In addition to being named to Tim Atkin MW's First Growth Cape Classification – the Cape’s top 25 wineries, we are proud to have achieved outstanding scores across our range.
This thirteenth edition of the report saw 2 000 wines tasted from 425 wineries, with only 212 breaking the 95-point mark. We’re proud to have three of those among our results.
The headline is led by our Gravel Hill Syrah 2021 (96 points) and The Stork Shiraz 2021 (95 points) – both still in the wings but already reaffirming our Shiraz legacy. Our Bordeaux-style blend, The Mackenzie 2021 (95 points), joins them at the top tier and is available now.
Beyond the scores, 2025 is also a year of milestones in the vineyards. Our viticulturist, Wilhelm Joubert, was shortlisted for Viticulturist of the Year, a recognition of his pioneering work in regenerative viticulture – an approach that seeks to restore soil health and ensure the long-term sustainability of the farm. Under his leadership, Hartenberg Estate became the first South African winery to achieve EOV (Ecological Outcome Verification) status, and now also Land to Market verification, the world’s leading regenerative standard.
Three of the wines featured in this year’s report – The Eleanor Chardonnay 2023 (94 points), Estate Chardonnay 2023 (92 points) and Estate Riesling 2024 (91 points) – are the first releases made entirely from these verified regenerative vineyards.
Hartenberg’s 2025 results:
- Gravel Hill Syrah 2021 – 96 points – limited pre-release availability
- The Stork Shiraz 2021 – 95 points – limited pre-release availability
- The Mackenzie 2021 – 95 points – available now
- The Eleanor Chardonnay 2023 – 94 points – available now
- Merlot 2022 – 93 points – available October 2025
- Shiraz 2022 – 93 points – available October 2025
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 – 93 points – available October 2025
- Chardonnay 2023 – 92 points – available now
- Riesling 2024 – 91 points – available now
Our thanks go to the whole team, from vineyard to cellar, for bringing home results that marry excellence in farming with excellence in winemaking. This recognition reflects a truth we hold close: the secret is in our soil.
Wines currently available can be purchased online, and limited pre-releases may be reserved by emailing wine@hartenbergestate.com.