Thursday, December 12, 2024

Launch of the 2025 Platter's Guide

The tradition of the Platter Awards is that last year's winner hosts (if possible) the current year's awards. Eben Sadie, last year's winner, opened his new Swartland cellar this year and so had the perfect place for the function

The new tasting room, where we were welcomed and labelled

A happy host, Eben Sadie

Amanda Ferreira of Platter's with Nick Sadie

Nick Sadie pouring Sadie Chardonnay for Caroline Rillema

The awards ceremony was held outside the cellar

A view of the vineyards with the Echalas vines, also known as ‘staked vines’ or ‘stok-by-paaltjie’
It is a popular method in the Swartland
This method  is used in France, mostly in the Côte-Rôtie,  the Priorat region in Spain and Mösel in Germany

Diner's Club CEO Esh Naidoo with Eben Sadie

Etienne Louw and Bertus Fourie

Esh Naidoo with Constantia winemakers Matthew Day and Justin van Wyk

Cathy van Zyl presented the awards this year as Publisher Philip van Zyl was delayed at the printer last minute
She coped admirably

Amanda Ferreira, Platter's Logistics Co-ordinator

Bertus and Johann Fourie with their Newcomer of the Year Award for their Terra Loci wine

Anthony Hamilton Russell won the Editor's Award of the Winery of the Year 2025

and now, the Top Performing Winery of the Year ....

...Drumroll.... goes to Eben Sadie for the second year running

He gave a very gracious and humble acceptance speech

and with a copy of the new Duck Egg blue Platter 2025 soon to be available

Very elegant

A view of the local mountains over the vines

and then we were let loose in the cellar to taste all the top wines

The Wines of the Year

Cap Classique
Charles Fox Prestige Cuvée Cipher Blanc de Noir 2018

Sauvignon blanc
Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe 2023

Chenin blanc
Stellenrust Old Bushvine Secrets & Lies 2023

White Blends - Other
Momento Chenin Blanc-Verdelho 2023

Chardonnay
Iona Elgin Highlands 2022

Semillon
Iona Elgin Highlands 2022

Grenache Blanc
Glen Heatlie The Frontier 2023

White Blends, Cape Bordeaux

Constantia Glen Two 2022

Grenache Gris
Momento 2023

Semillon Gris
Thorne & Daughters Tin Soldier 2023

Grenache Noir
Swartberg Wingerde Garnacha 2023

Merlot
Holden Manz Reserve 2021

Pinot Noir
Julian Schaal Mountain Vineyards 2023

Shiraz/Syrah
Saronsberg Shiraz 2022

Cabernet Sauvignon
Simonsig The Garland 2020

Cabernet Franc
Raats 2022

Cinsault Noir
Leeu Passant Wellington Old Vines Basson 2022

Red Blends, Other
Anysbos Tesame 2022

Red Blends, with Pinotage
The Vinoneers No. 42 Cape Red Blend 2022

Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based
Erika Obermeyer Syrah-Grenache Noir-Cinsault 2021

Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux
Buitenverwachting Christine 2017

Noble Late Harvest
Miles Mossop Kika 2023

Vin de Paille/Straw Wine
Mullineux Straw Wine 2023

Natural Sweet
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021

Dessert Wine, Fortified
Nuy Barbieri Idro 2016

Port-Style
Bergsig Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2018

Eben Sadie giving a guest a cellar tour

Looking out of the cellar

After tasting the wines in the cellar, we went back up the hill to enjoy some excellent canapés
with some of the wines, all made on the farm

