South Africa 5 Star Wines (Platter)

South Africa on a platter! "South Africa's Platter's Guide is one of the most comprehensive, well-written, and objective wine guides any professional or amatuer could hope for: a wine trade 'bible' we have tried to persuade them to replicate elsewhere in the world! The coveted five stars are not handed out lightly. Among over 900 wine producers, merchants and brands, and more than 7,300 locally produced wines, review for the 2013 edition, just 62 wines were awarded five stars. Outstandinf producers are recognised too, and 2013 Winery of the Year, Cape Chamonix, was the only producer to win four five-star ratings." (Joanna Locke MW)

Wines on Tasting (6):

Botanica Chenin Blanc, Citrusdal, 2011 £15
A beautiful Cape chenin showing the finesse and balance that may be achieved from cooler-climate old vine fruit (in this case from a vineyard at around 800 metres near Clanwilliam). Brightness of fresh, aromatic citrus fruit distinguishes this exceptional wine, from new star Virginia Povall.

Chamonix Reserve White, Franschhoek, 2011 (Cape Chamonix) £11
Made with 60% sauvignon blanc and this year with 40% semillon in the blend, adding richness and depth of flavour. This was fermented and matured in French barrels, mostly older oak, for structure rather than flavour. An elegant, beautifully balanced wine made to be enjoyed with food.

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde, 2011 £19
Hamilton Russell, just a few miles from the sea in the cool Walker Bay district, specialise in pinot noir and chardonnay and are considered by many to be the Cape’s finest examples of each grape. This chardonnay confidently treads the line between Burgundian restraint and new world exuberance, with concentrated fruit in perfect harmony and subtly toasty oak.

Chamonix Reserve Pinot Noir, Franschhoek, 2011 (Cape Chamonix) £15
Cape Chamonix is renowned for the quality of its pinot, which is classically styled, lighter in colour than many new world pinots, always fragrant, and develops more leafy aromas at it matures. A five-star wine in Platter's Wine Guide 2013, the second year in a row, from Platter's overall Winery of the Year 2013.

Warwick Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch, 2009 £16
Warwick’s occasional single-varietal cabernet franc bottlings are hard to come by. This is from the excellent 2009 vintage. Rich and smoky, with hints of creamy oak. Drink now if you like robust fruit still couched in oak flavours, or cellar happily to 2019.

Kanonkop Estate Pinotage, Stellenbosch, 2010 £19
Consistently one of the finest and most impressive of Cape pinotages, despite growing competition from those keen to see the oft-unloved grape recognised for its true potential. Always approachable in its youth, this will develop greater richness and complexity over time in bottle.

All wines available through the Wine Society.