South African Wines

South African wines offer impressively good value, and feature styles and tastes that are food friendly, blending elegance and power. South Africa has been producing wine since the first vines were planted in the 17th century, brought by the Dutch governors of Cape Colony. At one time, the sweet wine of Constantia was the most prized in the world.
The most important South African wine regions are around the two cities of Stellenbosch and Paarl. A range of wine styles are made, from stunning blockbuster reds to full bodied Chardonnay and crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Chenin Blanc, also known as Steen, is the local white workhorse grape capable of making impressive dry and sweet wines. Pinotage, South Africa’s own red grape (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault) still leaves wine critics divided, but can make great single-variety offerings as well as being a key component in Cape Blends. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Bordeaux-style red blends are also among the country’s top reds.
We have thousands of South African wine reviews available in our Buying Guide. Search the South African wine guide to browse our South African wine ratings and discover all that this wonderful wine-producing region has to offer.

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Rudera 2002 Robusto Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)

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Rated the top Chenin in South Africa in 2005, this is a serious but delicious wine. It has a toasty character from wood fermentation and aging, but a character which does not dominate the sweet fruit. Spice and honey come from the tropical flavors, but the final taste is of crispness and acidity. — R.V. (11/15/2005)

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Vilafonté 2003 Series C Red (Paarl)

Price $70

A fairly big (14.5% alcohol), chewy wine, but one that delivers waves of lush fruit. Plum and cassis notes are framed by hints of smoke and cedar; the merest hint of green herbs adds complexity without detracting. Long and supple on the finish. Drink now–2015. — W.E. (11/15/2005)

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Delaire 2003 Vineyard in the Sky Red (Stellenbosch)

Editors' Choice
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Price $26

Dark, yet with intense red color, this is a smooth, chocolatey, sexy wine, great for a steak but delectable on its own. Dark, meaty aromas incorporate casses and cedar, while the palate is even blacker, with charred meat, black fruits and forest floor, with blueberry and cedar following. A bruiser, with a big feel and big tannins to match, the finish is a bit shut… — M.D. (12/22/2011)

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Springfield Estate 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Methode Ancienne (Robertson)

Price $52

From its wax seal, its older vintage (this is the current release) and its name, expect interesting things. You won’t be disappointed. The wines come from a small parcel of land on the estate that was long considered too poor to plant. Native yeasts, whole berry fermentation and no filtering—that’s the methode ancienne part. There are just 20 barrels of poised… — R.V. (11/1/2006)

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Boekenhoutskloof 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Franschhoek)

Price $47

Young, vibrant fruit dominates this dense, ripe wine. Not as powerful as the 2003, this shows elegance and some restraint, but there is still a punch of rich black currant, dark plum and coffee flavors. Expect to cellar this wine for at least six years. — R.V. (11/1/2006)

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Clos Malverne 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (Stellenbosch)

Named by a previous owner after the Malvern Hills in England, and Frenchified by the current owner, Seymour Pritchard. Clos Malverne benefits from the cool-climate of the Devon Valley to produce structured wines, like this still-young 2004. With juicy, blackberry flavors, and layers of toast and herbs, this is a finely balanced wine. Not imported. — R.V. (11/1/2006)

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Waterford 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)

Price $29

From this beautiful Helderberg estate, this Cabernet Sauvignon is in a leaner style than some vintages, reflecting the cooler conditions of 2004. There are flavors of dark chocolate, juicy black cherries and damsons, while the wine is suffused with layers with acidity. Has great aging potential. Available in the U.S. next summer. — R.V. (11/1/2006)

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Remhoogte 2003 Estate Wine Red (Simonsberg-Stellenbosch)

Editors' Choice

Price $28

The estate wine from Remhoogte in which Michel Rolland is both consultant and partner. This Bordeaux Blend is serious stuff with dry tannins that promise good aging. There is some Pinotage in the blend, but it is hardly noticeable; the main flavors come from the textured cassis of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. — R.V. (11/1/2006)

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Chenin Blanc Merlot Pinot Noir Pinotage Red Blend Rosé Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz/Syrah White Blend

Most Reviewed Wineries

Backsberg Fairview Fleur Du Cap Goats do Roam Wine Co. KWV MAN Vintners Mulderbosch Neil Ellis Robertson Winery Simonsig Thelema Warwick

2009 Russian River Vineyards Estate Grown

Rich flavors of cherries, persimmons, cola, anise and oak flood the…

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