Fruit kebabs

Cheese canapés topped with an assortment of additions

Crisp Tacos filled with different options

Meat kebabs

Olive tomato and cheese kebabs with a dip

Some good sweet options 

Wine merchants Michael Bampfield-Duggan and Caroline Rillema

A view past the front of the cellar to the vineyards

The complete list of Wines of the Year and Five Star wines

Platter’s Wines Of The Year 2025

Cabernet Franc

Raats 2022

Cabernet Sauvignon

Simonsig The Garland 2020

Cinsault Noir

Leeu Passant Wellington Old Vines Basson 2022

Grenache Noir

Swartberg Wingerde Garnacha 2023

Merlot

Holden Manz Reserve 2021

Pinotage

Diemersdal The Journal 2022

Pinot Noir

Julian Schaal Mountain Vineyards 2023

Shiraz/Syrah

Saronsberg Shiraz 2022

Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux

Buitenverwachting Christine 2017

Red Blends, with Pinotage

The Vinoneers No. 42 Cape Red Blend 2022

Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based

Erika Obermeyer Syrah-Grenache Noir-Cinsault 2021

Red Blends, Other

Anysbos Tesame 2022

Chardonnay

Iona Elgin Highlands 2022

Chenin Blanc

Stellenrust Old Bushvine Secrets & Lies 2023

Grenache Blanc

Glen Heatlie The Frontier 2023

Grenache Gris

Momento 2023

Sauvignon Blanc

Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe 2023

Semillon

Boekenhoutskloof 2022

Semillon Gris

Thorne & Daughters Tin Soldier 2023

White Blends, Cape Bordeaux

Constantia Glen Two 2022

White Blends, Other

Momento Chenin Blanc-Verdelho 2023

Cap Classique

Charles Fox Prestige Cuvée Cipher Blanc de Noirs 2018

Natural Sweet

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021

Noble Late Harvest

Miles Mossop Kika 2023

Vin de Paille/Straw Wine

Mullineux Straw Wine 2023

Dessert Wine, Fortified

Nuy Barbieri Idro 2016

Port-Style

Bergsig Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2018

 

Five Star Wines 2025

Cabernet Franc
Botanica Big Flower 2022
David Finlayson Camino Africana 2022
Great Heart Franschhoek 2022
Hogan Mirror For The Sun 2023
Holden Manz Reserve 2021
KWV The Mentors 2021
Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap 2020
Leeu Passant CWG Auction Franschhoek Hillside 2022
Oldenburg 2022
Raats 2022
Raats Eden 2022
Raats Vlag 2022
Rainbow's End Limited Release 2022
Ridgeback 2021
Warwick 2021
Zorgvliet 2022

Cabernet Sauvignon

Anthonij Rupert 2020
Benguela Cove Wild At Heart 2021
Beyerskloof Eerste Ry 2020
Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch 2022
David Finlayson GS 2022
Diemersdal The Journal 2022
Erika Obermeyer 2020
Le Riche 2022
Le Riche CWG Auction 2020
Le Riche Jonkershoek 2021
Le Riche Reserve 2021
Muratie Martin Melck 2021
Nico van der Merwe Nico 2020
Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2021
Simonsig The Garland 2020
Stellenrust Reserve 2020
Stony Brook Ghost Gum 2021
Thelema 2021
Thelema The Mint 2022
Tokara Reserve 2021
Waterford Library Collection 2015

Cinsault Noir

Eenzaamheid 2023
Leeu Passant Wellington Old Vines Basson 2022
Rickety Bridge Paulina's Reserve 2023
Sadie Pofadder 2023

Grenache Noir

ArtiSons The Phantom 2022
Savage Thief In The Night 2023
Swartberg Wingerde Garnacha 2023

Merlot

Holden Manz Reserve 2021
Shannon The Shannon Black 2020
Villiera Monro 2022

Pinotage

Bellevue 1953 2021
Bellevue Reserve Collection 2021
De Grendel Amandelboord 2023
Diemersdal The Journal 2022
Francois van Niekerk 2022
Kaapzicht Steytler 2021
Kanonkop Black Label 2022
KWV The Mentors 2021
Lanzerac Commemorative 2020
Lanzerac Pionier 2021
Survivor Reserve 2022
Wellington La Cave 2021

Pinot Noir

Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards 2023
Kara-Tara Reserve 2022
MVH Signature 2021
Oak Valley Tabula Rasa PN114 2021

