This is not just any competition. Now in its 22nd year, the Decanter World Wine Awards is the world’s largest and most influential wine competition, known for its integrity and incredibly high standards. This year, wines from 57 countries were tasted and evaluated by 248 of the world’s leading wine experts, including 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine – a record number for the competition.
From South Africa, 487 wines were awarded medals, with 45 receiving Gold.
To have our Hartenberg Estate Shiraz stand out among them is something we’re truly proud of.
The panel describes our 2021 vintage as:
“A regal perfume of herbs and florals flutters over the rumbling fresh berries. Silky smooth and luxurious with a gentle acidity and long cedary finish.”
This award celebrates five decades of dedication and passion for making Shiraz on Hartenberg soils.
We were one of the first estates in South Africa to produce Shiraz, bottling our very first vintage all the way back in 1968 - long before the variety gained its deserved recognition here. Over the years, Shiraz has become part of our identity, and today it sits at the heart of the wines we produce.
Hartenberg's 5 distinct Shiraz wines
We now craft five distinct Shiraz wines, each with its own style and story:
- The single-site, age-worthy Gravel Hill Syrah
- The bold and structured The Stork Shiraz
- The rare, vintage-select Tenacity Shiraz 2015
- The fresh, approachable Doorkeeper Shiraz
- And this one – the Estate Shiraz – elegant, expressive, and consistently one of the great values in South African wine.
The Estate Shiraz 2021 has earned praise from leading voices in wine:
- 93 points Tim Atkin
- 91 points (Outstanding) James Suckling
- 4 ½ Stars Platter SA Wine Guide
As Tim Atkin MW notes:
“This Bottelary Hills Shiraz delivers a lot of flavour and structure for your money. Balanced yet powerful.”
This recognition honours the care and commitment of everyone who works the vineyards and the cellar, and celebrates the special connection between our land, our vines, and this variety.
Taste gold
You’re warmly invited to taste the Estate Shiraz 2021 at the farm or shop online.
In the lead-up to Mandela Day, R25 from every bottle of Shiraz sold at the estate until 18 July will be donated to the Pebbles Project, supporting children in our local farming communities.
Click HERE to shop the Hartenberg Estate Shiraz 2021 now.