Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report 2025 – Exceptional Results for Delaire Graff Estate
Award Winning Wines
An outstanding result for Delaire Graff Estate – the 11 wines submitted for tasting in the Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report 2025 have scored between 91 and 96 points. The 2021 vintage of the Laurence Graff Reserve, which officially launches on 1 November 2025, was the Estate’s most highly awarded wine, receiving an incredible 96 points – an exceptional tribute to its namesake, legendary diamantaire and owner of Delaire Graff Estate, Laurence Graff OBE.
The Estate’s Most Highly Awarded Wine – 2021 Laurence Graff Reserve Launching 1 November 2025
Iconic since its first release 16 years ago, the Laurence Graff Reserve is crafted with the utmost precision and care by Winemaker Morné Vrey and his talented team. It remains one of the New World’s most highly regarded and sought-after wines, consistently selling out its en primeur allocation each year.
Originally planted in 2001, the vineyards where the grapes for the Laurence Graff Reserve grow are expressive of their regionality with a captivating earthiness and refined tannic structure, which are the hallmarks of the Banghoek Valley’s rich soil. Located on the lower slopes of the valley at Delaire Graff Estate, the rich red soils run deep, yielding smaller berry sizes with a more intense, concentrated flavour.
The nose is characterised by freshness and spice, along with aromas of vanilla pod, dark chocolate, and hay. Silky and smooth on the palate, the wine displays a flinty mineral quality, accompanied by subtle tannins and great length and persistence. Tangy, ripe, concentrated red berries, combined with classic flavours of brambles and cassis, define its profile.
The Banghoek 2021 – Receiving an impressive 95 Points
Building on its success from previous years, Delaire Graff Estate The Banghoek 2021 received an impressive 95 points. Matured in 60% new French oak barrels for 18 months, this vintage was then bottle-matured for a further 24 months to highlight the purity of the Cabernet Franc. The nose features subtle spicy oak, hints of cedarwood, and delicate aromas of rich violets. Meanwhile, red fruit flavours on the palate create a savoury, firm finish with integrated tannins, resulting in a persistent length.
Delaire Graff Estate’s scores in the Tim Atkin South Africa 2025 Report
- Delaire Graff Estate Laurence Graff Reserve 2021 – 96
- Delaire Graff Estate The Banghoek 2021 – 95
- Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2022 – 94
- Delaire Graff Estate Terraced Block Reserve Chardonnay 2024 – 94
- Delaire Graff Cape Vintage 2022 – 94
- Delaire Graff Estate Cape Winemakers Guild Banghoek Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc 2022* – 94
- Delaire Graff Banghoek Reserve Chardonnay 2024 – 93
- Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Reserve Merlot 2022 – 93
- Delaire Graff Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2022 – 93
- Delaire Graff White Reserve 2023 – 93
- Delaire Graff Coastal Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – 91
*Only available for sale via the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction on 3 & 4 October 2025
During his time in South Africa, Tim Atkin visited 425 wine estates and sampled over 2,000 wines, gaining a comprehensive understanding of every region’s unique terroir and vintage conditions. His annual report has become a benchmark for the South African wine industry. With a keen, objective perspective, Atkin offers insights into the winemaking scene, reflecting on the year’s challenges and achievements while emphasising the country’s progressive, thriving and resilient industry.
