Among them, the newly released 2023 Project Z Heritage White Blend (Piekenierskloof | Stellenbosch) was crowned among this year’s top-achievers of 95pt and higher scoring wines by the influential British wine commentator in his highly anticipated annual overview of South African wines.
Atkin unveiled his report on Tuesday, with Kleine Zalze once putting in a commanding performance with 12 wines in its diverse range scored 90pts and above.
Furthermore, of the 2 000 wines Atkin tasted over a five-week period, just 212 scored 95+ in this, his 13th edition of the South Africa Report, putting Kleine Zalze in the top 10% of the wines rated.
“We place enormous value on Tim Atkin’s perspective, particularly because of his deep knowledge of South African wine and the influence his reports hold in the world’s largest wine markets,” says Kleine Zalze cellarmaster RJ Botha. “What is especially gratifying about our results this year is how the scores highlight the consistency of Kleine Zalze across vintages, wine styles, and price points – it’s a true reflection of the depth and commitment of our team. At the same time, the recognition of our Project Z wines reinforces what we set out to achieve with this initiative: to push boundaries, explore new ideas and showcase just how versatile and exciting the Kleine Zalze wines can be.”
Spotlight falls on cutting-edge pioneer wines
Of the wines from Kleine Zalze tasted and singled out by Atkin, almost half were expressions from the Project Z portfolio. Along with the 95-pointer Heritage White Blend, were the 2023 Kleine Zalze Project Z Grenache Noir (Western Cape), which scored 92 points; the 2024 Grenache Blanc (Piekenierskloof), 94 points; 2023 OVP Chenin Blanc (Durbanville | Stellenbosch), 93 points; and 2023 Syrah (Stellenbosch), 93 points.
The 2023 Kleine Zalze Project Z Heritage White Blend brings together three grape varieties from two distinctly different regions. Palomino (70%) from Piekenierskloof in Citrusdal leads the composition, with Chenin Blanc (20%) and Alvarinho (10%) originating from Stellenbosch vineyards. The Palomino vineyard, planted in 1967 is the oldest vineyard contributing to the heritage certified blend.
Reflecting on this year’s report, Atkin said that since his first visit to South Africa in 1990, he has remained “constantly amazed at, and delighted by, the progress the industry has made and continues to make”.
“Overall, I’ve been impressed with the quality of what I tasted in 2025, especially from the 2024 vintage, which I would rate between seven and eight out of ten,” he says.
A heavenly match of soils, clones and vineyards
Adjoining the 95-pointer Heritage White Blend and other Project Z wines on Atkin’s podium of winners from Kleine Zalze this year were the:
- 2021 Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Syrah (Stellenbosch), 93
- 2024 Kleine Zalze Heritage Vineyards Old Vine Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch), 92
- 2022 Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch), 91
- 2024 Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chardonnay (Western Cape), 91
- 2024 Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch), 92
- 2022 Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Syrah (Stellenbosch), 90
- 2019 Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut CC (Western Cape), 92
The latest awards serve to underscore the cellar’s intrinsic winemaking philosophy: that good wine begins in the vineyards, and the distinctive traits of the terroir-driven fruit must be expressed by means of Kleine Zalze’s unique winemaking ethos. Exceptional wines are made possible by selecting varieties and clones specifically suited to the various soils and slopes, together with detailed management of the extensive natural assets and access to diverse pockets of terroir in Stellenbosch and other renowned Cape wine regions.
The Kleine Zalze cellar is situated in the Stellenbosch district and in addition to a tasting room, is home to an acclaimed restaurant headed by veteran chef Nic van Wyk.
Kleine Zalze wines are available at leading retailers and restaurants around the country and through door-to-door delivery when ordered from the cellar’s online store.
Visit kleinezalze.co.za for more information or call 021 880 0717.
Stay up to date with Kleine Zalze by following its accounts on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, or enjoy a variety of benefits by signing up as a member of the Kleine Zalze wine club.