According to acclaimed wine critic James Suckling, the 2023 growing season in South Africa was a tale of two vintages. For early-ripening varieties in regions like Swartland and the northern wine-producing areas, cooler conditions provided ideal ripening weather. However, the Western Cape faced catastrophic floods and landslides following months of heavy rainfall, posing significant challenges for later-ripening varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Despite these adversities, Suckling’s annual tasting report highlights exceptional quality among the 850 South African wines reviewed. Nearly 40% of the wines tasted this year featured standout offerings of Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Rhône varietals from Swartland, alongside Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the southern coastal regions.
AA BADENHORST
A.A. Badenhorst Swartland Kalmoesfontein Red Blend 2022
| Score | 94 |
Wonderfully perfumed and tea-like with currants, boysenberries, tobacco and lavender on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied and poised, this has present but seamless tannins that are infused into the wine. 33% shiraz, 25% grenache noir, 14% cinsault, 12% tinta barocca, 8% mataro, 5% cabernet sauvignon and 3% touriga nacional. Drink or hold.
A.A. Badenhorst Swartland Kalmoesfontein White Blend 2022
| Score | 93 |
Beautiful nose of white flowers, lime cordial, lychees, white peaches, guavas and fresh green apples. It’s medium- to full-bodied, delightfully fruity and floral, with a silky and supple texture. A field blend of 45% chenin blanc, 11% clairette blanche, 10% grenache blanc, 8% palomino, 8% viognier, 8% roussanne, 5% muscat d’Alexandrie and 5% verdelho, picked and pressed together. Delicious now but can hold for a few years too
A.A. Badenhorst Chenin Blanc Swartland Secateurs 2024
| Score | 91 |
Deliciously fruity and juicy, showing mango, lemon-curd, pineapple and papaya aromas. It’s medium- to full-bodied, ripe and fleshy. Drink and enjoy. Screw cap.
A.A. Badenhorst Swartland Secateurs Red 2024
| Score | 91 |
Bright and fruity, showing strawberry, raspberry, tea-leaf, licorice and pink-peppercorn aromas. Medium-bodied, youthful and delightful with fine tannins and a fresh finish. A blend of shiraz, grenache and cinsault. Delicious now. Screw cap.
ALHEIT
Alheit Vineyards Chenin Blanc Citrusdal Mountain Huilkrans 2023
| Score | 96 |
Still very youthful, this has notes of white pears, papayas, oranges, wild herbs, pomelo and oyster shells. It’s medium- to full-bodied, focused and flavorful as well as deep and mineral, all tied together with tension and acidity. From old-bush vines on Skurfberg (Citrusdal Mountain). Drinkable already but better after 2025.
Alheit Vineyards Citrusdal Mountain Magnetic North 2023
| Score | 95 |
White lavender, wild rice, white peaches and grapefruit on the nose of this wild and exceedingly fresh chenin blanc. It’s medium-bodied, compact and alive, slightly salty, with tension and length. Lots of potential. From vines planted at 520 meters above sea level. Try from 2025.
Alheit Vineyards Western Cape Cartology 2023
| Score | 94 |
This has an elegant and pretty nose of fresh pears, lemons, chamomile, wild thyme, beeswax and minerals. It’s deliciously salty and savory on the palate, medium-bodied but compact and fleshy, nicely weighted. Long and cool. 94% chenin blanc and 6% semillon from bush vines across the Western Cape. Drink from 2025.
Alheit Vineyards Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch Nautical Dawn 2023
| Score | 93 |
This has fragrant apricot, peach, lemon and honeysuckle aromas. It’s medium-bodied, with lovely freshness and purity. From old bush-vines overlooking False Bay. Drink or hold.
Alheit Vineyards Chenin Blanc Swartland Fire by Night 2023
| Score | 93 |
A tight, very fresh chenin blanc showing white grapefruit, crushed stones and fennel on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, taut and linear. Very bright and youthful for now. From vines planted between 1972 and 1985 in the Paardeberg. Drink or hold.
