Greatness Finds a Foothold: Swartland Points the Way for South African Wine

South Africa’s fine wine revolution has found its compass in the Swartland. The dry, windy hills north of Cape Town now yield more great wines than any other region, redefining what South African wine can be. Chenin blanc may have opened the door, but the story today is broader and deeper, with innovative growers leading the way.

In our 2025 annual tasting – the largest we’ve ever conducted, with more than 900 wines – the Swartland dominated the results, accounting for over half of the 30 highest-scoring bottles and proving that South Africa’s modern greatness is now rooted in its oldest viticultural soils. That’s an extraordinary performance for a region that comprises just 13 percent of South Africa’s vineyards and less than 10 percent of the bottles in our annual tasting.

“The Swartland is the biggest appellation in the country; it’s not a one-wine place.” renowned winemaker Eben Sadie of Sadie Family Wines said in a Zoom interview with us, referring to the medley of wine varieties found in the region today.  Full article

BEESLAAR WINES
93 POINTS – BEESLAAR CHARDONNAY 2023
Ripe peaches, baked apples, custard, vanilla and apricots on the nose of this creamy, caressing white. It’s full-bodied, buttery and peachy, with generous vanilla and cream notes lingering at the end. Sustainable. Drink now or hold.

93 POINTS – BEESLAAR PINOTAGE 2023
Chocolate, raisins, prunes, vanilla and cinnamon stick on the nose of this big, bold red. It’s full-bodied and concentrated with fleshy tannins and heaps of spiced fruit and plum jam character. Hedonistic this year. Drink or hold.

CRYSTALLUM
95 POINTS – CRYSTALLUM CLAY SHALES CHARDONNAY 2024
Citrus rind, jasmine, cedar, persimmons and white peaches on the nose of this very fresh and fragrant white. It’s medium- to full-bodied, silky and classy on the palate. Lovely balance of spice and fruit in the long, cool finish. From a 1 hectare block. Drink or hold. 4,150 bottles produced.

95 POINTS – CRYSTALLUM CUVEE CINEMA PINOT NOIR 2024
This is wonderfully perfumed, showing potpourri, lavender, sandalwood, wild cherries and hints of sage. It’s medium-bodied and classy, with firm, fine-grained tannins supporting the fruit and floral complexity. Very long and focused. 60% whole-cluster fermentation. From a 1.6 hectare block. Drink or hold. 5,387 bottles produced.

94 POINTS – CRYSTALLUM FERRUM CHARDONNAY 2024
Lovely peach, grapefruit, buttered-toast and lemon-curd aromas to this creamy white, as well as some nutmeg and cedar. It’s full-bodied but fresh and elegant, with a long, caressing finish. From a 1 hectare block. Drink or hold. 4,130 bottles produced.

94 POINTS – CRYSTALLUM MABALEL PINOT NOIR 2024
Attractive spice aromas in this red, showing nutmeg, cloves, cherries and blood oranges on the nose. Well-integrated on the medium-bodied palate with fine, lightly chalky tannins and bright acidity. Very lively and delicious. Drink or hold. 4,170 bottles produced.

94 POINTS – CRYSTALLUM LITIGO PINOT NOIR 2024
Rosemary stalks, violets, fresh plums and brambleberries on the nose of this savory, tight red. It’s medium-bodied with crunchy, lightly stemmy tannins. Lots of tension, even a little austere. 75% whole-cluster fermentation. Drink or hold. 3,420 bottles produced.

92 POINTS – CRYSTALLUM THE AGNES CHARDONNAY 2024
Sliced bread, apples, hints of nutmeg and lemon rind on the nose, as well as wet stones and seashells. It’s creamy and fresh with medium to full body and lovely textural complexity. Salty at the end. Drink now.

92 POINTS – CRYSTALLUM PETER MAX PINOT NOIR 2024
This fresh, pretty wine has aromas of red berries, rosemary and crushed stones. It’s medium-bodied, bright and mineral with fine, chiseled tannins and a pure, stony quality. Around 50% whole-cluster fermentation. Grapes from the Hemel-en-Aarde and Overberg. Drink or hold.

