FOR A WHILE longer at least, most of South Africa's leading blended whites remain combinations of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, but the number of outstanding Chenin-led blends seems to be on the increase. These are the country's white combos that were most pleasing to the top panels internationally in 2023 to date, and highlighted in red are those that qualify for the SA Wine Classification showcasing good track records over the past 10 years.
Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin White 2020
Chenin Blanc plus Roussanne, Viognier, Semillon
95 points in Decanter Magazine (UK)
R383pb ex-cellar, Paarl
Bellingham Freda 2021
Chenin Blanc plus Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
97 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
R400pb ex-producer, Franschhoek
Bloemendal Kanonberg 2017
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
Best in Class – 98 points – at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
96 points at International Wine Challenge (UK)
R210pb ex-cellar, Durbanville
Boschendal Suzanne 2022
Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc
95 points at International Wine Challenge (UK)
R250pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Delaire Graff White Reserve 2021
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
97 points at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
R535pb ex-cellar, Banghoek-Stellenbosch
Durbanville Hills Tangram White 2020
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
Trophy at International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK)
Gold medal at Mondial du Sauvignon (BE)
R230pb ex-cellar, Durbanville
Fairview Beryl Back 2022
Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Verdelho, Roussanne
Gold medal at Global Wine Masters (UK)
R330pb ex-cellar, Paarl
Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve 2021
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
Best in Class at National Wine Challenge (SA)
R540pb ex-cellar, Constantia
Ses'fikile Chenin Blanc Roussanne 2021
95 points in Decanter Magazine (UK)
R83pb ex-producer, Stellenbosch
Tokara Director's Reserve White 2020
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
95 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
Gold medal at Global Masters (UK)
R330pb ex-cellar, Helshoogte-Stellenbosch
Vergelegen G.V.B White 2021
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
Best in Class – 97 points – at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
R500pb ex-cellar, Somerset West
Wildeberg Coterie Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2022
95 points in Winemag Report (SA)
R181pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Also most highly rated in 2023:
• Top Cabernet Sauvignon SA
• Top Chardonnay SA
• Top Chenin Blanc SA
• Top Pinotage
• Top Sauvignon Blanc SA
• Top Shiraz SA
