99 Robert Parker points for South African wines

Record-breaking point scores

In the world of wine, there are moments that make history and raise the appreciation of a region or a winery to a new level.

Such a turning point appears to have been reached when Robert Parker magazine recently awarded an unprecedented number of points to South African wines. This landmark recognition not only enhances the reputation of individual wineries, but also confirms the outstanding reputation of the entire South African wine landscape on an international level. It emphasises the impressive quality and potential that South African wines represent in the global wine world.

According to Anthony Mueller’s latest article «South Africa: Cool-climate wines and novelties» for Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, the warm climes of South Africa hide a fascinating variety of outstanding cool-climate wine regions. Not only at the southern tip of the country, in close proximity to the South Pole, but also in other regions such as Constantia, Greyton, Bot River, the Hemel-en-Aarde valleys and the Ridge area, remarkable wines with cool nuances and impressive longevity are produced. This article takes a look at the beauty and versatility of this South African wine landscape, characterised by elegance and finesse.

Anthony Mueller writes: «The South African landscape continues to set new benchmarks in terms of quality, diversity, inclusion and empowerment. The new generation of winemakers continues to be curious and recognised for their unique expressions of single varietal wines… Even though things are still looking up, South African producers continue to fight for their place at the table. I still believe that South Africa’s wines are significantly undervalued and underrated around the world… On my recent trip to the Western Cape, I had three separate conversations about how the waiters and sommeliers of European and American restaurants make more money than the wine producers from selling their bottles of wine. An interesting thought, but it only proves that South African wine is underpriced and that we should all be prepared for prices to rise steadily until South African wine is priced appropriately for its category.»

At a reasonable price

According to the «Parker points system», wines with a score of 96 or more are considered outstanding, and such a rating often has a significant influence on the corresponding wine prices. To buy a bottle of a 99-point wine from South Africa, you have to pay around 109 francs. A comparison with other award-winning wines from different countries shows that the prices are sometimes even in the four-figure range.

In wine heaven: Parker points from 96 to 99 – the ultimate in wine ratings

As already mentioned, wines with 96 Parker points or more are considered outstanding. Use the list to find out which South African wines have achieved this rating.

Robert Parker Tasting Sets

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