One of the questions I get most often is: ‘Which wine guide should I actually trust?’
The truth is, no single guide tells the whole story. That’s why I’m starting a new series here on southafricawines.co.za: Critics Compared — where we look at top international and local critics side by side, and translate their insights into what really matters for wine lovers. In this edition, we’re comparing Neal Martin, MW English wine critic and journalist, verses Platter’s South African Wine Guide to see which South African wines are shining, which styles are trending, and what that means for your next bottle.
Why Neal Martin MW Matters (Especially for SA Wine)
Neal Martin brings a valuable outside perspective. He tastes South African wines alongside the best from Burgundy, the Rhône, Bordeaux and beyond — which makes his praise particularly meaningful.
In his latest assessments, his top South African wines share a common thread: clarity of site, restraint, and confidence rather than flashiness.
That’s a good sign for where South African fine wine is heading.
Where Neal Martin and Platter’s Clearly Agree
When you line up Neal Martin’s standouts with Platter’s perennial high performers, some names and styles keep resurfacing.
Here are specific examples where both guides strongly align:
Sadie Family Wines – Columella & Palladius
These wines continue to sit comfortably among South Africa’s elite. Neal Martin frequently highlights their balance and age-worthiness, while Platter’s consistently rewards their long-term consistency.
Alheit Vineyards – Cartology & single-vineyard Chenins
Chenin Blanc at its most articulate. Both critics repeatedly recognise Alheit’s ability to express place without excess.
Mullineux – Single Terroir Syrahs (Schist, Granite, Iron)
A textbook example of how Swartland Syrah has evolved. Neal Martin’s global lens and Platter’s local insight meet very comfortably here.
Boekenhoutskloof – Syrah
A wine that bridges the gap between international expectation and local identity — often cited by Neal Martin as a benchmark, and a Platter’s favourite over multiple vintages.
This overlap isn’t accidental. These producers aren’t chasing trends — they’re refining a clear point of view over time.
Where the Differences Become Useful
The more interesting insights often sit in the gaps. Neal Martin tends to shine a spotlight on:
- Small-production, vineyard-specific wines
- Cooler-climate expressions from areas like Hemel-en-Aarde, Elgin and the Cape South Coast
- Wines that fit seamlessly into an international fine-wine conversation
Platter’s, meanwhile, often gives deserved recognition to:
- Wines that are widely available and consistently excellent
- Producers who matter deeply to the local market
- Styles that reflect how South Africans actually drink wine
Neither approach is wrong — but together, they tell a fuller story.
What This Means for You
If you’re using this site to decide what to buy, cellar, or simply enjoy with confidence, here’s how to read these guides together:
- Wines praised by both Neal Martin MW and Platter’s are about as reliable as it gets
- Differences often point to style preference, not quality
- Following both helps you spot rising producers before the hype cycle kicks in
It also reinforces something worth saying plainly: South African wine no longer needs defending — it needs context.
About This Series: Critics Compared
This is the first post in an ongoing Critics Compared series. Coming up, I’ll be looking at:
- Neal Martin MW vs other international critics
- How older Platter’s Five-Star wines have aged
- Which South African styles are gaining (or losing) critical momentum
The aim is simple: clear, useful insight — without score-chasing or jargon.
If that helps you trust your own wine choices a little more, then this series is doing its job 🍷
