2017 SA Wine & Cellar Classifications – Top Wine SA
The top South African wines and cellars over the past 10 years – best track records from 2007 to 2016 inclusive
Consensus of the top panels – a pooling of expert opinions about South African wines reviewed around the globe
The SA Wine Classification and SA Cellar Classification – updated annually since 2004 – are based on the top ratings and awards from experts in the world’s most respected forums for the assessment of wine quality and interest value where South Africa has a significant presence. This involves reviews by panels of judges who conduct their assessments in a ‘blind tasting’ environment, i.e. with the names of the wines and their producers withheld so as not to influence the jury either positively or negatively in terms of brand perceptions or price tags.
The Classifications take into account ratings and awards presented during the previous 10 years, whereby eligibility for selection requires at least three vintages of a wine to receive a good review by at least one of the top panels during the period under review. Depending on the number of vintages for which the leading wines receive top accolades, the number of good ratings as well as how glowing the reviews are, the very best track records in various categories are highlighted in showcasing which of South Africa’s wines and cellars are most highly fancied most often.
Management of the SA Wine & Cellar Classifications by Mike Froud, editor of Top Wine SA:
Web www.topwinesa.com Email mike@topwinesa.com Mobile 083 443 8115
Seeking consenses among the world’s wine experts
Top SA Chenin Blanc – 2017 Classification
TOP 20 TRACK RECORDS OVER PAST 10 YEARS WITH TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTED
BEAUMONT HOPE MARGUERITE
BELLINGHAM THE BERNARD SERIES OLD VINE
BOTANICA
DeMORGENZON RESERVE
Graham Beck Bowed Head
Jean Daneel Signature
KANU KCB
Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve
KEN FORRESTER THE FMC
KLEINE ZALZE CELLAR SELECTION BUSH VINES
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Old Bush Vine
KLEINE ZALZE VINEYARD SELECTION
KWV Cathedral Cellar
KWV The Mentors
Oldenburg
Rijk’s Private Cellar Barrel Fermented
Simonsig Chenin Avec Chêne
SPIER 21 GABLES
Spier Private Collection
STELLENRUST BARREL FERMENTED
* The Top 100 Cellar Classification is based on the ratings of wines that are unfortified,
i.e. with no spirit added