Shiraz/Syrah

ArtiSons Blueberry Hill Shiraz 2022
Bellingham Basket Press Syrah 2022
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2022
Boschkloof Epilogue 2022
Carinus Syrah 2023
Cederberg Shiraz 2021
Diemersdal Reserve Syrah 2023
Fairview The Beacon Shiraz 2021
Mullineux Signature Syrah 2022
Porseleinberg 2022
Rall Ava Syrah 2023
Riebeek Valley Raar Carbonic Shiraz 2023
Rust en Vrede Estate Vineyards Syrah 2022
Saga Sons of Sugarland Syrah 2023
Sakkie Mouton Dawn Of The Salty Tongues 2023
Saronsberg Shiraz 2022
Scions of Sinai Swanesang 2023
Stark-Condé Stellenbosch Syrah 2022
Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Shiraz 2022
Stellenrust Peppergrinder's Shiraz 2021
Trizanne Elim Syrah 2023

Red Blends, Cape Bordeaux

Alto MPHS 2018
Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2022
Buitenverwachting Christine 2017
Constantia Glen Five 2021
De Grendel Rubáiyát 2020
Harry Hartman Mosi 2021
Hartenberg The Mackenzie 2020
Keet First Verse 2021

Red Blends, with Pinotage

KWV Perold 2021
The Vinoneers No. 42 Cape Red Blend 2022

Red Blends, Shiraz/Syrah-Based

Boschendal Black Angus 2021
Erika Obermeyer Syrah-Grenache Noir-Cinsault 2021
Neil Ellis Rodanos 2021
Sadie Columella 2022

Red Blends, Other

Anysbos Tesame 2022
Boschkloof Conclusion 2021
Ernie Els CWG Auction 2021
Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend 2021
Fairview Caldera 2022
Glenelly Red 2018
Idun Carmélite 2022
Van Wyk Rebecca May 2022

Chardonnay

Almenkerk 2022
Bartinney Hourglass 2022
Benguela Cove Vinography 2023
Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Crocodile's Lair 2023
Callender Peak 2023
Capensis Fijnbosch 2020
Cap Maritime 2023
Delaire Graff Terraced Block Reserve 2023
Dorrance Cuvée Anaïs 2023
Draaiboek Kinkel 2023
Draaiboek Onskuld 2023
Hamilton Russell 2023
Hogan The Galvanised 2023
Iona Elgin Highlands 2022
Iona Fynbos 2022
Iona Kloof 2022
Kara-Tara 2023
Kershaw Clonal Selection Elgin 2022
Kershaw Kogelberg Sandstone CY76 2022
Kershaw Lower Duivenhoks River 2021
La Bri Barrel Select 2023
Longridge Organic Clos du Ciel 2022
Neil Ellis Whitehall 2022
Oak Valley Groenlandberg 2023
Oak Valley Tabula Rasa CY548 2021
Paul Clüver Estate 2022
Rustenberg Five Soldiers 2022
Terra Loci Fé 2022
Vergelegen Reserve 2023
Whalehaven Seascape 2021

Chenin Blanc

Alheit Cartology 2023
Alheit Huilkrans 2023
Alheit Magnetic North 2023
Alheit Nautical Dawn 2023
ArtiSons The Mothership 2023
Bellingham Cape Town Old Vine 2023
Botanica Mary Delany 2023
City on a Hill Earth 2023
City on a Hill Old Vine 2023
Creation Cool Climate 2023
David & Nadia Hoë-Steen 2023
David & Nadia Rondevlei 2023
De Trafford Skin Macerated 2023
Gabriëlskloof Elodie 2023
Hogan 2023
Kaapzicht Kliprug 2023
Kaapzicht The 1947 2023
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2023
Le Sueur Kluisenaar 2023
Lievland Old Vine 2023
McFarlane Monday's Child 2023
Miles Mossop CWG Auction Saskia-Jo 2022
Mulderbosch Block W 2023
Mullineux Granite 2023
Nederburg The Anchorman 2023
Noble Hill Simonskop 2023
Pilgrim 2023
Raats Eden 2023
Rall Noa 2023
Sadie Mev. Kirsten 2023
Sadie Rotsbank 2023
Sadie Skurfberg 2023
Saga Patatsfontein Steen 2023
Scions of Sinai Granietsteen 2023
Spice Route Tarragon 2023
Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo 2023
Stellenrust 59 Barrel Fermented 2023
Stellenrust Old Bushvine Secrets & Lies 2023
Vinevenom Skin NV
Zevenwacht Z-Collection 2023

