These were sampled and ranked according to the guide's five-point scale, which ranges from 0 stars ('Somewhat less than ordinary') up to 5 stars ('Superlative. A Cape classic'). In the course of this year's evaluations, the guide's tasters identified 72 candidate five stars across a variety of categories - reds and whites, botrytised desserts and Natural Sweets, ports as well as methóde cap classique sparkling. As previously, only finished, bottled wines, available during the currency of the guide, were considered. The short-listed wines were then judged by a full panel. Andrew McDowall, the guide's publisher, says: 'Our policy remains to taste and assess, as far as is practically possible, all of the wines that are available for the duration of the particular edition, locally as well as abroad. Given the enormous number of ranges and individual products tasted, the wines which merit a five-star rating make up a very select group indeed.' The five stars for 2006 are: Glen Carlou Syrah 2004 Rijk's Private Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2000 Thelema Reserve Merlot 2003 Axe Hill Cape Vintage Port 2003 De Krans Vintage Reserve Port 2003 Kaapzicht Steytler Vision 2002 (red blend) Steenberg Vineyards Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Steenberg Vineyards Semillon 2005 Vergelegen White 2004 (white blend) The Sadie Family Palladius 2004 (white blend) 'We would like to extend our congratulations to the top scorers, and of course to the balance of the five-star contenders, whose names will be announced at the book launch in November,' McDowall said. 'Our Wine of the Year will be announced at the same time, along with the name of the guide's first 'Superquaffer of the Year' - judged to be the most drinkable and well-priced of all the entry-level wines tasted for the current edition. Suffice to say wine drinkers are in for a pleasant surprise.' The 2006 edition will be available from selected book shops and retail outlets, as well as the website, www.platteronline.com. The recommended retail price is R119.95.