RANKED No. 1 among the highest-scoring entries in the 2018 Ultra Value Wine Challenge was the ‘Stone White’ blend from Stettyn Family Vineyards between Villiersdorp and Worcester. The 2018 vintage of this Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc combo was one of 14 submissions to achieve top ratings from the judges, chaired by Cape Wine Master Ginette de Fleuriot together with British Master of Wine Richard Kershaw, and one of five showcased by the organisers buybetterwine in their overview.

Stettyn’s ‘Stone’ wines were among the most successful ranges represented in this annual competition for South African wines retailing for under R100 per bottle/750ml, with other top performers in the value stakes including the ‘Starlette’ range from Allée Bleue of Franschhoek and the ‘Stone Road’ wines of Louisvale in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch.

JUDGES’ ULTRA VALUE FAVOURITES

Ken Forrester Petit Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
R59 pb at the cellar door in the Helderberg, Stellenbosch

La Capra Merlot 2017
R50 pb at the Fairview cellar door, Paarl

Orange River Cellars Colombard 2018
R38 pb at the cellar door, Upington

Pandora’s Box Bell Pepper Cabernet Sauvignon NV
Exclusive to retail customers of Nicholson Smith

Stone White 2018
R39 pb at the Stettyn cellar outside Villiersdorp

ALSO HIGHLY RATED ON VALUE

Allée Bleue Starlette Shiraz Rosé 2018
R55 pb at the cellar door, Franschhoek

Alvi’s Drift ADS Pinotage Rosé 2018
R47 pb at the cellar door, Worcester

Darling Cellars Black Granite Shiraz 2017
R57 pb at the cellar door, Darling

Namaqua Cape Vintage 2017 (Port)
R48 pb at the cellar door, Vredendal

Rhebokskloof Hillside White 2018
R69 pb at the cellar door in Paarl

Ridgeback Lion Hound Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
R90 pb at the cellar door, Paarl

Robertson Winery Beaukett 2018 (White Blend)
R41 pb at the cellar door in Robertson

Sixpence Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2018
R45 pb at Opstal cellar, Slanghoek Valley, Breedekloof

Stone Road Merlot 2016
R51 pb at the Louisvale cellar in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch

• For all South African wines under R100 pb to achieve good reviews from one of the top judging panels during the past year, click here.