Platter's Stars Crown a Stellar Year for De Grendel

Three 5-star wines, including a fourth 5-star award in a row for Elim Shiraz, and no less than 13 4.5-star ratings in the 2023 Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide, highlight the depth and consistency of excellence in the wines of De Grendel.

The 5-star De Grendel Elim Shiraz 2020, grown in the unique maritime climate close to Africa’s southernmost tip at Cape Agulhas, was awarded 95 points and described in the Guide as “a stellar expression of coastal shiraz”. Elim Shiraz has now achieved the maximum 5-star rating in every one of its last four vintages.

Grown more than 250km away in the cool continental climate of the Ceres plateau more than 1 000m above sea level, Op Die Berg Syrah earned its second 5-star rating, for the 2021 vintage, while the 2020 vintage earned 4.5 stars with 94 points and “highly recommended” status.

Amandelboord Pinotage 2020 rounded out De Grendel’s trio of five-star “superlative South African classic” wines.

Now in its 43rd annual edition, the best-selling Platter’s hardcover and online guide is the most comprehensive collection of ratings and information on South African wines and wineries.

In addition to Op Die Berg Syrah 2020, a further four De Grendel wines scored 94 points, missing a five-star rating by just one point and earning “highly recommended” status for exceptional quality, “extremely fine and collectable” wines. These are De Grendel Shiraz 2020, Rubaiyat 2019, Op die Berg Chardonnay 2021, Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2022.

“These latest Platter’s ratings close out an awards season in which our wines have performed really well across different varietals and winegrowing regions.

“Five stars is the pinnacle we all strive for, but it is also especially pleasing to have achieved a record 13 4.5-star ratings and of those, five wines narrowly missing five stars. This is a clear indication of the depth of quality across our ranges and our growing track record of consistent excellence vintage after vintage,” De Grendel cellar master Charles Hopkins said.

Four wines also earned the Platter’s critics’ tick for “good value”, highlighted as offering superior quality at the price.

De Grendel's Platter's Wine Guide Results