Alheit Vineyards Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Hemelrand Vine Garden 2023
| Score | 93 |
Aromatic and exotic, showing lychee, melon, orange-blossom, peach and honeysuckle aromas. Some apricot compote. It’s medium- to full-bodied, lightly oily in texture yet fresh and wonderfully floral. 36% chardonnay, 28% ro
Alheit Vineyards Chenin Blanc Western Cape Hereafter Here 2023
| Score | 92 |
Fresh and aromatic, showing jasmine, green tea, sliced apples and pears on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, bright and pristine. Hard to resist. From young chenin blanc vines. Drink or hold.
BEAUMONT
Beaumont Bot River Vitruvian 2020
| Score | 91 |
A fresh and juicy red that has oranges, peppercorns, red berries and herbs on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity, fine tannins and a bright finish. 32% syrah, 29% mourvedre, 23% pinotage, 11% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink now or hold.
Beaumont Chenin Blanc Bot River Hope Marguerite 2023
| Score | 91 |
A bright, focused chenin blanc that has notes of sliced pear, jasmine, grapefruit and acacia honey. It’s full-bodied but fresh, with a mineral twist to the honey and stone-fruit flavors. Drink now.
Beaumont Mourvèdre Bot River Far Side 2021
| Score | 91 |
A very fresh mourvedre that has notes of red plum, nutmeg and raspberry. Some rosemary, too. It’s medium-bodied, crunchy and zesty. Drink now.
Beaumont Pinotage Bot River Jackals River 2022
| Score | 91 |
A fresh, cool and medium-bodied pinotage that has aromas and flavors of hazelnut, plum, licorice and bay leaf. Lightly chewy on the palate with a savory-herb undertone. Drink now or hold.
Beaumont Walker Bay New Baby White Blend 2022
| Score | 91 |
Kiwi-fruit, pear and honey aromas to this fresh and mineral white. It’s medium-bodied with lots of energy and a chalky undertone to the fresh stone fruit. Sustainable. Drink now.
Beaumont Chenin Blanc Cape South Coast 2024
| Score | 90 |
A fresh and clean chenin blanc that has sliced-pear, apple-blossom and lemon aromas. It’s medium-bodied, bright and very drinkable. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap.
DELAIRE GRAFF
Delaire Graff Chardonnay Banghoek 2023
| Score | 93 |
Salted caramel, burnt lemon and smoky undertones to the yellow stone fruit. It’s toasty and creamy on the palate, full-bodied, with excellent concentration and a rich, delicious finish. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap.
DE WETSHOF
De Wetshof Chardonnay Robertson Bateleur 2023
| Score | 92 |
Apple crumble, peaches, grapefruit and buttercream on the nose, followed by a creamy and full-bodied palate. Supple and persistent, with light hazelnut character at the end. Delicious now.
De Wetshof Chardonnay Robertson Lesca 2023
| Score | 91 |
A creamy yet tangy chardonnay that has aromas of chopped nuts, baked apples, lemon curd and pie crust. It’s full-bodied with tasty pastry and hazelnut undertones. Drink now.
De Wetshof Chardonnay Robertson Bon Vallon 2024
| Score | 90 |
A fresh and clean chardonnay that has aromas and flavors of lemons, chopped apples and raw hazelnuts. It’s medium- to full-bodied, bright and linear. Vegan. Drink now.
De Wetshof Chardonnay Robertson Limestone Hill 2024
| Score | 90 |
A crisp chardonnay that has notes of crushed rocks, lemon rind, grapefruit and peaches. It’s medium- to full-bodied with mouthwatering freshness and minerality. Vegan. Drink now.
SADIE FAMILY
Sadie Family Chenin Blanc Swartland Rotsbank 2023
| Score | 98 |
Fantastic complexity and energy to this chenin blanc, showing slate, seashell, chamomile, thyme, lime-peel and Asian-pear aromas, with a sprinkling of aniseed. Incredibly lively and tense on the medium- to full-bodied palate, with tightness, steeliness and a rocky minerality. Dry and salty at the end. From bush vines planted in 1987 in decomposed granite soils in the Paardeberg area. This will go a long way. Drink or hold.
Sadie Family Swartland Columella 2022
| Score | 98 |
Deep, seductive aromas of violets, green tea, coffee beans, oranges, mulberries, peach pits and smoked paprika spring from the glass. It’s seamless, layered and incredibly complex, with medium body and polished, sleek tannins. It has lovely brightness of fruit and a floral sweetness in the mid-palate. Focused at the end. Fantastic. A blend of syrah, mourvedre, grenache, carignan, cinsault and tinta barroca from 12 vineyards in the Swartland. Try after 2026.
