Cape Winemakers Guild

The 2025 Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Auction lineup has set a new benchmark for excellence, with a record number of wines scoring 95 points or higher from leading wine critics.

Of the 48 wines set to go under the hammer, 26 received 95 points or higher from three of South Africa’s top critics: Christian Eedes, Tim Atkin MW, and Michael Fridjhon.

Tim Atkin’s 2025 South Africa Special Report:

• 97 points:
  • Rall Wines Noa Syrah 2023 (Donovan Rall)
  • Lismore Estate Valkyrie Chardonnay 2024 (Samantha O’Keefe)
• 96 points: 4 wines
• 95 points: 2 wines

Michael Fridjhon’s Wine Wizard Report:

• 96 points: 7 wines
• 95 points: 6 wines

First-Ever 99-Point Rating from Winemag

Sixteen wines in total received 95 points or more from Eedes in his Winemag report, a new high for the CWG Auction.

For the first time in Winemag’s history, a wine has received a 99-point rating. The honour goes to Rall Wines Noa Syrah 2023 by Guild member Donovan Rall, described by critic Christian Eedes as “extraordinary” with a “palate [that] lives up to [its] aromatics.” Eedes calls it the “fullest realisation” of Rall’s unique ability to balance technical precision with imaginative flair.

Rall was also named Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin.

With these glowing accolades, the 2025 CWG Auction presents an unparalleled opportunity to acquire some of South Africa’s most collectible and critically acclaimed wines.