Thirteen of Longridge Wine Estate’s wines were scored more than 90 points by Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, in the fifth edition of his 2017 South Africa Special Report, due for release in September.
Mr Atkin tasted close to 1 700 wines for his report and is of the opinion that the South African wine scene has never been more exciting or more diverse.
Heading the scoreboard with 95 points each are two of the estate’s flagship wines – the 2016 Longridge Ou Steen and the 2015 Longridge Clos du Ciel Chardonnay. This was followed by the 2015 Longridge Ekliptika with 94 points.
Five wines were awarded 93 points, which included the 2016 Longridge Pinotage, the 2015 Longridge Maandans, the 2009 MCC Vitage Brut Reserve, the 2015 Longridge Merlot and the 2016 Longridge Organic Chardonnay, of which a previous vintage carried the title as best organic white wine in the country last year.
The 2014 Longridge Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2015 Longridge Chenin Blanc both scored 92 points, with the Longridge MCC Brut coming in on 91 points, and the MCC Brut Rosé and 2015 Edelgoud receivcaing 90 points.
“This is most probably the most comprehensive report on the South African wine industry and carries a lot of weight.
“It is also a positive reinforcement of the winemaking team’s commitment to organic and bio-dynamic farming practices and minimal interference in the winemaking process,” said Mr Raats, who also received medals of excellence for four of his private label wines.
The 2015 Jasper Raats Driefontein Sauvignon Blanc scored 93 points, while Die Plek Cinsaut 2016 and the Driefontein Syrah 2014 both received 92 points and the 2015 Cuvée Rika Pinot Noir was awarded 91 points.
To taste these wines, visit Longridge on the Eikendal Road off the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. For more information, visit www.longridge.co.za or call 021 855 2005.
