Master of Wine Tim Atkin has just released his highly anticipated South Africa 2026 Report, which features 251 wines that score 95 points and above. ‘2025 is one of the finest Cape vintages of my lifetime,’ says Tim. It’s ‘a vintage to cellar, collect, cherish and, above all, drink.’ This annual report, now in its 14th edition, is the most comprehensive commentary on SA’s top-scoring fine wines.
Last night’s showcase of Tim’s 95+ point wines was buzzing with energy and excitement. Many of this year’s winning wines source their fruit from the Swartland, reflecting the meticulous work and dedication of the region’s farmers and winemakers. With an average of 99 points over the last five releases, Porseleinberg is among the best in the world. The 2024 is an impressive rendition, showing a darker fruit profile and chalky tannins that make it superbly balanced and so moreish.
Podium highlights:
- Winemaker of the Year: Hannes Storm
- Young Winemaker of the Year: Jolandie Fouché (of Wolf & Woman)
- Rising Star of the Year: Stefan Johannes (of Zwartwater)
- Winemaking Legend: Pieter Ferreira
- Red Wine of the Year: Sadie Columella 2024, 100 points
- White Wine of the Year: Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans 2025, 99 points
- Red Wine Discovery of the Year: Jean Smit’s Electric Mud 2025 and Iona Beeskamp Pinot Noir 2024
- White Wine Discovery of the Year: Catherine Marshall Between Two Worlds 2024
- Sweet Wine of the Year: Mullineux Olerasay Straw Wine #6
- Fortified Wine of the Year: Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 1996
- Sparkling Wine of the Year: Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2019 and Le Lude Màdame Brut Nature Millésimé 2017
Joining the new generation at last night’s Cape Town tasting was Banele Vakele with his ‘utterly delicious’ 96-point Tembela Syrah 2025, as well as Kiara Scott with her Hazendal Carignan 2025! View the available wines here, or buy your copy of the 2026 report on timatkin.com.
