Experience Set - White

Six whites, three grape varieties and one blend

This experience set showcases the diversity of South African white wines. Two Sauvignon Blancs from cool-climate sites are contrasted by two Chenins, joined by a Chardonnay from Simonsberg and the new white Cape blend from Boekenhoutskloof. The origins range from the remote Elandskloof valley to Durbanville, Stellenbosch, and the Swartland. Also included is Diemersdal, which Platter's named Top Performing Winery of the Year for 2026. From fresh, aromatic Sauvignon to creamy, oak-fermented Chenin, this set has it all. Ideal for a white wine evening with friends or as a gift.

The six bottles in the set

• Warwick The White Lady Chardonnay 2023 The Chardonnay from Warwick, the family estate on the Simonsberg that Norma Ratcliffe made famous as one of South Africa’s first female winemakers. From four Stellenbosch sites, from the Helderberg to the Simonsberg. Citrus, green apple, white peach, toasted nuts, and spices, concentrated and fresh. Tim Atkin 94 points.
• Cape of Good Hope Altima Sauvignon Blanc 2024 From the Cape of Good Hope range by Anthonij Rupert, from the Altima estate in Elandskloof, a remote valley just five kilometers wide north of Villiersdorp, surrounded by mountains that rise a kilometer above the valley floor. Bold tropical aromas of guava, kiwi, and fig, plus a hint of grapefruit; vibrant and mineral.
• Stellenrust Secrets & Lies Chenin Blanc 2023 A barrel-fermented Chenin from the family-run Stellenrust estate. The oak influence remains subtle, highlighting the rich tropical fruit with a touch of vanilla, while a small proportion of botrytized grapes adds sunny ripeness to this dry wine.
• Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine White 2024 The first release of the new white Cape blend, inspired by the white wines of the southern Rhône. Chenin Blanc from the Swartland provides texture, Sémillon from Franschhoek adds structure, Chardonnay from the cool Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley brings freshness, and Viognier adds a floral touch. Quince, poached pear, and nectarine, with ginger and cinnamon, lively acidity, and a mineral finish. Winemag 96 points, Tim Atkin 93 points.
• Leeuwenkuil Reserve Chenin Blanc 2024 Leeuwenkuil ("Lion’s Den") is the southernmost winery in the Swartland, with a history dating back to 1693. Today, Willie and Emma Dreyer run the estate in the seventh generation. The Reserve is a selection of the best Chenin parcels. Beeswax, chamomile, peach, and dried straw, combined with citrus blossom, quince, and yellow apple; lush and concentrated with perfect freshness.
• Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2025 Thys Louw represents the sixth generation to run Diemersdal in Durbanville and is considered one of the Cape’s great Sauvignon Blanc specialists. The Reserve comes from the estate’s highest block, with views toward Table Mountain and False Bay. Citrus zest and lime, plus passion fruit and gooseberry; powerful yet elegant. Tim Atkin 91 points.

At a glance: 6 bottles of 0.75 l, white wine, South Africa, dry. Serve Sauvignon Blanc best at 8 to 10 degrees, and Chenin, Chardonnay, and Goldmine at 10 to 12 degrees.

Vinification

• Warwick The White Lady Chardonnay 2023: 100% Chardonnay from four sites (two on the Helderberg, one in Vlottenburg, one on the Simonsberg), harvested separately at different levels of ripeness. Whole-bunch pressed, naturally settled. Fermented in 228-liter Burgundy barrels of French oak (33% new), stirred monthly, aged for 11 months, lightly filtered. Stellenbosch.
• Cape of Good Hope Altima Sauvignon Blanc 2024: 100% Sauvignon Blanc from weathered shale at approximately 700 m above sea level. Slow, late ripening without heatwaves. Aged in stainless steel, three to five months on the fine lees. Elandskloof.
• Stellenrust Secrets & Lies Chenin Blanc 2023: 100% Chenin Blanc with a small portion of botrytized grapes. Partially reductive processing, spontaneous fermentation in oak barrels. Stellenbosch.
• Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine White 2024: 53% Chenin Blanc (Swartland), 24% Chardonnay (Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley), 19% Sémillon (Franschhoek), 4% Viognier. Chenin Blanc, Sémillon, and Viognier aged in used 2,500-liter foudres, concrete eggs, and clay amphorae; the Chardonnay in new French barriques. 12 to 14 months of aging depending on the component. Western Cape.
• Leeuwenkuil Reserve Chenin Blanc 2024: 100% Chenin Blanc from dry-land bush vines. Hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed, spontaneous fermentation partly in 5,000-liter French oak foudres, partly in stainless steel and cement tanks. Nine months of aging before blending. Swartland.
• Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2025: 100% Sauvignon Blanc from dry-land vines, hand-harvested. Reductively destemmed and crushed, twelve hours of skin contact, 36 hours of settling. About three weeks of cool fermentation at 14 to 16 °C in stainless steel. Durbanville.

Pairs with: Oysters, goat cheese, asparagus, grilled fish, seafood, sushi, roast chicken, pork tenderloin with herbs, Thai curry, risotto, and creamy cheeses.