Jason Millar, Roger Jones, and Victoria Mason MW recently conducted a tasting of 90 South African red blends, uncovering that South Africa has emerged as a significant player in the wine world, known for both character and value. Notably, 60% of the wines received scores of 90 points or higher.
Tasting Highlights
The panel identified 9 Outstanding and 45 Highly Recommended wines, showcasing the region’s consistent quality. Many standout wines were blends prominently featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, demonstrating remarkable concentration, freshness, and structure. The best among these wines echo the quality typically found in Bordeaux but come at a fraction of the price, making them an attractive option for wine enthusiasts.
Judge Roger Jones remarked on the impressive quality and price range of the top-scoring wines, while Victoria Mason MW noted the remarkable freshness in many wines spanning multiple vintages from 2020 to 2023.
Rhône-Inspired Blends
Rhône-inspired blends also showed strong performances, with wines like Mullineux’s Kloof Street Red, Swerwer’s Swartland Red Blend, and others receiving high scores (93-94 points). These wines, crafted from varieties such as Grenache Noir, underline that South Africa is not just about Syrah and Chardonnay, but also offers exceptional classic red blends.
The tasting serves as a reminder that those shying away from South African wines may be missing out on exceptional offerings that cater to diverse palates and pair brilliantly with food.
Food Pairing Suggestions
As these wines showcase great versatility, they pair well with an array of dishes. For classic Bordeaux-style blends, consider enjoying them alongside roasts of beef or lamb, or even gourmet burgers. The Rhône-style blends are ideal for hearty winter stews or summer barbecues.
With South African red blends attaining unprecedented quality and value, now is an excellent time for wine lovers to explore what this vibrant region has to offer. For detailed scores and tasting notes, readers are encouraged to explore the full panel tasting results.