The 2020 Tim Atkin South Africa Report was released on the 10th of September and we are excited to share our results with you!
This year Master of Wine, Tim Atkin’s annual trips to the Cape were all sadly cancelled and the tasting experience, an adaptation to the times. Atkin described this experience saying “I missed the beauty and the visceral tug of the winelands – there are few more breathtaking landscapes on earth – but, thanks to Wines of South Africa, Zoom calls and the delivery networks of FedEx, DHL and Aspiring Logistics, I have written a report that I’m proud of in these trying times.”
The renowned wine critic tasted 1328 wines from across South Africa and in his words: “against formidable odds, South Africa is making some of the greatest wines in its history.” He was particularly impressed with the old vine Chenins, Bordeaux blends, Syrahs and Chardonnays from across the Cape Winelands.
With terroir becoming increasingly important, we are over the moon that three of our single-vineyard wines were awarded ‘Medals of Excellence’ in the 2020 report.
Atkin noted that “South Africa is still improving with every vintage (especially in outstanding ones like 2015 and 2017) and that I fervently believe that the wines merit my plaudits. I do my best to see South African wines in a global context and mark them accordingly.”
The Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Quartz Stone Chardonnay and Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon were our top performers. See what Tim noted about each of these wines.
The Glen Carlou Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2019 was awarded 93 points, our top score this year.
“The Collection includes a number of impressive wines, of which this Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc is definitely one. Showing classic green herb, grapefruit and fynbos characters as well as a saline twang it has leesy weight and some added complexity for concrete egg fermentation. Up a point since last year. 2020-23.”
Quartz Stone Chardonnay 2019 was awarded 92 points
“Glen Carlou’s ambitious, top-of-the-range Chardonnay comes from a single vineyard in Simonsberg-Paarl. Naturally fermented in a combination of 90% new wood and 10% concrete eggs, it’s a rich, honey and guava style with layers of stone fruit, vanilla spice and fresh acidity. Flavoursome stuff. 2020-24.”
Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 was awarded 91 points
“Gravel Quarry is the second to top-of-the-range red from Johnnie Calitz, made entirely with Cabernet Sauvignon from a single vineyard. Subtly oaked with some appealing, minty reduction, smooth tannins, layers of plum and cassis fruit and the acidity that’s so typical of the 2017 vintage. Ageing nicely in bottle since I tasted it last year. 2021-27.”
We are immensely proud of Johnnie, Marius and their teams, these wines are truly spectacular showcases of how we delight in doing the ordinary extraordinarily well!
All three of these wines are available on our online wine store. Shop now and enjoy these award-winning wines.