Illustration by Walter Pichler

MOST of South Africa’s top-rated wines these days cost over R250 a bottle – more than 300 of the wines scored 93 points plus in 2023 to date are positioned at R300+, with 180 or so at R400+ and over 100 at R500 to R2000. And yet, during the past six months alone, there have been over 30 of the Cape’s most highly rated wines, i.e. 95+, Top 10 or 12, Platinum and Trophy winners, with price tags of under R150 a bottle – see below. And of these, half register at under R100 a bottle on the value scale – those highlighted in red. For details of the ratings and prices, click here. (The selection is limited to the past six months in striving to focus on those wines not yet sold out).

Great Value Whites

CHARDONNAY
• Bon Courage Unwooded Chardonnay 2022
• Kranskop Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
• Merwida Chardonnay 2022
• Nederburg Winemasters Chardonnay 2022

CHENIN BLANC
• Bon Courage Like Father Like Son Chenin Blanc 2023
• Groot Phesantekraal Chenin Blanc 2023
• MAN Free-run Steen Chenin Blanc 2022

GRENACHE BLANC
• Piekenierskloof Grenache Blanc 2022

SAUVIGNON BLANC
• Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Game Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Rooiberg)
• KWV Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2022
• Land’s End Cape South Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (DTK)
• Leopard’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Rustenberg Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2022

WHITE BLENDS
• Retief Reserve Cape White Blend 2021 (Van Loveren)

Great Value Rosés

• Bon Courage Lady of the House Pinotage Rosé 2023
• De Wetshof Lilya Dry Rosé 2023
• Villion Rosa Rabbedoe Rosé 2023

Great Value Reds

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
• Nederburg Winemasters Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

MERLOT
• Jason’s Hill Merlot 2018
• Nabygelegen Merlot 2022

PETITE SIRAH
• Fairview Petite Sirah 2020

PINOTAGE
• Windmeul Pinotage 2021

SHIRAZ
• Gustus Shiraz 2021 (Darling Cellars)
• Land’s End Cape South Coast Shiraz (DTK) 2020
• Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz 2021
• Villiersdorp Winery Syrah 2020

RED BLENDS
• Essay Syrah Cinsault & Grenache & Mourvèdre 2021 (MAN)
• Wolftrap Red 2022 (Boekenhoutskloof)

TOURIGA NACIONAL
• Boplaas Touriga Naçional 2022

Great Value Sweets

• Bon Courage White Muscadel 2023
• De Wet Cellar White Muscadel 2021
• Jakkalsvlei Red Muscadel 2023

For all of the South African wines at under R150pb that have received a good rating during the past year or two, along with where the various cellars are located, click here.