South Africa — wine

Paarl WO

The Cape's most historically significant wine ward surrounding the granite dome mountains northeast of Cape Town, home to the KWV's historic cellars and a new generation of estate producers working with Rhône varieties, Portuguese varieties, and Chenin Blanc. The warm Mediterranean climate on decomposed granite produces full-bodied Shiraz, Pinotage, and Grenache Blanc of genuine character; the Franschhoek Pass and Groot Drakenstein sub-areas provide cooler-climate sites.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Good Paarl vintage; balanced Rhône blends and precise Chardonnay
2022 Outstanding Cape year; Fairview Caldera and Glen Carlou both excelled
2021 Good conditions; elegant style across Rhône and Chardonnay
2020 Warm Mediterranean season; concentrated Grenache-Shiraz with structure
2019 Benchmark Paarl vintage; granite-site wines showing exceptional character
2018 Hot Cape summer; full-bodied Rhône blends with good depth
2017 Variable Cape year; elevation sites delivered best quality