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.
De Toren 2009 Fusion V Red (Stellenbosch)
- Editors' Choice
- $50
A layered and complex wine, the 2009 Fusion V is one remarkable selection that’s delicious now, although it certainly shows the stuffing to age well for another three to five years, at least. Forward sweet-oak notes marry harmoniously with black-fruit aromas on the nose. The robust, dense palate offers ripe flavors of cassis, blackberry and plum, with accents of…
— L.B.
(5/1/2013)
Simonsig 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)
- Best Buy
- $15
This big boy greets us with his deep ruby/black cloak. Loaded with cassis from start to finish, there is tremendous fruit depth here and a full, supple mouthfeel. Reminiscent of one of the successful large-scale ‘97 California Cabernets. Has tannins to resolve, best held for a year or two.
— M.N.
(3/1/2001)
Rijk's Private Cellar 2003 Chenin Blanc (Tulbagh)
- $35
Wood and Chenin Blanc can go together, if handled judiciously, as this fabulous wine shows. Nuts and almonds make classic mature Chenin Blanc aromas, while the dense ripe fruit flavors with a complex interplay between wood and fruit give this wine great depth. Imported by wine@34south.
— R.V.
(11/15/2005)
Cederberg 2003 Five Generations Chenin Blanc (Cederberg)
- $35
Five generations of the Nieuwoud family have run the Cederberg farm, and this wine, along with a Cabernet Sauvignon, are here to commemorate. This is a great full-bodied white, showing a successful marriage of wood and peachy, aromatic fruit, layered with acidity. A delicious wine with aging potential. Imported by Global Vineyard Importers.
— R.V.
(11/15/2005)
Raats Family 2004 Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)
- $23
This lightly wooded interpretation from Bruwer Raats is a superb wine. Its acidity and delicious pure fruit character are in no way lessened by the touch of vanilla from the wood. In fact they are heightened, bringing out their density and concentration. A great Chenin Blanc. Imported by Cape Classics.
— R.V.
(11/15/2005)
Beyerskloof 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (Stellenbosch)
- Editors' Choice
- $35
Beyers Truter, legendary winemaker of Kanonkop (which he left in 2004) also produces wines from his own estate, Beyerskloof. This Cab-Merlot blend is a smooth, ripe wine, with full-on juicy fruit backed up by sweet, ripe tannins. But it is not excessive, as the brakes of restraint are put on just at the right moment.
— R.V.
(11/1/2006)
Vilafonté 2004 Series M Red (Paarl)
- $50
Series M is based on Merlot and Malbec, with the two Cabernets also in the blend. Very modern in style, it has polished elegance, packs a punch of black fruits, dense mulberry flavors and long, smooth oak tastes.
— R.V.
(11/1/2006)
Jardin 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)
- Editors' Choice
- $20
This is a seriously impressive wine. Its black currant fruit, rich smoky flavors and soft tannins come straight out of the glass. But it is very young, needing three years for aging to show its prune, black plum and herbal character blending well with the great layers of y showing some wood. Imported by Vinnovative Imports.
— R.V.
(11/1/2006)
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