blanc de Blancs MCC - 91
Zonnebloem Lauréat 2017 - 90
Zonnebloem SMV 2017 - 90
The wines are available from leading fine wine stores and from www.vinoteque.co.za which also offers a service for maturing wine.