TIM ATKIN BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA

The 2021 annual Tim Atkin Report reviews in great detail the latest releases from producers all over South Africa. We are thrilled to have been given 3rd Growth Status as a producer and to have received reviews for the following wines scoring 90 points and over:

Beaumont Hope Marguerite Chenin Blanc 2020

Bot River (12.24%)

"Very simple winemaking," says Sebastian Beaumont modestly. But he's right in a way. Less is more when the sites are as good as these two blocks, planted in 1974 and 1978. Leesy, focused and effortlessly poised, with a hint of spicy new wood, pear and patisserie flavours and thrilling acidity, minerality and palate length. 2021-26.

Beaumont New Baby 2019

Bot River (13%)

New Baby is not so new these days, as it has a few vintages under its belt, but the wine is as good as ever, marrying Chenin Blanc with Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Colombard and Chardonnay. Pale and refined, the blend has plenty of zip and minerality to balance the 25% new oak and grapefruit and nectarine flavours. 2021-25

Beaumont Dangerfield Syrah 2018

Bot River (13%)

Serious, dense and still comparatively youthful at just three years old, this Syrah hails from four different sites on the farm. Tar and liquorice aromas segue into a spicy palate with layered raspberry and red cherry fruit and some underlying tannic grip. 2023-27

Beaumont Jackals River Pinotage 2018

Bot River (13%)

Sourced from two parcels of Pinotage, that are 25 and 47 years old respectively, this is a bright, textured, perfumed expression of the grape, with nuanced 25% new wood, bramble and wild strawberry fruit and supple tannins. 2021-26

Beaumont Chenin Blanc 2020

Bot River (12.5%)

At roughly a third of the price of the Hope Marguerite Chenin Blanc, this is something of a bargain. Textured, fresh and unwooded, with low alcohol, racy minerality and flavours of peach and lemongrass. 2021-24