8 Unique South African Wines for $27 or Less - Wine Spectator

By Aleks Zecevic (March 19, 2020)

The wines of South Africa offer strong diversity and value, prouced in a range of microclimates and stunning landscapes, from the rainy to the warm and dry. Discover the varied wine styles and prices made possible by South Africa's many terroirs, including six wines that come in at less than $20.

Over the past 20 years, the quality of winemaking in the Western Cape has greatly improved, with winemakers focusing on elegance and freshness. Stark-Condé demonstrates this with their vibrant single-vineyard Syrah from Jonkershoek. And the Cape’s elegance shines with Warwick’s Cabernet Sauvignon, a graceful, spicy version. Fresh white wines have notched a place, too, including maritime-influenced Sauvignon Blancs from wineries Lomond and Buitenverwachting. Perhaps the best value in the selection, Tania & Vincent Carême's Chenin Blanc shows Vincent's Loire Valley expertise, and stuns at $16.

INDABA

Merlot Western Cape 2018

Score: 85 | $12

WS review: A fruit-forward red, with mulled strawberry and pomegranate notes, backed by subtle tannins. Balanced and crowd-pleasing. Drink now. 3,900 cases made, 3,350 cases imported.—A.Z.