Simonsig Family Vineyards secured three 5-Star ratings in the 2026 edition of the Platter's by Diners Club South African Wine Guide – The Garland Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, and The Grapesmith Mediterraneo 2021 – alongside an exceptional twelve 4.5-Star ratings, all scoring above 90 points. These accolades span Cap Classique, the Malan Vineyard Selection, and The Grapesmith wines, as well as two newly released products: the Simonac Cape Brandy XXO and the limited-edition Rainwater Extra Reserve Verdelho 2005. This performance highlights the impressive depth and consistency across the entire Simonsig portfolio.
Cabernet Sauvignon leads the way again
The standout achievement this year is the continued excellence of Simonsig’s Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon. Both The Garland and The Labyrinth delivered exceptional performances, reinforcing Simonsig’s reputation for crafting some of the region’s most consistently lauded Cabernets.
- The Garland Cabernet Sauvignon follows last year’s triumph as Platter’s Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year, once again receiving a prestigious Five-Star rating. Since its release in 2015 with the 2008 vintage, The Garland has earned 4 Five-Star ratings, a testament to its pedigree and long-standing quality
- The Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, also recognised with a Five-Star rating, continues its upward trajectory after being awarded a Platinum Medal at the 2025 Michelangelo Wine Awards earlier this year
To celebrate this achievement, Simonsig invites wine lovers to visit the farm over the festive season and walk through the iconic Labyrinth vineyard – the very vineyard whose unique layout inspired the wine’s name. Visitors can also enjoy Simonsig’s new sourdough pizza offering, the perfect pairing with the Five-Star Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon, making it a memorable seasonal outing.
Fiona McDonald from Platter's on The Garland
“Imposing flagship, from elevated Simonsberg single-vineyard planted 2002. 2021 impresses with both muscular presence & effortless silkiness, deep cocoa overlaying black cherry, cassis & hedgerow fruit. Layered, firm but yielding, polished dry tannins. New oak upped to 20 months from 2020’s 19 in superior vintage. Harmonious and already rewarding, but do be patient.”
With the 2021 vintage of The Garland now officially sold out, Simonsig encourages collectors and Cabernet lovers to secure the 2022 vintage while allocation is still available.
A full portfolio of excellence
The twelve wines awarded 4.5 stars (90-94 points) demonstrate exceptional quality across Simonsig’s full offering:
Cap Classique
- Cuvée Royale 2020 – 93 pts
- Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2024 – 93 pts (Good Value)
- Kaapse Vonkel Satin Royale NV – 93 pts
Malan Vineyard Selection
- Langbult Steen Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024 – 90 pts
- Redhill Pinotage 2022 – 94 pts (Highly Recommended)
- Tiara 2020 – 93 pts
- Frans Malan Cape Blend 2022 – 94 pts (Highly Recommended)
- Merindol Syrah 2020 – 93 pts
Niche Wines & Brandies (New Releases)
- Rainwater Extra Reserve Verdelho 2005 – 93 pts
- Simonac Cape Brandy XXO – 90 pts
Additional Highlights: Good Value & Hidden Gems
Platter’s also identified several wines from the Cultivar Collection as Good Value, including:
- Mr Borio’s Shiraz 2022
- Needless to Say Rosé 2025
- Jamala Gewürztraminer 2025
The Starting Blocks Chenin Blanc highlighted as both Good Value and a Hidden Gem.
A collective achievement
Reflecting on this success, Simonsig Cellarmaster Michael Malan says:
“This is an enormously proud moment for all of us at Simonsig. These results reflect years of dedication across the whole Simonsig team. To see our Cabernet Sauvignon continue its incredible performance, while also receiving recognition across so many different styles, is deeply rewarding.”
Why Platter’s matters to consumers
For South African wine lovers, Platter’s remains one of the most trusted and widely referenced guides in the country. Its star ratings and tasting notes act as a reliable compass for navigating quality, vintage strength, and value. Being recognised at the highest levels not only reflects craftsmanship on the farm, but also offers consumers clear guidance on wines worth seeking out, cellaring, or collecting.
This year’s results reaffirm that Simonsig continues to deliver excellence across multiple categories and price points.
A strong finish to the year and a promising future
These 2026 Platter’s results highlight Simonsig Family Vineyards as a producer delivering consistent, long-term quality across categories, with Cabernet Sauvignon standing out as a particular strength. With new releases gaining traction and flagship wines continuing to soar, the farm enters the new year with powerful momentum.
The Platter’s 5-star and 4.5 star wines are available through the Simonsig online shop and at the tasting room in Stellenbosch.