For this evening, I’m listing the five-star wines and Winery of the Year. Other results will be posted as they are announced along with a comment piece.
Many congratulations to Kleine Zalze, Owner Kobus Basson, Cellarmaster Alistair Rimmer & Winemaker RJ Botha for their seven 5* wines. Their large range covers wines at all levels and price, much at unbeatable value for quality. They are not satisfied to rest on these laurels but join the New Wave gang with exciting experiments Project Z, these to be released shortly.
WINERY OF THE YEAR
Kleine Zalze Wines
FIVE STAR WINES BY PRODUCER
AA Badenhorst Family
Kelder Steen 2019
Red 2018
Raaigras Grenache 2019
Alheit Vineyards
Cartology 2019
Magnetic North 2019
Hemelrand Vine Garden 2019
Lost & Found 2019
Nautical Dawn 2019
Anthonij Rupert Wyne
Cabernet Franc 2014
Laing Groendruif Semillon 2017
Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Anwilka Anwilka 2017
Aristea Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
ArtiSons
The Mothership Chenin Blanc 2019
JJ Handmade Eight Pillars 2017
B Vintners Vine Exploration Co Harlem to Hope 2019
Bartho Eksteen
Vloekskoot 2019
Houtskool 2019
Beaumont Family Wines
Hope Marguerite 2019
Vitruvian 2017
Bellevue
1953 Single Vineyard Pinotage 2018
Pinotage Reserve 2017
Beyerskloof
Diesel Pinotage 2018
Faith 2016
Boekenhoutskloof Winery
Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Noble Late Harvest 2017
Bon Courage Estate Jacques Bruére Brut Reserve 2012
Boplaas Family VineyardsCape Vintage Reserve 2018
Boschkloof Epilogue 2018
Botanica Three Barrels Pinot Noir 2019
Bouchard Finlayson Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
Cape Point Vineyards Isliedh 2019
Capensis Fijnbosch Chardonnay 2015
Carinus Family Vineyards
Polkadraai Heuwels Chenin Blanc 2018
Polkadraai Heuwels Chenin Blanc 2019
Catherine Marshall Chenin Blanc Fermented in Clay 2019
Cederberg Private Cellar Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Charles Fox Cap Classique
Prestige Cuvée Cipher 2015
Prestige Cuvée Blanc de Blancs 2016
City on a Hill Wine Company White 2019
Crystallum
Cuvée Cinéma 2019
Mabalel 2019
David & Nadia
Elpidios 2018
Hoë-Steen Chenin Blanc 2019
Skaliekop Chenin Blanc 2019
Plat’bos Chenin Blanc 2019
De Grendel
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2019
Elim Shiraz 2018
Sir David Graaff First Baronet 2016
Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2019
De Kleine Wijn Koöp
Debutant White 2019
Road to Santiago 2019
De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2018
Delaire Graff Estate Laurence Graff Reserve 2017
Delheim
Grand Reserve 2017
Vera Cruz Pinotage 2017
Edelspatz Noble Late Harvest 2019
DeMorgenzon
Chenin Blanc Reserve 2019
De Trafford Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Syrah 393 2018
Merlot 2016
Straw Wine 2017
Chenin Blanc Reserve 2018
Elevation 393 2014
Dewaldt Heyns Family Shiraz 2017
Diemersdal
Pinotage The Journal 2018
Pinotage Reserve 2019
Sauvignon Blanc The Journal 2019
Dorrance Syrah Cuvée Ameena 2019
Ellerman House Hotel & Villas The Ellerman 2018
Fairview
Cyril Back 2016
La Beryl Blanc 2019
Glenelly Lady May 2015
GlenWood Noblesse 2017
Hartenberg Gravel Hill Shiraz 2016
illimis Chenin Blanc 2019
JC Wickens Swartland Red Blend 2019
Jordan Wine Estate
Nine Yards Chardonnay 2019
Cabernet Franc 2018
Methode Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs 2015
Journey’s End Cape Doctor 2015
JP Bredell Cape Vintage Reserve 2017
Kanonkop Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Paul Sauer 2017
Keet First Verse 2017
Ken Forrester Wines Roussanne 2018
Klein Constantia Estate Vin de Constance 2016
Kleine Zalze Wines
Chenin Blanc (Vineyard Selection) 2019
Chenin Blanc Amphora 2018
Chenin Blanc (Family Reserve) 2019
Whole Bunch Shiraz 2017
Cabernet Sauvignon (Family Reserve) 2017
Sauvignon Blanc (Family Reserve) 2019
Grenache Amphora 2017
Kumusha The Flame Lily 2019
KWV
The Mentors Canvas 2017
The Mentors Perold 2017
The Mentors Grenache Blanc 2018
Cape Tawny NV
La Bri Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Le Riche Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2017
Leeu Passant
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Radicales Libres 2015
Lomond Pincushion Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Longridge Wine Organic Clos du Ciel 2017
Lourens Family Wines
Blouklip Steen 2019
Lua Ilse 2019
Marianne Wine Estate Floreal 2017
Meerlust Estate Rubicon 2017
