Tim James has a yearly questionnaire that he sends out to wine journalists, sommeliers and retailers in South Africa and overseas.
The list comprised of 27 these connoisseurs who had to provide a list of their top 20 producers and their recommendation of the top 5 out of these 20.
Out of all the recommendations a final list of 20 was compiled according to the opinion formers. This list has been put together since 2001 and gives a great overall look into the current wine scene and the evolvement thereof.
The 2016 list looked like this (in ranking order):
Mullineux
Sadie Family
Kanonkop
Boekenhoutskloof
Alheit
Newton Johnson
Chamonix
Paul Cluver
Cape Point Vineyards
David and Nadia
Reyneke
A A Badenhorst
Crystallum
Klein Constantia
Vergelegen
Tokara
Delaire Graff
DeMorgenzon
Jordan
Savage
What do you reckon? Anyone else you’d have put on your list? Share below so we can compare notes 😉
You can read the original article on this by viewing it here. But as far as lists go Jamie Goode states in the article:
Personally, I think there’s an inertia to this list. It takes time for local commentators in particular to recognize that traditionally excellent producers are no longer at the front of the pack. The bar has been raised, and some of the top names of 10 years ago are still making excellent wines; it’s just that there are new entrants who are making wines that are even more compelling. It’s easier to see this from a distance, I reckon.
Well, for one we are very proud and count ourselves as blessed to be listed among these great names. So now it’s onwards to make sure we stay there and keep improving.
Feel free to add a comment below. Would love to hear your thoughts & share notes…