DAVID & NADIA
96 POINTS – DAVID & NADIA HOE-STEEN CHENIN BLANC 2024
Lovely breadth and density to this full-bodied white, with stony and salty undertones to the fruit. Aromas of fennel, lemon rind, jasmine and grapefruit are supported by mineral coolness and creamy texture. Delicious finish. From a vineyard planted in 1968 with deep iron- and clay-rich soils. Drink or hold. 1,000 bottles produced.

96 POINTS – DAVID & NADIA SKALIEKAP CHENIN BLANC 2024
Grapefruit, jackfruit, honey and crushed stones on the nose. Full-bodied and focused with a fantastic combination of fresh, chalky minerality and fruit. Lots of phenolic tension too. Very long and tightly wound. From a vineyard in the Paardeberg, planted in 1985. Drink or hold. 1,750 bottles produced.

95 POINTS – DAVID & NADIA LANGLAND CHENIN BLANC 2024
Sliced green apples, white pears and salted almonds on the nose of this very saline wine. It’s medium- to full-bodied, sleek and creamy, with stony purity and freshness. Extremely long, steely finish. From a vineyard in the Paardeberg, planted in 1971. Drink or hold. 613 bottles produced.

95 POINTS – DAVID & NADIA PLATBOS CHENIN BLANC 2024
This is very mineral and sharp, showing aromas and flavors of whole lemons, white grapefruit and seashells. It’s medium-bodied, saline and linear but with phenolic texture too. Mouthwatering acidity. This will age wonderfully. From a vineyard planted on granitic soils in 1981. Drink or hold. 1,700 bottles produced.

95 POINTS – DAVID & NADIA ELPIDIOS 2023
Olives, Mediterranean herbs, red plums, licorice and mixed peppercorns. It’s wonderfully fresh on the palate, salty and savory, with medium body and very fine, chiseled tannins. Long, structured yet elegant finish. A blend of 26% grenache, 24% syrah, 22% carignan, 20% pinotage and 8% cinsaut. Drink or hold.

94 POINTS – DAVID & NADIA GRENACHE 2024
Perfumed aromas of lavender, rosemary, red cherries and red plums. Some clay and seaweed too. It’s medium-bodied, tight and focused with chalky, crunchy tannins and salty undertones. Bright, saline and youthful yet with the structure to age. About 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Drink or hold.

94 POINTS – DAVID & NADIA ARISTARGOS 2024
Lemon rind, salted almonds, crushed stones, green apples and grapefruit on the nose of this really fresh, mineral and saline white. Lots of texture on the full-bodied palate. Very long, dry and focused. Hints of spices at the end. A blend of chenin blanc, colombard, semillon, clairette blanche, marsanne, roussanne and grenache blanc. Drink or hold.

93 POINTS – DAVID & NADIA CHENIN BLANC 2024
Sliced pears, acacia honey, seashells and grapefruit on the nose of this very mineral wine. It’s medium- to full-bodied with plenty of midpalate weight and a stony, textured and focused finish. Drink or hold.

GABRIELSKLOOF
94 POINTS – GABRIELSKLOOF SYRAH ON SHALE 2023
Cracked pepper, rosemary, chili jam, olives and red berries on the nose of this vibrant, peppery red. It’s medium- to full-bodied with tight, crunchy tannins. I like the spiciness and wild-herb touch. Drink or hold.

93 POINTS – GABRIELSKLOOF CABERNET FRANC 2023
Paprika and cherries on the nose of this juicy red, as well as a touch of cocoa, white pepper and basil. It’s medium-bodied, savory and lively, with chalky tannins and an attractive earthy undertone. Drink or hold.

93 POINTS – GABRIELSKLOOF ERA RENE CHENIN BLANC 2024
Chopped apples, spiced pears, nutmeg, honey and crushed rocks on the nose. It’s creamy and layered, full-bodied, with fresh, lively acidity. Long, cool and delicious. Drink or hold.