Metzer & Holfeld Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Michaella Chenin Blanc 2019
Miles Mossop Wines Saskia-Jo 2018
Minimalist Stars In The Dark 2019
Mischa Estate Grenache 2018
Morgenster Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Mullineux
Granite Chenin Blanc 2019
Granite Syrah 2018
Schist Syrah 2018
Olerasay Straw Wine NV
Muratie Wine Estate Ansela van de Caab 2017
Naudé Wines Oupa Willem 2018
Nederburg Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Neil Ellis Wines
Jonkershoek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Whitehall Chardonnay 2019
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards Méthode Cap Classique Brut 2015
Newton Johnson Vineyards
Pinot Noir 2019
Windansea Pinot Noir 2019
Chardonnay 2019
Oak Valley Estate
South Ridge CY548 Chardonnay 2017
Chardonnay Groenlandberg 2019
South Ridge CY95 Chardonnay 2017
Opstal Estate Carl Everson Cape Blend 2018
Paserene Marathon 2018
Patatsfontein Sons of Sugarland Syrah 2019
Paulus Wine Co Bosberaad 2019
Pieter Ferreira Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs 2013
Porseleinberg Porseleinberg 2018
Raats Family Wines
Cabernet Franc 2018
Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin 2019
The Fountain Terroir Specific Chenin 2019
Rall Wines
Ava Chenin Blanc 2019
White 2019
Grenache Blanc 2019
Ava Syrah 2019
Restless River
Main Road & Dignity 2017
Ava Marie 2018
Reyneke Wines White 2018
Rickety Bridge Winery The Pilgrimage 2018
Ridgeback Viognier 2019
Rustenberg Wines John X Merriman 2017
Rust en Vrede Wine Estate
1694 Classification 2017
Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Single Vineyard Syrah 2017
Rust en Vrede Estate Wine 2017
Sadie Family Wines
Mev. Kirsten 2019
Skerpioen 2019
Kokerboom 2019
Skurfberg 2019
Pofadder 2019
Soldaat 2019
Saronsberg Cellar Full Circle 2018
Savage Wines
Red 2018
Girl Next Door 2019
White 2019
Follow The Line 2019
Schultz Family Wines Dungeons Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Scions of Sinai Swanesang 2019
Shannon Vineyards Mount Bullet Merlot 2017
Sijnn Sijnn Red 2017
Silverthorn Wines The Green Man 2017
Simonsig Wine Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon The Garland 2015
Mediterraneo 2015
Spier
Chenin Blanc 21 Gables 2019
Frans K. Smit Red 2015
Frans K. Smit CWG Auction Selection 2017
Stark-Condé Oude Nektar High Altitude 2017
Stellenrust
Old Bushvine Chenin Blanc 2019
55 Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2019
Storm Wines
Vrede Pinot Noir 2019
Ignis Pinot Noir 2019
Strandveld Wines Pofadderbos Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Super Single Vineyards Verlatenkloof Merlot 2017
Terracura Trinity Syrah 2017
The Fledge & Co Vagabond 2018
The Foundry Grenache Blanc 2019
The High Road Director’s Reserve 2017
Thelema Mountain Vineyards
Merlot Reserve 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Rabelais 2017
Reserve Petit Verdot Sutherland 2017
Thistle & Weed Duwweltjie 2019
Thorne & Daughters Rocking Horse 2019
Tokara
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2017
Director’s Reserve Red 2017
Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Noble Late Harvest 2019
Van Loggerenberg
Kameradarie 2019
Graft 2019
Vergelegen Vergelegen GVB Red 2015
Villiera Wines
Drip Barrel Cabernet Franc 2018
The Clan 2017
Vondeling Babiana 2019
Wade Bales Wine Co
Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Breedekloof Chenin Blanc 2019
Warwick Wine Estate
The Blue Lady 2017
Cabernet Franc 2017
The White Lady 2017
Waterford Estate The Jem 2015
Wildekrans Wine Estate Cape Blend 2017
Woolworths Ferricrete Riesling 2018
Out of the Press 
Hi Angela,
Thank you for compiling this list and congrats to all the recipients. Some really surprising omissions for me:
– Delaire Graff Banghoek blend
– Kannonkop black label Pinotage
– Miles Mossop Sam + Max
– Sadie Treinspoor + Columella + Palladius
– Shannon Black Merlot
Finding it hard to understand how Miles Mossop’s Sam missed the boat, and Palladius from Sadie. Some surprising inclusions, but I guess if the publishers’ intentions are as rumoured, to set up an exclusive marketing channel to sell these 5-star wines at preferential prices, then the more 5-star wines the bigger the inventory will be.
Only 6 Pinot Noirs from 3 producers. This does not reflect the quality of this grape currently being produced in the Cape.
It is really very interesting in any case – and it remains exciting from year to year.
