Tim Atkin classifies Cape Wine for the 3rd time

Every year, winemakers eagerly await the results of Tim Atkin's report which along with its rankings, offers scores for over 1000 wines and more than 700 detailed tasting notes for wines that scored above 90 points.

What does it mean?

The "Growth" system refers to a classification of wines which generally come from the Bordeux region in France and is based on a wine's reputation and price. This practice was started in 1855 and very little has changed in regards to those included in the first-growth tier except for in 1973 when Mouton-Rothschild was elevated to first-growth.

To apply this same method to South Africa has caused a lot of comment and debate ywith some regarding the original method of judging as needing to be broader perhaps taking into account cultural image, its status historically, the wine's demand and competition success.

Tim's first-growths are:

AA Badenhorst
Alheit
Cape Point
Chamonix
Crystallum
Delaire Graff
Kanonkop
Keermont
Klein Constantia
Mullineux & Leeu
Paul Cluver
Porseleinberg
Rall
Reyneke
Sadie Family Wines

You can read more about the report here