The three wines awarded were: Lady Ann Darling 2017 (93 points), Old Bush Vines Chenin Blanc 2017 (90 points) and Old Bush Vines Cinsaut 2016 (91 points)
At a time of political and economic uncertainty, Atkin argues that the wine industry is a cause for national optimism and pride. “The severe, three-year drought reduced yields severely in some regions,” he says, “but didn’t affect the quality of the wines, especially of the 2015 reds and the 2017 whites.” Atkin tasted 1 986 South African wines for this year’s report, his most comprehensive to date.
“This is an exceptionally proud moment for all of us,” said Darling Cellars chief winemaker Pieter-Niel Rossouw. “These accolades demonstrate our ability to produce refined wines that are recognised for their superiority at the highest level”.
Darling Cellars was established as private cellar in 1996 with the aim to produce wines that are true to the region and the varieties themselves. Its vineyards benefit from the cool and temperate West Coast climate and a multiple soil types. Some 95% of all vineyards are farmed without irrigation (dry land) and grown as bush vines - as close to natural conditions as can be.
Darling Cellars is situated on the R315 at Mamre Weg Station.
For more information, phone +22.4922276, send email to info@darlingcellars.co.za or visit www.darlingcellars.co.za.
Follow Darling Cellars on Twitter @DarlingCellars, and Facebook.