The 20 Best Wines in South Africa 2021

Introduction

Winemag.co.za reviewed a total of 990 wines across 20 categories in its various reports sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient over the course of the year. Each report was based on the outcome of a blind tasting of wines entered within the specific category.

A Top 10 was then announced with the release of each successive report. Now the individual best wine per category can be revealed.

Winery of the Year: Vergelegen

One of the great historic properties of the Cape, this has been owned by global mining company Anglo American since 1987. With the celebrated André van Rensburg as winemaker, the wines were highly acclaimed in the early-2000s but then faded from prominence somewhat. It has to be said, however, that a drawn-out re-planting programme to rid the vineyards of leaf-roll virus was undertaken and with this now complete, Vergelegen’s glory days seem to be back!

The property had two wines judged best in category, these being the Sauvignon Blanc 2021 and Reserve Semillon 2019 while another four wines made the Top 10 in their respective categories, namely the G.V.B White 2019, Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Reserve Merlot 2016.

Best White Wine Overall

Best Chenin Blanc

Cavalli Filly 2020
Price: R130

Best Red Wine Overall

Best Cape Bordeaux Red Blend

DeMorgenzon Maestro Red 2017
Price: R230

Prizes

Wade Bales, as producer of the Best Sauv-Sem Blend, and DeMorgenzon, as producer of the Best Cape Bordeaux Red Blend, both won a new barrel sponsored by Tonnellerie Sylvain.

Find out more

For greater insight into the winning wines, download the following: Prescient Top 20 Wine South Africa 2021

Shop online

Johannesburg boutique wine retailer Dry Dock Liquor is offering the Top 20 wines for sale and can deliver nationwide – buy now.

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