Aspiring Top Drop Awards 2026: 22 wines delivering exceptional value

1. Nederburg Baronne 2024

44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Shiraz, the rest Petit Verdot, Tannat, Durif, Malbec and Carignan. Engaging aromatics of red and black berries, fynbos, flowers and a hint of pepper. Light-bodied with fresh acidity and a gently savoury finish. Not massively intense in terms of weight or flavour, but by no means simple – unshowy and highly likeable.

Score:

93

Price:

R100

2. Wild House Chardonnay 2025 (Wildeberg)

Top notes of flowers and herbs before lemon, peach and the merest hint of vanilla on the nose while the palate is rich and textured but equally vital thanks to vibrant acidity. Well balanced and rather seductive.

Score:

93

Price:

R110

3. De Wet Chenin Blanc 2026

Very primary and inviting aromatics of guava, citrus and peach plus hints of flowers and herbs. The palate is clean and fresh with good fruit concentration, crisp acidity and a dry finish. Well balanced and entirely unassuming.

Score:

92

Price:

R69

4. Riebeek Cellars Collection Shiraz 2025

Just a little flinty reduction gives way to red berries, fynbos, rose and white pepper on the nose. The palate is light-bodied with juicy fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins, with a faint savoury quality to the finish. Modest in scale but full of appeal.

Score:

92

Price: 

R88

5. Leyland Chenin Blanc 2026 (De Wet)

Aromatics of herbs, lime, lemon, a hint of guava and touch of leesy complexity. The palate has good weight and texture, with moderate acidity providing balance and a gently savoury finish bringing it to a neat close.

Score:

92

Price: 

R90

6. Durbanville Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

Red and black berries, some leafiness, with a pleasant hint of smokiness on the nose. The palate is clean and fresh with fine tannins, the finish dry. True to the variety, unimposing, honest.

Score:

92

Price: 

R100

7. Koelenbosch Shiraz 2023 (Koelenhof)

The nose shows red and black berries, a touch of violets and black pepper. The palate is luscious and juicy with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish.

Score:

92

Price: 

R105

8. Bellingham Homestead Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Herbal notes lead into bell pepper, grapefruit, granadilla and pineapple on the nose. The palate is rich and rounded, with well-integrated, tangy acidity and a gently savoury finish. At this price, it’s difficult to ask for much more.

Score:

92

Price: 

R115

9. Zorgvliet Silver Myn Argentum 2024

56% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot. Red and black berries, violets, a leafy note, earth and meat stock on the nose. Medium bodied with juicy fruit, good freshness and fine tannins. Lively with a nicely savoury finish. Classic in style, unshowy in execution.

Score:

92

Price: 

R118

10. Salt Rock Chenin Blanc 2025

Attractive aromatics of honeysuckle, herbs, citrus and green apple. The palate has concentrated fruit yet comes across as taut and austere in structure, with punchy acidity and a particularly dry finish. Elegant and nuanced.

Score:

92

Price: 

R120

Each category winner received R5,000 in shipping from Aspiring Couriers.