A highlight of any new edition is the five-star wines lineup – the exceptional bottlings that emerge from a second round of tasting with the highest rating on the Platter’s scale of zero to five stars (“Somewhat less than ordinary” to “Superlative. A South African classic”). This edition a record 211 wines received five stars, equating to 95 or more on the 100-point international scale.
Of the five-star-awarded wines, the highest scorers within each category receive the sought-after accolade, Wines of the Year. This time there are 28 category winning wines. Also noteworthy are 215 Highly Recommended wines, which narrowly missed five stars but are nonetheless extremely fine and collectable in their own right, earning a rating of 94 on the 100-point scale; 165 reds and whites showing particular potential for cellaring (these age-worthy wines appear under the banner “Buy Now, Drink Later”); and 187 Hidden Gems, wines which tasters feel are particularly worthy of note, being interesting, attractive, unique, representative of an important trend or simply extraordinarily drinkable.
The three prestigious Winery of the Year awards are the highest accolades bestowed by Platter’s. The Top Performing Winery of the Year goes to the winery that achieves the most five-star results after the annual final tasting round. This year, the recipient is Kleine Zalze Wines, the well-known and very popular landmark winery in Stellenbosch.
The Editor’s Award Winery of the Year award recognises a winegrowing individual or team who, based on performance in the current edition as well as their track record, are ambassadors par excellence for South African wine. This year the award goes to Rall Wines’ Donovan Rall, who has featured at the topmost level of achievement in the guide since his first appearance in 2008.
The Newcomer Winery of the Year is awarded to a producer who debuted in Platter’s this year and achieved the highest scores. The well-deserved recipient of this distinction is Pilgrim Wines, with South Africa’s first commercial bottling of trousseau, the French red variety is officially known locally as Bastardo do Castello, and a stunning 94-point Chenin Blanc.
Platter’s 2021 hardcover is available from selected bookstores and retailers nationwide. The recommended retail price is R360 incl VAT.