Sadie Family Piekenierskloof Soldaat 2023
| Score | 97 |
Beautifully bright red-cherry, strawberry, licorice, redbush-tea and burnt-orange aromas give this so much joy. It’s medium-bodied, lithe and fresh, with red fruit in the forefront and just a touch of earthy spice. Very fine, seamless tannins. Grenache, with about 60% whole-cluster fermentation. Delightful already, but will keep improving. Try from 2025.
Sadie Family Stellenbosch Mev.Kirsten 2023
| Score | 97 |
A wildly concentrated white, this has plenty of richness in terms of aromatics, exuding ripe yellow and tropical fruit, such as mango, melon, lemon curd and apple crumble. It’s tied together on the palate with refreshing, citrusy acidity. Full-bodied and generous, while remaining focused. Chenin blanc from Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch, some of the vines planted in 1905. Best after 2025.
Sadie Family Swartland Palladius 2022
| Score | 97 |
This is an impressively layered and complex white, the result of a blend of 11 varietals from 17 vineyards across the Swartland. Aromas of jack fruit, sliced pear, green papaya, flint, grapefruit and hazelnut are all in play, followed by a full-bodied palate with a caressing and supple texture. Seamless, evolving to spices after a while. Even better than 2021? A blend of chenin blanc, grenache blanc, clairette blanche, viognier, verdelho, roussanne, marsanne, semillon gris, semillon blanc, palomino and colombard, all vinified separately. Try after 2025.
Sadie Family Swartland T’ Voetpad 2023
| Score | 97 |
A fragrant, deliciously tropical and vibrant white that has lime peel, nectarine, white peach, orange curd and a hint of lemongrass on the nose. It’s full-bodied, bright and exhilarating with a citrusy freshness and waxy phenolics. Very long, and still tight. Exciting field blend of semillon blanc, semillon gris, palomino, chenin blanc and muscat d’alexandrie, all dry-farmed. Try from 2025.
Sadie Family Citrusdal Mountain Kokerboom 2023
| Score | 96 |
A wonderfully textural and waxy semillon that has aromas and flavors of beeswax, lime peel, juniper berries and thyme, as well as a hint of orange blossom. It’s full-bodied but remarkably fresh and lively. With a long life ahead, for now it’s focused on the limey and wild-herb freshness. Drink or hold.
Sadie Family Citrusdal Mountain Skurfberg 2023
| Score | 96 |
Density and depth to this full-bodied chenin blanc. It’s savory and zesty, showing notes of lime peel, sliced pears, fenugreek, beeswax and chamomile. Bright, yet compact and dense. Chenin blanc from the Skurfberg Mountain in the Citrusdal mountain area, planted on decomposed Table Mountain sandstone soils. Try from 2025.
Sadie Family Swartland Pofadder 2023
| Score | 95 |
This has gorgeous aromatics, mesmerizing with rhubarb, licorice, redcurrant, citrus-rind, dried-rose and paprika aromas. It’s refined and elegant with medium body and fine-grained, crisp tannins providing bite. More savory characteristics come through on a long and taut finish. Cinsault from Riebeeksrivier in the Swartland, half destemmed and half whole-cluster fermented. Best after 2025.
Sadie Family Swartland Skerpioen 2023
| Score | 95 |
A cool white blend that has lime peel, sliced apples, nectarines and fennel on the nose, followed by wet-stone minerality on the palate that only adds to the purity of fruit. It’s medium-bodied, with a salty freshness that pulls you back for more. Equal parts chenin blanc and palomino, from a cool, dry area of west Swartland, two kilometers from the Atlantic. Drink or hold.
Sadie Family Swartland Treinspoor 2023
| Score | 95 |
Intense violet and dried-flower aromas here, combining with blue and black plum fruit, tea leaves, bark and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied, very fresh and alive, with tight and firm yet almost indiscernible tannins that spread across the palate. Well-framed. Tinta barroca from old bush vines planted in Malmesbury in the Swartland, half destemmed and half whole-cluster fermented. Try from 2026.
