Benguela Cove Wines Rated in Tim Atkin MW South Africa 2021 Special Report 

• Tim Atkin is a Master of Wine whose expertise is recognised by wine producers and consumers around the world.   

• Seven Benguela Cove Wines performed very well in this year's South Africa Special Report. 

• Catalina 2020 earned a special place amongst the best Semillon wines for the year. 

• He tasted 1,783 wines from 311 producers, substantially more than last year’s 1,381.  

“ It’s so important for us to have an impartial expert ready to do the hard yards, visit the producers, taste the wines from vat to bottle to maturity and give an honest opinion. Tim does this rigorously and enthusiastically. And he’s also unafraid of voicing opinions, popular or unpopular, to give us all a better chance of truly understanding the country, its people and its wines. We need Tim’s Report. And so does South Africa.”

Oz Clarke, author, taster and broadcaster

What Tim Atkin MW Had to Say about our wines  

Benguela Cove Catalina Semillon 2020 | 95 Points | Top Semillon of the Year 

Walker Bay (13.5%) 

Exciting things are happening at Benguela Cove under winemaker Johann Fourie, typified by quality of this cool climate Semillon from the Bot River lagoon. Salty, herbal and creamy, with lemongrass intensity, a hint of oyster shell and a tangy finish.

2021-28 

Vinography Sauvignon Blanc 2020 | 94 Points 

Walker Bay (13.5%) 

This top Sauvignon Blanc hails from a one-hectare plot that was picked early in the morning to preserve freshness. Oak-fermented with a combination of different yeast strains, it shows flavours of lanolin, tangerine and pink grapefruit with leesy intensity and a saline bite. 

2021-25 

Sauvignon Blanc 2020 | 93 Points 

Walker Bay (13%) 

A very classy, cool climate Sauvignon Blanc from Johann Fourie that combines oaked and ceramic egg-fermented components to impressive effect. Perfumed and refined, with notes of lime, grapefruit and fresh herbs and a whisper of vanilla spice.

2021-25 

Vinography Chardonnay 2020 | 93 Points 

Walker Bay (13.5%) 

Every bit as attractive as its label design, this top-end Chardonnay is part of an increasingly impressive range from Benguela Cove. Sea breeze and struck match aromas segue into a palate that's saline, mineral and bracingly fresh with a focused, deftly wooded finish. 

2021-26 

Collage 2019 | 92 Points 

Walker Bay (14.3%) 

As its name suggests, Collage is a red blend featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Fresh and oceanic, with subtle wood, granular tannins, cassis and plum fruit and a green, herbal undertone.

2022-29  

Chardonnay 2020 | 91 Points 

Walker Bay (13.6%) 

This coastal site is very well suited to white grapes, producing wines with impressive freshness and precision. Leesy, sappy and tangy, Johann Fourie's Chardonnay combines aromas of cinnamon and white flowers with a crunchy, pear and citrus palate.

2021-25  

Syrah 2019 | 90 Points 

Walker Bay (14.5%) 

Richly coloured, serious and intense, this is very much a cool climate Syrah, with some whole bunch fermentation adding spice and texture. Fennel and blackberry flavours are supported by sinewy tannins and a zesty, mineral-edged finish.

2023-27 

Winemaker, Johann Fourie says: 

“As a producer selling internationally, it’s important to get Tim’s feedback not only because he knows South African wines so well but because they are judged in a global context and how they stack up against the best in the world. Getting 90 plus across various grape varietals both white and red shows the diversity in terroir we are spoiled with at Benguela Cove. What is particularly pleasing is to see the score of the wines creeping up year on year which is a sign that we're on the right track and constantly improving.”