APART FROM the obvious, what were the highlights of the 2016 awards for top-rated reds, whites and sweets in the 2017 edition of Platter’s South African Wine Guide? For starters, with most of the year’s major panel tastings by local and international wine authorities behind us, the following beauties stand out among the leading contenders for SA Wine of the Year overall:
AT THE LAUNCH of the 2016 edition of Platter’s South African Wine Guide, it was announced that the top ratings went to Mullineux & Leeu of Riebeek Kasteel in the Swartland and Warwick of the Simonsberg ward in Stellenbosch. The White Lady Chardonnay 2014 from Warwick was declared Platter’s White Wine of the Year, whereas Mullineux bottlings were applauded as
A DIFFERENT TAKE on Platter’s absolute favourite wines in the current era… Following on from commentary about the 2015 edition of this South African wine guide that has just gone on sale and a look at the most prolific recipients of the book’s ultimate accolade in recent history (see here), it will interest some to hear that there are only
PLATTER’S South African Wine Guide is not without its shortcomings, but after 35 years it still holds plenty of sway among those who are partial to the liquid pleasures of this country and give a damn about what’s in their glass. Published as it is towards the end of every year, it’s the last major assessment of SA wine quality and
THERE ARE FEW surprises among the top-rated wines in Platter’s 2014 South African Wine Guide that goes onto the bookshelves this month. Most of the 5 Star laureates or their makers have good track records – the cellarmasters and/or winery owners are familiar faces at the various podiums, which is great for those who appreciate consistently high standards. And most of the
YOU MIGHT BE led to believe that Chris and Andrea Mullineux came up with what the team of tasters for the 2013 edition of Platter’s South African Wine Guide rated 5 Stars and voted Red Wine of the Year based on attention to detail, leaving nothing to chance… But of course there’s a lot more to the 2010 Mullineux Syrah than
YES THERE’S MORE to the quality and character of a wine than the winemaker; naturally the location and condition of the vines, the soil, the climate, the weather and everything else associated with the ‘terroir’ play important roles. However, what a difference the cellarmaster and his team can make! Of course there were exceptions, but before Gottfried Mocke took charge
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF was judged Platter’s Winery of the Year in 2011/2012 and this year the title goes to Chamonix on the other side of the valley in Franschhoek. The award was presented at the launch of the 2013 edition of Platter’s South African Wine Guide where the names of the top-rated wines in the book were announced: Chamonix got thenod for