92 POINTS – GABRIELSKLOOF AMPHORA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024
Chopped apples, honey, lemons and almonds on the nose. It’s creamy and textured, with a medium body and mineral, honeyed undertones, but very dry, fresh and tangy. Made in amphora. Drink now or hold.

92 POINTS – GABRIELSKLOOF WHOLE BUNCH SYRAH 2024
Lively and crunchy. Aromas of raspberries, pomegranates, pink peppercorns and licorice follow through to a medium-bodied and fresh palate. Firm, too, with crunchy tannins. Drink or hold.

KANONKOP 
95 POINTS – KANONKOP ESTATE PAUL SAUER 2022
Cocoa, black plums, walnuts, bay leaves and spice box on the nose. Olives, too. It’s full-bodied, layered and well-structured, with firm but fine and polished tannins framing the dark, spicy fruit. Savory and tight at the end. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 27% cabernet franc and 18% merlot. Better after 2026.

94 POINTS – KANONKOP ESTATE BLACK LABEL PINOTAGE 2023
This full-bodied red has aromas of dark plums, licorice, smoke and mushrooms. It’s fleshy and toasty with ripe, plush tannins. Spicy and polished. Excellent length. Drink or hold.

93 POINTS – KANONKOP ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021
Blackberries, coffee beans, black beans and some cedar on the nose of this sleek and classy red. It’s full-bodied but fresh with fine-grained tannins and a focused finish. Drink or hold.

92 POINTS – KANONKOP KADETTE PINOTAGE 2023
Plums, cherries and chocolate orange on the nose of this juicy red. It’s full-bodied with ripe tannins. Nicely balanced. Drink now.

92 POINTS – KANONKOP KADETTE CAPE BLEND 2023
Currants, olives, mushrooms and mocha on the nose of this juicy red. It’s savory and gently smoky with a full body and mellow tannins. 38% pinotage, 34% merlot, 24% cabernet sauvignon, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Drink now or in the next couple of years.

91 POINTS – KANONKOP KADETTE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023
Bramble berries, chocolate and hints of mushrooms on the nose of this full-bodied red. It’s ripe and juicy with medium tannins. Drink now or in the next couple of years.

89 POINTS – KANONKOP KADETTE PINOTAGE ROSE 2025
This pale and fruity rosé has aromas of grapefruit, watermelon and rosehips. It’s medium-bodied, youthful and straightforward, with a crisp finish. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap.

KLEIN CONSTANTIA
97 POINTS – KLEIN CONSTANTIA VIN DE CONSTANCE NATURAL SWEET WINE 2022
Fragrant, enticing aromas of apricot jam, jasmine, orange rind, mangoes, cloves and creme caramel waft from the glass, combining with candied ginger and cinnamon rolls. It’s luscious and concentrated. The sweet fruit is balanced by bright acidity with spicy, savory and zesty components. Very long and beautiful. Drink or hold.

94 POINTS – KLEIN CONSTANTIA CLARA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024
This mineral white shows aromas and flavors of crushed stones, fresh mangoes, lemongrass and grapefruit. It’s creamy, cool and textured, lightly chalky, with a medium to full body and hints of cardamom and aniseed in a long finish. Drink now or hold.

93 POINTS – KLEIN CONSTANTIA ESTATE RED 2022
Violets, plums, graphite and purple basil on the nose of this nicely composed red. It’s full-bodied but fresh and cool with bright acidity, fine-grained tannins and an elegant finish. A blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 33% petit verdot, 8% shiraz and 1% malbec. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

93 POINTS – KLEIN CONSTANTIA PERDEBLOKKE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024
Lime peel, gooseberries, Amalfi lemons and hints of blackcurrants on the nose of this fragrant and fresh white. It’s pure and fruit-driven but zesty and cool, with a medium to full body. Drink now or hold.

92 POINTS – KLEIN CONSTANTIA CHARDONNAY 2024
Sliced peaches, apricots, cashews and pie crust on the nose, as well as lemon rind. It’s full-bodied, creamy and textured with cool acidity and a flinty touch at the end. Drink now.

