KWV’s top-rated wines in Tim Atkin 2020 Special Report

Excellent performance of KWV’s premium wine portfolios in Tim Atkin 2020 South African Special Report

British Master of Wine publishes report despite challenges

The much-anticipated annual Tim Atkin 2020 South African Special Report, which focuses on the best South African wines, has just been released. Included in the eighth edition of the report are eleven of KWV’s wines that have scored an impressive 90-points or higher.

UK-based Master of Wine (MW) Tim Atkin

This year, the report by this UK-based Master of Wine (MW), bears testament to the ways the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the wine and its associated industries. Atkin, who, due to travel restrictions, could not travel to South Africa this year to compile his comprehensive wine review, instead tasted 1 328 South African wines in London and conducted over 50 Zoom calls with the wine producers.

Reflecting on the difficult times faced by many in the Cape wine industry, Atkin notes how “against formidable odds” the country is making “some of the greatest wines in its history”. KWV is incredibly proud to be named amongst the SA greats, with a dominant line-up of wines from its premium The Mentors and Cathedral Cellar range.

The Mentors Range

Collectively, these portfolios collected eleven ‘Medals of Excellence’, or a score of 90 or more out of a possible 100. Leading this stellar line-up is The Mentors Orchestra 2018, a divine Bordeaux-style blend, with a score of 94. The Mentors Cabernet Franc 2018, The Mentors Chenin Blanc 2019 and The Mentors Perold 2018 all achieved a rating of 93. The Mentors Canvas 2018, The Mentors Limited Edition Petite Sirah 2018 and The Mentors Pinotage 2018 were rated 92.

Cathedral Cellar Range

KWV’s Cathedral Cellar range achieved a rating of 90 for its Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2019, Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2019 and its red blend, Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2017.

Chief Winemaker at KWV, Justin Corrans, said that Atkin’s report is especially encouraging at this time: “It is inspiring that Mr Atkin overcame the travel regulations barriers and still managed to compile his comprehensive report of South Africa’s wines – at a time when the country’s producers need all the positive support it can get. At KWV we stand behind Mr Atkin’s observation that, more than ever, we need to tell the world of the outstanding quality of South African wines. It is humbling that KWV is included in this shout-out to the world.”

KWV's Chief Winemaker, Justin Corrans

KWV’s top-rated wines are:

KWV Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay	Western Cape	White	2019	90
KWV Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc	Western Cape	White	2019	90
KWV Cathedral Cellar Triptych	Western Cape	Red	2017	90
KWV The Mentors Cabernet Franc	Stellenbosch	Red	2018	93
KWV The Mentors Canvas	Coastal	Red	2018	92
KWV The Mentors Chenin Blanc	Paarl	White	2019	93
KWV The Mentors Limited Edition Petite Sirah	Paarl	Red	2018	92
KWV The Mentors Orchestra	Western Cape	Red	2018	94
KWV The Mentors Perold	Coastal	Red	2018	93
KWV The Mentors Petit Verdot	Stellenbosch	Red	2018	92
KWV The Mentors Pinotage	Stellenbosch	Red	2018	92