Produced only in vintages deemed worthy, Steenberg Vineyards' Magna Carta is not just a wine; it is a manifesto of excellence. With the 2023 vintage debuting on 9 October, Steenberg once again showcases its dedication to producing wines of distinction.
Elunda Basson, Steenberg cellarmaster, explains that Magna Carta is an icon-tier blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon and is only produced in exceptional vintages. “For us, that means cooler ripening seasons where the chemistry of the fruit gives us lower pH and higher natural acidity. At youth, the wine is tight and austere, but over time it reveals elegance, depth, and incredible ageability. That’s why we release it two years later, and 2023 has all the hallmarks of a truly great vintage.”
Basson adds that the 2023 vintage follows the stylistic thread of the celebrated 2021. “Stylistically, 2023 matches what we tried to do in 2021. By contrast, 2022 and 2024 were a bit more giving on the fruit palate with slightly lower acidity, so they present a different character to the Magna Carta profile.”
Carryn Wiltshire, Marketing Manager at Steenberg Vineyards, underlines the wine’s place in the portfolio. “Magna Carta is the pinnacle of what we do and is curated for quality and credibility. It’s not about volume; it’s about making a wine that collectors can confidently cellar and enjoy over time.” The result is a white blend styled in the tradition of Bordeaux but unmistakably Constantia, with its cool-climate precision, layered texture, and capacity for decades of evolution.
“In a market dominated by Chenin Blancs and Chardonnays, Magna Carta stands out,” says Basson. Its uniqueness, she notes, lies in Constantia’s terroir and the precision winemaking behind it. “This wine represents the best of our cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The two come together in harmony, enhanced by delicate oak influence, to create something distinctive and cellar-worthy. It’s about expressing fruit and place, never overwhelming it.”
That philosophy of ‘luxury redefined’ (rarity, restraint, and respect for terroir) runs through every decision in the vineyard and cellar. “We identify the best rows and vines for Magna Carta, then practice restraint in oak selection to support rather than dominate the fruit,” Basson adds. “Magna Carta must always represent the best of the best.”
Recognition has followed. Steenberg’s Magna Carta 2021 was named Best White Blend in Platter’s 2024 Wine Guide, a milestone that underlines its reputation as a collector’s wine. “This award reaffirmed our commitment to quality and terroir expression,” says Basson. “Collectors now know they can trust Magna Carta to be a wine worth maturing and enjoyed over decades.”
What collectors can expect, Basson continues, is a wine that evolves beautifully over time. “Initially, Sauvignon Blanc drives the freshness and fruit expression. With age, Semillon takes the lead, bringing depth, texture, and a rich, layered finish. Magna Carta is a celebration of this evolution and harmony.”
For Wiltshire, Magna Carta represents more than just the pinnacle of the estate’s range. It is its statement of intent. “This is the crown jewel of our portfolio, carefully curated in limited quantities to embody our philosophy of excellence. It’s not about volume; it’s about credibility. Each release affirms our place among South Africa’s most iconic producers, while telling a Constantia story of precision, rarity, and timeless appeal.”
With the launch of the 2023 vintage, collectors and connoisseurs alike are invited to rediscover a South African white that is as much a declaration as it is a wine and a testament to patience, place, and perfection.