92 POINTS – KLEIN CONSTANTIA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024
Lime peel, grapefruit, wet stones and lemongrass on the nose of this cool mineral white. It’s medium- to full-bodied with excellent focus. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap.

MEERLUST
92 POINTS – MEERLUST RUBICON 2022
Mint chocolate, bay leaves, tobacco and black fruit on the nose, followed by a full-bodied, polished palate with firm but creamy, fine tannins. Nicely focused. Drink or hold.

91 POINTS – MEERLUST CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021
Coffee, blackberries and mint on the nose of this medium- to full-bodied red. It’s nicely balanced with medium-chewy tannins and good freshness. Drink now or hold.

91 POINTS – MEERLUST RED 2021
Dark plums, coffee, black olives and braised mushrooms on the nose of this mellow red. It’s medium- to full-bodied with nicely softened tannins and a silky finish. Cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot. Drink now.

90 POINTS – MEERLUST CHARDONNAY 2023
Apple crumble, nutmeg and lemon tart on the nose of this toasty white. It’s full-bodied with tasty oak influence. Drink now.

90 POINTS – MEERLUST MERLOT 2022
Mint chocolate, dark berries and grilled herbs on the nose of this meaty red. It’s full-bodied with medium-firm tannins. Slightly chewy finish. Drink in 2026.

90 POINTS – MEERLUST PINOT NOIR 2023
Raw mushrooms and raspberries on the nose, followed by a light- to medium-bodied palate. Juicy and tasty, if a little light. Drink now.

THORNE & DAUGHTERS
94 POINTS – THORNE & DAUGHTERS CAT’S CRADLE OLD VINE CHENIN BLANC 2024
Lemon curd, oats, honeycomb, papayas, toast and mangoes on the nose of this flavorful white. It’s full-bodied, deliciously tropical and generous, yet structured and firm. Toasty and stony undertones to the fleshy, yellow fruit. Drink or hold.

94 POINTS – THORNE & DAUGHTERS SNAKES & LADDERS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024
This is a savory and compact white, offering aromas of beeswax, chamomile, pear skins, dried herbs and grapefruit. It’s creamy, textured and full-bodied, with a salty, savory character. Excellent density and length. Not your typical sauvignon blanc! Drink now or hold.

94 POINTS – THORNE & DAUGHTERS PAPER KITE SEMILLON 2024
I like the bread dough and rosemary focaccia aromas. Grapefruit, honey and peaches, too. It’s creamy, cool and complex with a tasty interplay of fruit and savory, leesy complexity. Medium-bodied, rich but very fresh. Drink or hold.

93 POINTS – THORNE & DAUGHTERS TIN SOLDIER SEMILLON 2024
This has a copper tinge owing to the selection of red-colored semillon grapes. Mandarin orange, quince, apple skin and clove aromas give this an orange-wine character, as does a subtle tannin firmness on the palate. It’s medium-bodied, savory and firm, but fresh. Drink now or hold.

93 POINTS – THORNE & DAUGHTERS ROCKING HORSE CAPE WHITE BLEND 2023
Apricots, poached pears, chopped nuts, orange curd and a floral touch on the nose of this rich and ripe white. It’s broad and full-bodied with a waxy texture. Spicy nutmeg hints at the end. 30% roussanne, 28% chenin blanc, 20% chardonnay, 15% semillon and 7% clairette blanche. Unfiltered. Drink now or hold.

92 POINTS – THORNE & DAUGHTERS COPPER POT PINOT NOIR 2024
Pomegranates, sliced red plums, blood oranges and spices on the nose. Hints of milk chocolate, too. It’s medium-bodied, ripe and juicy, with fine tannins and a creamy texture. Just the right amount of spice. Drink now or hold.

92 POINTS – THORNE & DAUGHTERS WANDERER’S HEART CAPE RED BLEND 2023
Iodine, sage, olives, violets and boysenberries on the nose of this juicy and lively red. It’s medium- to full-bodied with Mediterranean-herb undertones to the wild berry fruit. Silky tannins. Grenache, syrah, carignan and mourvedre. Drink now or hold.