Grenache Blanc

Glen Heatlie The Frontier 2023
Rall 2023
Riebeek Valley Raar 2023

Grenache Gris

Momento 2023

Sauvignon Blanc

Bloemendal Suider Terras 2018
Callender Peak Winterhoek 2023
Diemersdal The Journal 2023
Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe 2023
Groot Phesantekraal Marizanne 2023
Klein Constantia Perdeblokke 2023
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2023
Miles Mossop Stellenbosch 2023
Strandveld Pofadderbos 2023
The Giant Periwinkle Wind Scorpion 2023
Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders 2023
Vriesenhuijs 2023
Zevenwacht Z-Collection 2023

Semillon

Boekenhoutskloof 2022
De Kleine Wijn Debutant Wit 2023
Leeu Passant Franschhoek 2022
Old Road Grand-Mère 2022
Sadie Kokerboom 2023
The Vineyard Party Daisy If You Do 2022
Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite 2023

Semillon Gris

Thorne & Daughters Tin Soldier 2023

White Blends, Cape Bordeaux

Constantia Glen Two 2022
Journey's End Ad Infinitum 2022
Nitida Coronata Integration 2023
Savage White 2023

White Blends, Other

Alheit Hemelrand Vine Garden 2023
Brookdale Bradbourne 2023
Brookdale Sixteen Field Blend 2023
Fairview Beryl Back 2023
Keermont Terrasse 2023
Momento Chenin Blanc-Verdelho 2023
Mullineux Roundstone White 2023
Stark-Condé The Field Blend 2023
Thelema Sutherland Viognier-Roussanne 2023
Thistle & Weed Khakibos 2023

Cap Classique

Anthonij Rupert L'Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2019
Belle Rebelle Chardonnay 2017
Charles Fox Prestige Cuvée Cipher Blanc de Noirs 2018
Colmant Absolu Zero Dosage NV
Colmant Blanc de Blancs NV
Domaine des Dieux Anna Louise Cuvée Blanc de Blancs 2012
Graham Beck Pinot Meunier 2022
La Bri Sauvage La Bri 2018
Silverthorn Jewel Box 2019
Spier Prestige Cuvée 2016
Waterford Blanc de Blancs 2017

Natural Sweet

Klein Goederust Chenin Blanc 2021
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021
Stellenrust Chenin d’ Muscat 2022

Noble Late Harvest

Boekenhoutskloof 2021
Delheim Edelspatz 2022
Miles Mossop Kika 2023
Waterford Library Collection 2018

Vin de Paille/Straw Wine

Donkiesbaai Hooiwijn 2023
Keermont Fleurfontein 2023
Mullineux Olerasay 4° NV
Mullineux Straw Wine 2023

Dessert Wine, Fortified

Nuy Barbieri Idro 2016

Port-Style

Bergsig Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2018
Boplaas Cape Tawny NV
Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2022
De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2022
KWV Cape Tawny NV

Brandy

Avante Founders' Fifteen
Boplaas Potstill Reserve 20 Years
Boplaas Potstill Reserve 12 Years
KWV Centenary
KWV Nexus
KWV 20 Year Old
KWV 15 Year Old Alambic
KWV 12 Year Old Barrel Select
KWV 10 Year Old Vintage
KWV Cellar Reserve XO Potstill
KWV Signature Release VS
Tokara XO Potstill
Van Ryn 20 Year Old Potstill
Van Ryn 15 Year Old Potstill
Van Ryn 12 Year Old Potstill

Husk Spirit

Dalla Cia 10 Year Old Celebration Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot

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