South Africa’s Wine Stars – Tim Atkin Report 2025

South Africa’s Red Wine Stars – Tim Atkin Report 2025

When it comes to white wines, Tim Atkin MW has long celebrated South Africa as a true global leader. In his 2025 South Africa Report, he notes how our winemakers continue to set the standard with Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cape White Blends — combining old-vine heritage with fresh, modern precision. The result? Whites that rival the very best in the world.

Here are the standout whites from the 2025 report now available at Mothercity Liquor — wines of purity, power, and finesse.

Chenin Blanc

David & Nadia Plat'bos OVP Chenin Blanc 2024 – 97 Points

Swartland

Atkin calls it “exceptional,” praising its old-vine depth and mineral precision. Expect citrus, quince, and chalky freshness.

David & Nadia Skaliekop OVP Chenin Blanc 2024 – 97 Points

Swartland

Structured and energetic, with layers of pear, peach, and spice. Atkin highlights its “remarkable intensity and length.”

David & Nadia Hoë-Steen OVP Chenin Blanc 2024 – 96 Points

Swartland

Classic Swartland Chenin — textured, rich, yet balanced with a saline edge.

David & Nadia Langland OVP Chenin Blanc 2024 – 96 Points

Swartland

Elegant and fruit-driven, showing orchard fruit and fine acidity.

Rall Noa OVP Chenin Blanc 2024 – 96 Points

Swartland

From a special old-vine site, this Chenin shows concentration and finesse. Atkin notes its “tightly wound, age-worthy frame.”

Rall Ava Chenin Blanc 2024 – 95 Points

Swartland

Stone fruit, spice, and a fine mineral core. A standout in the Rall range.

Scions of Sinai Granietsteen OVP Chenin Blanc 2024 – 97 Points

Stellenbosch

Precision and purity. Atkin praises its “granite-driven energy and crystalline fruit.”

Damascene Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2023 – 94 Points

Stellenbosch

Bright citrus and white peach, with a flinty edge. Atkin highlights its vibrancy and focus.

Savage ‘Never Been Asked to Dance’ Chenin Blanc 2024 – 94 Points

Stellenbosch

Juicy, textured, and playful, yet with serious backbone.

Hogan Chenin Blanc 2024 – 94 Points

Stellenbosch

Pear, apple, and spice, wrapped in freshness.

Chardonnay

Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2023 – 97 Points (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley)

Atkin calls it “world-class,” praising its precision and Burgundian finesse. Citrus, struck match, and a long, mineral finish.

La Brune Chardonnay 2024 – 93 Points (Elgin)

Racy acidity, lemon zest, and subtle oak. A modern, elegant Elgin Chardonnay.

Hogan The Galvanised Chardonnay 2024 – 93 Points (Stellenbosch)

Fresh and textured, with stone fruit and citrus zest.

Cape White Blends & Bordeaux Blends

Savage White 2024 – 97 Points (Western Cape)

Atkin praises its “complexity and seamless blending.” Layers of stone fruit, spice, and texture — one of SA’s most iconic whites.

BLANKbottle Orbitofrontal Cortex 2024 – 95 Points (Western Cape)

A wild, characterful blend showing citrus, herbs, and complexity. Atkin calls it “inspired and dynamic.”

Rall White 2024 – 95 Points (Swartland)

Structured yet expressive, with pear, citrus, and spice. A Cape white blend of depth and freshness.

David & Nadia Aristargos 2024 – 94 Points (Swartland)

Rhone-inspired blend with stone fruit, spice, and a savoury twist.

BLANKbottle Seelug 2024 – 94 Points (Western Cape)

Bright and saline, showing coastal freshness.

Scions of Sinai Gramadoelas White 2024 – 94 Points (Klein Karoo)

Perfumed, textured, and a rare Cape expression.

BLANKbottle Kortpad Kaaptoe 2024 – 94 Points (Western Cape)

Tropical fruit with a lively, fresh palate.

BLANKbottle Luuks 2024 – 92 Points (Western Cape)

Soft stone fruit and citrus zest, with subtle spice.

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon & Others

Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2023 – 96 Points (Franschhoek)

Wine of the Year for whites in 2025. Atkin praises its “depth, texture, and world-class complexity.”

Groote Post Seasalter Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – 92 Points (Darling)

Crisp, saline, and zesty, with notes of citrus and sea spray.

Saurwein Chi Riesling 2024 – 94 Points (Elgin)

Delicate lime, floral notes, and a steely backbone. Atkin highlights its precision and elegance.

Thorne & Daughters Cats Cradle Chenin Blanc 2024 – 95 Points (Swartland)

Concentrated, textural, and complex. Atkin notes its poise and length.

Why It Matters

Tim Atkin’s 2025 Report underlines what we at Mothercity Liquor already know: South African whites are among the best in the world. From old-vine Chenin to cutting-edge blends and site-specific Chardonnay, our winemakers are redefining excellence.

Explore the Collection

These whites are in high demand and extremely limited. Secure your bottles now and taste the future of South African wine — as recognised by one of the world’s leading critics.

👉 [Shop Tim Atkin 2025 White Wines at Mothercity Liquor]