Tim Atkin, esteemed international wine critic, has released his comprehensive 2023 South Africa Report, in which Spier has emerged with a remarkable five wines scoring 90+ points.
Atkin’s annual report, which evaluated 2,205 wines from 419 wineries this year, remains a benchmark in the South African wine industry.
Spier’s Top Scorers:
- Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2021 (Old Vine): 92 Points
- Spier 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon 2019: 91 Points
- Spier Creative Block 2 2022: 91 Points
- Spier Creative Block 3 2019: 91 Points
- Spier Creative Block 5 2020: 91 Points
Johan Jordaan, Spier’s Cellar Master, attributes these high ratings to the team’s commitment to their craft. “We are all deeply honoured. Achieving five ratings over 90+ points is no small feat and reinforces Spier’s belief in the power of regenerative farming techniques. As the ratings suggest, good intentions and hard work yield fruitful results!”.
The 2021 Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc, produced from vines aged 37 years and older, holds the prestigious Old Vine Project status, with the vineyard fondly nicknamed ‘Lazarus’ for its rejuvenation story. Meanwhile, the 2019 Spier 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon has further entrenched Spier’s reputation by also clinching gold at both the IWSC and Decanter awards this year. Jordaan celebrates Stellenbosch’s terroir, akin to Bordeaux and Napa Valley, positioning it as a rival to the world’s most prestigious appellations.
Also making waves is the Spier Creative Block range, boasting award-winning blends and a proud association with the Spier Arts Trust project since 2004. This initiative highlights Spier’s connection with the arts, having commissioned over 17,500 Creative Blocks to provide a valuable source of income for many South African artists over the years. Today, Spier is home to one of the most extensive contemporary South African art collections.
As the Spier team toasts to this year’s accolades from Tim Atkin, they remain dedicated to regenerative farming and crafting wines with substance and soul.
- Spier wines can be purchased directly from our farm in Stellenbosch, our online store and multiple retail outlets, supermarkets and international partners.
