Wines of the Year 2021
Top Value by Decanter
Decanter staff and experts around the world were asked to nominate their favorite classic, unusual, and value wines that impressed them most in 2021. Check out the highest-rated bottles that were blind-tasted by the Decanter jury.
Neither the category nor the price is disclosed to the judges at Decanter's Wines of 2021, so each entry is judged purely on quality - a fact that judges Stefan Neumann MW, Matt Walls and Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW appreciate.
Consequently, several value wines nominated by Decanter World Wine Awards regional chairs, key contributors, and staff stood side-by-side with bottles that were many times their price.
These included two Chenin Blancs from Stellenbosch in South Africa, as well as a Soave Classico, all of which scored over 95 points.
Italy was also strong in reds, with a Chianti Classico and a Primitivo di Manduria both scoring 95 points, as did Mendoza in Argentina with an organic Malbec and a Cabernet Franc.
Other notable and highly rated wines nominated in the "Decanter Wines of 2021" Value category (many of which may have become more expensive or sold out since judging) came from Australia, Spain, Bordeaux, Hungary, Languedoc and Greece.
Discover all South African wines with their ratings below.
Stefan Neumann, Decanter Jury. Decanter Wines of 2021
Oldenburg
Chenin Blanc – 2020
97 points – Nominated by Georgina Hindle
Babylonstoren
Shiraz – 2019
94 points – Nominated by Michela Nassiz
The Babylonstoren Shiraz flows into the glass in a dark ruby red. The fruity scent of currants is underscored by black pepper, and the red wine also convinces on the palate with its fruity, spicy aroma interplay. Notes of cherries, prunes and spices provide a multi-faceted taste experience that lingers long after.
Promotion
BABYLONSTOREN
Shiraz – 2019
CHF 23.90 instead of CHF 29.90
Graham Beck
Ultra Brut – 2015
93 points – Nominated by Fiona McDonald
The Ultra Brut is the quintessence of Graham Beck's style. With a virginal hue, this Cap Classique opens with a vibrant bouquet of lemon zest and brioche notes. The rich, complex palate is perfectly balanced by fresh acidity and an exceptionally fine mousse – a prime example of the 2016 vintage. Endowed with a deliciously creamy texture and a rewarding finish, this ultra-dry Brut is ideal for drinking now or over the next 5 to 8 years.
New Vintage
GRAHAM BECK
Ultra Brut – 2016
CHF 35.00
KWV
Roodeberg 1949 – 2017
93 points – Nominated by Greg Sherwood
Thorne & Daughters
Wanderer’s Heart – 2020
91 points – Nominated by Natalie Earl
The Wanderer's Heart 2017 is a multi-regional blend of Rhône varieties, led by Grenache, matured in used oak and with a higher percentage of whole clusters in the Grenache. It has a floral, pure bouquet with delicate notes of gorse, fennel and white pepper. The palate is balanced with a gentle grip on the palate, beautiful structure (perhaps more than expected) and a precise, lightly spiced finish, with the Mourvèdre adding a subtle medicinal note. Excellent.
Matured Vintage
THORNE & DAUGHTERS
Wanderer’s Heart – 2017
CHF 29.00
