TIM ATKINS 2020 REPORT
One the most anticipated reviews in the wine industry is that of Tim Atkin Master of Wine. Many waited with bated breath as the word spread of not one but two perfect scorecards for Two South African wines. Bringing us to three perfect wines according to Tim, unheard of in the industry.
Best wines in South African history
According to Tim Atkin South Africa is making some of it’s best wine in history.
“Despite the well-publicised challenges it faces, South Africa is making the best wines in its history. Over the decade I’ve been writing these reports, it has been a delight to see the general improvements in quality and the tentative emergence of a South African fine wine sector, with bottles that are discussed, cellared, coveted, shared and sold at auction.
“Rather than just a few individuals, what we have now is a constellation shining bright above us in the firmament, made up of more than 100 winemaking stars.
“This is my eighth South Africa report,” comments Tim, “and it was very different in terms of its preparation to the previous seven. However, thanks to the help of Wines of South Africa and others, I was able to taste almost everything I needed to and talk to leading winemakers, viticulturists and industry figures.”
Perfect scores
“This year I have awarded two perfect scores of 100 points; these are only the second and third wines ever to receive this accolade (the first was Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2015, in 2018)”
“Not only that, but 23 other wines scored 97 points or higher. Chenin Blanc is the standout grape this time, with 32 Chenins scoring 95 points or more, but rarer grapes such as Colombard, Tinta Barocca and Palomino also featured among my 153 wines of the year. I salute all the winning winemakers and viticulturists for their fantastic efforts and can’t wait to see them in person again soon.”
Tim Atkin ( Tim Atkin Report 2020 )
Tim Atkin’s Wines and Winemakers of the Year
TIM ATKIN MW SOUTH AFRICA REPORT: THE PODIUM 2020
Winemaker of the Year: Gottfried Mocke of Boekenhoutskloof
Young Winemakers of the Year: David and Nadia Sadie of David & Nadia
Grower of the Year: Johan Reyneke of Reyneke Wines
Co-operative of the Year: Riebeek Valley Wine Company
Winemaking Legend: Peter Finlayson of Bouchard Finlayson
Best Cellar Door Experience: Delaire Graff
Overall White Wine of the Year: 2019 Sadie Family Skurfberg Chenin Blanc, Olifants River
Overall Red Wine of the Year: 2018 Porseleinberg Syrah, Swartland
Overall Rosé of the Year: 2019 Lievland Liefkoos Rosé, Stellenbosch
Overall Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2014 Graham Beck Cuvée Clive, Western Cape
Overall Sweet Wine of the Year: 2017 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, Constantia
Overall Fortified Wine of the Year: 2018 De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve, Calitzdorp
Red Wine Discovery of the Year: 2017 Miles Mossop Sam, Stellenbosch
White Wine Discovery of the Year: 2019 Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders Sauvignon Blanc, Citrusdal Mountain
Best Value White of the Year: 2019 Eikendal Janina Unwooded Chardonnay, Western Cape
Best Value Red of the Year: 2019 Boplaas Touriga Nacional Family Reserve, Calitzdorp
Best Value Rosé of the Year: 2019 Meerhof Grenache Rosé, Swartland
Best Value Sparkling Wine of the Year: 2011 Bon Courage Jacques Bruère Blanc de Blancs, Robertson
Best Value Sweet Wine of the Year: 2019 Klawer Cellars Villa Esposto Straw Wine, Citrusdal Mountain
Best Value Fortified Wine of the Year: 2014 Alvi’s Drift Muscat de Frontignan, Worcester
