The scores in South Africa’s most comprehensive wine guide have just been released! The 2026 edition sees 5 stars awarded to 316 wines (and brandies) from a selection of over 8,000 entries – view the available wines here. Chenin Blanc still reigns supreme, with 44 wines scoring 5 stars. We have a few bottles of Sakkie Mouton, McFarlane, AA Badenhorst and Carinus’ 97-point Rooidraai Chenin, but they’re sure to move quickly.
Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc are also notable performers. Crystallum’s The Agnes Chardonnay 2024 represents remarkable value, while Raats Vlag Cabernet Franc 2023 won best in category and deserves a spot in your cellar.
If you’re a Syrah nut, like we are, try the Staanspoor Syrah 2023. Their 2022 was one of our top discoveries last year and the 2023 is even better.
For those who love trying something new, the 2023 Vineyard Party Daisy If You Do Sémillon should be on your radar. Or, if you’re more into bold reds with elegance in spades, the Paul Wallace Black Dog Malbec 2021 was named best in category and is well worth seeking out.
The Delaire Graff Laurence Graff Reserve 2021 and the Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2022 offer luxury and world-class refinement in a bottle.
Diemersdal has been named Winery of the Year, and Alheit was chosen as the Editor’s Producer of the Year. Most of the 5-star wines sell out on release, but we do have some gems in stock. Shop the full list of 5-star wines now.
