Judges' deliberations: Standout sparkling and strong varietal showings from South Africa

As the IWSC’s 2025 South Africa Wine Judging draws to a close, we look back on the week’s highlights and speak to our panel of judges to discover just how the wines performed.

This year’s panels were led by IWSC Wine Judging Committee member Victoria Mason MW, and featured an esteemed line-up of judges including David Kermode, Zara Cassidy, Matteo Montone MS, Greg Sherwood MW, Dr Winnie Bowman, Kenny Nassen, George Young, Robert Mathias MW, Lauren Segers-Jewell and Dr Erna Blancquaert.

Cap Classique: World-class sparkle with growing global appeal

South Africa’s sparkling wine category received special attention at this year’s judging, with a dedicated panel spending a full day tasting through the Cap Classique entries. The judges were impressed with the standard across the board, awarding four Gold medals, and particularly highlighting the strength of the Blanc de Blancs wines.

Judge Dr Winnie Bowman noted that “Cap Classique is a growing category, and the quality is improving year on year. The top wines were complex, harmonious, and beautifully balanced.” This sentiment was echoed by David Kermode, who praised the “winning combination of freshness, juicy, plump and ripe South African fruit, and well-judged winemaking complexity” shown in the best examples.

Regarding the UK market, the entire panel agreed that the category has "massive potential", and advised producers to continue raising the profile. "Consumers will turn loyal once they tune in to the quality that's on offer."

Still Whites: A strong showing for South Africa’s signature varietal

South Africa’s white wines performed particularly well this year, earning an impressive collection of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.

Often considered the country’s flagship white grape, Chenin Blanc delivered a standout performance. One of the highest-scoring examples was a 2024 Stellenbosch Gold medal winner, praised by judges for its “bright fruit, zesty and fresh character, lovely texture, and good acid backbone.” Judge Dr Winnie Bowman commented: “Chenin speaks of South African sunshine captured in those grapes. A calling card!”

Sauvignon Blanc also impressed, earning several high-scoring Silver medals. One judge noted that “it was such a joy to see South African Sauvignon Blanc really shine.”

Meanwhile, Chardonnay had one of the strongest performances of all white varieties, with several Gold medal winners. Judge Lauren Segers-Jewell remarked: “It has been an absolute joy to taste Chardonnay. I strongly feel that South Africa is making the best Chardonnay in its history, and this is just proof of that. The quality is outstanding from all the regions in the country.”

Two of the highest-scoring Golds in this category went to a pair of 2023 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch Chardonnays. One was described as “an enticing and flinty nose… there is power and intensity on the palate, with a drive of ripe apricot, white pepper and acacia. A very serious wine with grand cru-like ambition!”

Still Reds: Cabernet, Syrah and Pinotage impress

South Africa’s red wines delivered a strong showing, with Cabernet Sauvignon leading the charge. Stellenbosch once again proved to be a benchmark region, offering structured, age-worthy wines. One judge declared the Cabernet flight “remarkable,” noting that “Cabernet Sauvignon is king in South Africa and Cabernet from Stellenbosch still dominates.” A 2021 Western Cape Cabernet, awarded 96 points, impressed judges with its “foraged blackberry, forest floor and graphite” nose, plush tannins and “long and meaningful finish.”

Shiraz (Syrah) also performed consistently well, showcasing both varietal character and regional distinction. Matteo Montone MS called it “definitely my favourite flight – so consistently high in quality.” A 2023 Syrah from Agulhas, scoring 95 points, was praised for its “spicy, peppery” profile, “charcoal and black olive” notes, and “drive of energy on the finish.” A 2021 Shiraz, rated 96 points, revealed a more brooding side with “bramble, cracked pepper, wafts of fynbos and juicy, spicy tannins.”

Equally, our judges found much to enjoy in the Pinotage entries, with Zara Cassidy noting a flight that “showcased how well the variety can develop and age.” A 2022 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch Pinotage, awarded 95 points, stood out for its “fragrant violets, plush texture and smoky mineral tannins.” An older release from 2009, scoring 96 points, was praised for its “vibrant acidity, leather development and classy maturity.”

Overall, our judges were struck by the quality on show, from bold reds to subtly, exquisitely balanced whites, highlighting South Africa’s impressive breadth of style and craftsmanship. Judge George Young summed up his tasting experience in three words: "Competitive, Vibrant and QUALITY.".

Judge David Kermode offered this advice to producers: “There is so much talk about the value to be had from South Africa, and rightly so, but we need to move the dial toward quality and regional diversity. The country’s wines need to be framed through that prism, rather than simply 'bang for buck.'”

There is more to come from South Africa as we share the full results on Wednesday 2nd July.