I have been following the wines of South Africa since 1994, which was not so easy in the first years after the “opening” here from Germany. In the 2000s there was more access to the wines from the Cape and in the 2010s the selection grew steadily. And for about 3 or 4 years now we have been taking note of the difficulties in winegrowing in SA on the one hand and the marketing strategies on the other.
Well, if we look at the influence of European wine guides in the last 25 years in the de facto operational market, and especially in the proactive participation in pricing, the question of independence has long been raised for all wine guides. A dramatic example is, for example, the Gambero Rosso in Italy, which has been using its power to exert far too much negative pressure on wineries for years. Against every journalistic rule, one must assume. Today, for the knowledgeable wine lover, it is nothing more than an inflationary winegrower’s address book for the next trip to Italy. And even this is something you can do without, with a smartphone these days.
Where the Platter stands today is difficult to locate from a distance. The fact is that the few tasters and critics have so far only ever wanted to cheer and recommend the same 5 or 6 winemakers and promote sales. Unfortunately, this alone no longer reflects the broad innovations in South Africa.
The fact that the Kleine Zalze Winery is being honored with 7 wines in the new Platter seems very “supportive” at first – even though I like the wines very much, especially because of the very good value for money!
Sadie and De Trafford with 6 wines each and Alheit with 5 wines can also be seen as an indication that otherwise the book will not be filled enough for the international market. Possibly.
It would be interesting to find out investigatively much more about how strongly the current marketing role is established at Platter Publishing today.
With best regards from Germany, Berlin
Michael Holzinger
I fully agree with Michael !! I like to add the issue that all wine guides should take care that the awarded wines are still available when the guide is published
Dear Thomas,
and I may return that this is an equally important hint too, for all those who would like to be informed more about wine – that’s really the cardinal question: Are good wines finally still available after evaluation and assessment by commissioned tasters? Or are the wine lovers only allowed to read up on how they are sold out in some markets only, but were able to achieve better or greater sales prices?
Long time no more beautiful development. Unfortunately everything is more and more just a huge stage.
My best greetings
Michael Holzinger
Berlin
Thomas, please see my reply to Michael with regard to availability of wines. As unfortunate as it is that some are sold out (not for the producer though!), it is not an issue Platter can control.
As I indicated to Michael, should you have further queries, please do let me know.
Angela
Apologies for taking so long to respond to your comments, Michael. The guide of necessity changed once the Platters had sold it and the number of tasters had to increase to cope with the ever-burdening number of wines. Tasters have to be able to taste and write, which considerably narrows the pool, as does the requirement of independence, though we do all sign a declaration which includes conflicts of interest.
I’m not entirely sure what you mean ‘about how strongly the current marketing role is established at Platter publishing’, but it would be wrong to imagine that the Sadie’s and Alheit’s of the industry are treated differently from anyone else. One should cheer that they are just two in the vanguard of making great wines and are rewarded accordingly.
Availability of some of the wines will always be a problem; Eben Sadie releases the whole range end July/early August, the wines are sold out in two days (some, of course, allocated to international markets). It’s the same with Savage and some others. The recent drought years & small yields have exacerbated limited production.
I hope this helps your understanding, but should you have further queries, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Angela
Dear Angela,
thank you very much for the comment.
Well, all in all, the Platter is currently giving an orientation for what is happening in South African viticulture. I can only describe my experiences. As a former German importer of Italian wines and high-tax goods and as a later editor-in-chief in a business publishing house, I probably have a rather critical view of the forces that work around wine today.
The wines of Alheit, Sadie and other boutique wineries are well known to me, so if you make an effort early enough, you can regularly buy a few bottles every year here in Germany. And yes I understand, with these artisan businesses the quantities are very limited. The problem of drought, one could read about it here as well, of course had massive effects especially for small wine specialists with small micro-locations.
I follow the Old Vine project and the respectable commitment of Rosa Kruger intensively. Of course, such lighthouses are needed to bring the entire wine sector in SA further forward.
Since the entire public relations work for all sectors has changed a lot due to the new media, there are now very strong relationships between communicators and producers. Everyone wants to stay in the boat. First row please.
That’s why I recommend a general critical reading when using all wine guides today – because it’s always a business model, and that’s what comes first. Nevertheless, every year – at least for the most part – they give indications of trends, commitment and activities in the wine-producing countries. That’s why I, too, read the lists (carefully) every year. But never through pink glasses 🙂
Summarized:
Paper is patient. So keep your eyes open when buying “by lists” of international relevant wine yearbooks. This has a greater influence on wine prices today than ever before, because the expenses and profits of a bizarrely grown advertising, printing and influencing industry have long been taken into calculation in wine.
Which, by the way, is increasingly displeasing the international wine trade.
Because this is now an additional value chain that (mostly) benefits neither the winemaker, nor the trade, nor the consumer.
With best, always critical, but heartly and vinophile greetings
Michael Holzinger