Wine Champions South Africa Case

This is, as our Wine Champions 2026 panel put it, ‘a very different style of sauvignon blanc’ with its ‘waxy texture’ and ‘real definition of character.’ In many ways, it’s a sauvignon for chenin lovers, showcasing the grape’s bright, racy, citrusy character, but with admirable texture and weight, too. No surprise that it was judged a clear winner!

A Wine Champion for 2026, described in our tasting room as a ‘fantastic chenin.’ Made from offcuts of the world-renowned Alheit Vineyards range, this stood out for its ‘texture and class.’ There’s a hint of struck match on the nose and a tantalising tension between generosity and freshness.

A 2026 Wine Champion, where as one taster said, ‘in a line-up of fruity, charming reds, this just had a bit more depth.’ A bramble-packed South African blend of shiraz, mourvèdre, cinsault and carignan, this comes from an amazing vintage. Others praised its ‘pure, vibrant fruit’, ‘lovely dark berries’ and friendly tannins.

With comments like ‘This shouted ‘Champ’ to me straight away. Fine, peppery nose; fresh, cool-climate style. I’d drink that every day’ its clear why this was voted a Wine Champion in our 2026 tastings. A previous vintage of this super-value South African syrah won in 2025, and the new vintage takes the baton with ease, showing ‘purity, tension and focus.’

‘A cracker. So well balanced, not unnecessarily overcomplicated and just so charming.’ This was one of many ringing endorsements of Adi Badenhorst’s outstanding-value shiraz-led blend during our Wine Champions blind tasting, continuing a rich vein of form for South Africa this year. Worth decanting to enjoy its full spread of blueberry pie, bramble, damson and spice.

A 2026 Wine Champion, this 'beautifully balanced’ South African chenin with ‘flattering, grown-up texture and great length’ for a fantastic price. Its reverberating, zesty citrus fruit and green apple act almost like a sauce in the presence of barbecued halloumi or pork, the acidity cutting perfectly through the fat.