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THE BEST OF THE BEST

While South Africa has been producing world-class wines for a long time, showcasing the signature wines of the Cape’s distinctive wine regions has been a task that few have ever attempted – let alone succeeded in. Five years ago, I challenged myself to do something about that.

Since then, the Regional Series has achieved exactly what it set out to: industry-wide acclaim and recognition.

A Star Studded lineup 

Consisting of flagship wines from five of the Cape’s most iconic wine regions (Stellenbosch, Constantia, Franchhoek, the Swartland and the Breedekloof), I set out to produce the ultimate expression of each region’s calling card. Bringing together that region’s leading winemakers along with their very best barrels has proven to be a winning formula, with 3 wines achieving Platter’s coveted 5 stars!

Constantia White 2021

Winemakers from Constantia’s most renowned wine farms offered their finest Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon to create another exceptional white blend. Freshly clipped notes of citrus and lemon zest on the nose lead to a palate that more than delivers on rich complexity.

Breedekloof Chenin 2021

Light lemon yellow in colour, the nose exudes the amazing fruit purity so typical of the Breedekloof. On the palate, expect a concentrated, fresh acidity backed by well-integrated oak and good length. Created in collaboration with winemakers from five of the Breedekloof’s best known winemakers, who each offered their finest Chenin Blanc barrels.

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Five of Stellenbosch’s most accomplished winemakers have done it again—creating another 5-star Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon (for the third year running). The aroma brims with sun-ripened fruit, blackberries and sweet tobacco, leading to a palate that seamlessly brings together the finest of Stellenbosch terroirs. 

Franschhoek Semillon 2021

A subtle nose of lemon zest and crushed lemon leaves give rise to a vibrant zip on the palate, followed by a succulent, rich weight (thanks to just the right amount of time spent in oak). Poised, structured and refined, this is a wine which will reward your patience.

Swartland Syrah 2020

From the heart of the Riebeeksrivier valley, this quintessential Swartland wine offers a mix of ripe berries and plum fruit with a touch of spice and herbs. Hints of smoke and savoury notes lead to a rounded berry vibrancy, juicy tannins, integrated oak, and a smooth, long finish.

Better Together

Along with each of these region’s leading winemakers, I’m proud of what we have achieved so far. In my opinion, this Regional Series showcases one of South Africa’s ‘pockets of excellence’ (as mentioned by futurologist and strategist Clem Sunter), and highlights the diversity and depth within the Cape winelands, all the while, proving once again, that we are always better together.

What does it take to achieve 5 stars?

Featuring hundreds of producers and thousands of individual wines each year, achieving the ultimate five-star Platter rating for a wine is no easy feat. The best of the best undergo a rigorous tasting process involving blind assessments (without sight of the label) by a team of experts. Of the thousands of wines tasted, only bottlings that are judged to be “superlative South African classics” are given the highest ranking of five stars, equal to 95 points or better on the 100-point rating scale.

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