SAVAGE WINES
Savage Cape Town Girl Next Door 2023
| Score | 95 |
Beautiful white-pepper, lavender, olive and rose-hip aromas. Floral, spicy and delicious with a medium body and fine, tensile tannins. Hard to resist. Syrah from two tiny parcels near the ocean with roughly 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Drink or hold.
Savage Cinsault Darling Follow The Line 2023
| Score | 94 |
Wonderfully fragrant and bright, this shows strawberries, pomegranate, rose petals and crushed stones. It’s crunchy, medium-bodied and superbly drinkable. The red fruit is there, but it’s also mineral with hints of flowers and even fresh mint. 50% whole-bunch. From bush vines planted in 1982. Drink now or hold.
Savage Grenache Piekenierskloof Thief in the Night 2023
| Score | 94 |
Blood oranges, pomegranate, tea leaves and wild herbs on the nose. It’s medium-bodied and silky yet firm on the palate with tight, agile tannins. I like the herbal undertones. Grenache with 11% cinsault at 650 meters above sea level on sandstone soils. Drink from 2025.
Savage Malgas Are We There Yet 2023
| Score | 94 |
Black plums, black tea, violets, earth and salted olives on the nose, followed by a dark-fruited, well-framed yet supple and fresh palate. Medium- to full-bodied. Lovely softness in the finish. 69% touriga nacional and 31% syrah. Drink or hold.
Savage Syrah Stellenbosch Savage Red 2022
| Score | 94 |
A firm, fragrant and savory syrah that exudes aromas of sage, white peppercorns, brambleberries and licorice. It’s medium-bodied with a tight tannin frame. Peppery and focused. From granitic soils close to Polkadraai area. Try from 2025.
Savage Western Cape Savage White 2023
| Score | 94 |
A lovely nose of sliced green apples, grapefruit, minerals, lemongrass and juniper berries. It’s superbly fresh, saline and elegant with a medium to full body and a creamy texture. Long and delicious. More textural than the 2
Savage Chenin Blanc Paarl Never Been Asked To Dance 2023
| Score | 93 |
This medium- to full-bodied white has notes of salted almonds, chopped apples, honeysuckle, lemon rind and light cedar. Phenolic and textural with delicious salty and leesy undertones to the fruit. From a revitalized vineyard planted in 1956 in granitic soils on the border of Paarl and Stellenbosch. Drink or hold.
STORM WINES
Storm Pinot Noir Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Ridge 2022
| Score | 96 |
This taut and brooding pinot noir has perfumed notes of lavender, burnt oranges, nutmeg and baking spices, mulberries and plums. Touch of iron and tobacco. It’s medium-bodied, tense and tightly wound with a fine tannin structure accompanying purple-fruit and spice notes. A serious wine, restrained for now. Try from 2026.
Storm Pinot Noir Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Vrede 2022
| Score | 96 |
Intensely fragrant, showing wild-cherry, clove, rhubarb, licorice and dried-flower aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and focused with support from ripe tannins. Dark floral undertones continue, offering salty hints on a firm finish. Try after 2025.
Storm Pinot Noir Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Ignis 2022
| Score | 96 |
A beautifully aromatic pinot noir showing lifted notes of wild blueberries, citrus peel, red tea and raw mushrooms on the nose. It’s very fresh and elegant on the palate with tension and fine tannins. Delicious, earthy undertones. Lots of life and vivacity. Drink or hold.
Storm Chardonnay Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Ridge 2023
| Score | 95 |
This is a pure and fragrant chardonnay that has aromas of peaches, orange blossoms, lemons, sliced pears and honeysuckle. It’s medium-bodied, creamy and fresh with wonderful fruit purity and length. Delightful. Drink or hold.
Storm Chardonnay Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Vrede 2023
| Score | 95 |
Generous and intense aromas of mangoes, cedar, apricots, hazelnuts and salted butter, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, caressing and supple palate. Lovely creaminess with subtle phenolics, supported by bright acidity. Long and delicious. Drink or hold.
VILAFONTÉ
Vilafonté Western Cape Seriously Old Dirt 2022
| Score | 93 |
A supple, creamy and delicious cabernet-driven blend. Notes of blackcurrants, mint chocolate, blueberries and nutmeg follow through to a medium- to full-bodied, ripe and velvety palate. 94% cabernet sauvignon, 3% malbec, 2% merlot and 1% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.
Read the full report here.
