ASSESSING 77 submissions for their 2019 Alternative Varieties Report, South Africa’s Winemag panel of Christian Eedes (chair), Roland Peens and James Pietersen stopped short of declaring anything to be extraordinary or profound but were impressed, finding 40 wines to be excellent (90 to 92/100) to outstanding (93 to 95/100). Top score went to a Semillon from the Simonsberg-Paarl cellar of Babylonstoren (pictured above), with Raats of Stellenbosch again laying claim to being South Africa’s leading producer of single-varietal Cabernet Franc.

On this occasion, Winemag focuses on categories outside the mainstream. Eedes’ closing remark: “There is some smart drinking to be had from the lesser-known varieties for those with a sense of adventure.” See below for the most highly rated, or click here for the full report.

 

‘OUTSTANDING’ FINDS

Babylonstoren Wine Club Semillon 2017
R150pb. Simonsberg-Paarl Cellar

Morgenster Cabernet Franc 2016
R110pb. Somerset West Cellar, Helderberg

Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2016
R550pb. Stellenbosch Producer

 

‘EXCELLENT’ WHITES

Abingdon Signature Viognier NV
R280pb. Midlands Cellar, KwaZulu-Natal

Bosman Fides Grenache Blanc 2017
R220pb. Wellington Cellar

Cavalli Foal 2016 (Verdelho)
R300pb. Stellenbosch Cellar, Helderberg

Daschbosch Avon Clairette Blanche 2018
R400pb. Rawsonville Cellar, Breedekloof

Dornier Semillon 2018
R185pb. Stellenbosch Cellar

Eagles’ Nest Viognier 2018
R185. Constantia Cellar, Cape Town

Groote Post Riesling 2017
R105pb. Darling Cellar

Haut Espoir Semillon 2017
R175pb. Franschhoek Cellar

Highlands Road Semillon 2017
R190pb. Elgin Cellar

Highlands Road Semillon 2018
R190pb. Elgin Cellar

La Couronne Viognier 2016
R260pb. Franschhoek Cellar

La Couronne Viognier 2017
R260pb. Franschhoek Cellar

Lanzerac Keldermeester Bergpad Pinot Blanc 2017
R200pb. Jonkershoek Cellar, Stellenbosch

Lieben Roussanne 2018
R220pb. Western Cape

Malanot Asiel Semillon 2018
R200pb. Stellenbosch Cellar

Mariëtte Pinot Blanc 2018 (Le Belle Rebelle)
R350pb. Rawsonville Cellar, Breedekloof

Nederburg Winemasters Riesling 2017
R75pb. Paarl Cellar

Nitida Semillon 2018
R115pb. Durbanville Cellar, Cape Town

Org de Rac Organic Verdelho 2018
R90pb. Piketberg Cellar, Swartland

Rickety Bridge Paulina’s Reserve Semillon 2017
R160pb. Franschhoek Cellar

Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Verdelho 2018
R250pb. Stellenbosch Cellar

Usana Pinot Gris 2017
R98pb. Stellenbosch Cellar

Vrede en Lust Barrique 2017 (Semillon & Sauvignon Blanc)
R150pb. Simonsberg-Paarl Cellar

 

‘EXCELLENT’ REDS

Abingdon Signature Nebbiolo 2018
R400pb. Midlands Cellar, KwaZulu-Natal

Boplaas Family Reserve Touriga Naçional 2017
R78pb. Calitzdorp Cellar, Klein Karoo

Bosman Twyfeling Cinsaut 2017
R220pb. Wellington Cellar

Creation Grenache 2017
R360pb. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Cellar

La Couronne Le Petite Malbec 2016
R260pb. Franschhoek Cellar

Lammershoek Mysteries Die Onderstok 2017 (Carignan)
R325pb. Malmesbury Cellar, Swartland

Lammershoek Mysteries Die Ou Man 2015 (Tinta Barocca)
R325pb. Malmesbury Cellar, Swartland

Olifantsberg Grenache Noir 2017
R195pb. Brëerivier Cellar, Breedekloof

Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2016
R165. Stellenbosch Producer

Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2017
R165. Stellenbosch Producer

Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2015
R500. Stellenbosch Producer

Stand Alone Gamay Noir 2018 (Xander Grier)
R187pb. Stellenbosch Producer

Vrede en Lust Artisan Cabernet Franc 2016
R275pb. Simonsberg-Paarl Cellar

Warwick Cabernet Franc 2015 (1.5 litre)
R700pb. Simonsberg-Stellenbosch Cellar