Robert Parker, Wine Advocate: ratings of 90-plus

Wines scored between 90 and 94 out of 100 by American critic Robert Parker or one of his associates representing the Wine Advocate are described as "outstanding; exceptional complexity and character; terrific wines", with those rated 95 to 100 termed "extraordinary, profound, complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic." The following represents top-scoring South African wines in this regard, tasted blind:

2005

92 – Hartenberg CWG Gravel Hill Shiraz 2002

90 – Muratie Cape Vintage 2001

2004

93 – Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2002

92 – Grangehurst Nikela 2000
92 – Eventide Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Mischa)

91 – Morgenhof Reserve Merlot 2001
91 – Jordan CWG Sophia 2001

90 – Bilton Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
90 – Bilton Merlot 2002
90 – Remhoogte Bon Nouvelle 2002
90 – Eventide Shiraz 2002 (Mischa)

2003

93 - Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 1997

91 - Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
91 - Culraithin Merlot 2001 (Coleraine)

90 - Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2001
90 - Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2000
90 - Culraithin Syrah 2002 (Coleraine)
90 - Rudera Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
90 - The Observatory Carignan Syrah 2002
90 - Veenwouden Classic 2000

2002

93 - Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 1997
93 - Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 1998

92 - Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 1999

91 - Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

2001

92 - Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port 1997

91 - Rustenberg Peter Barlow 1999
91 - Spice Route Flagship Merlot 1999

90 - Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
90 - Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 1998
90 - De Toren Fusion V 1999
90 - Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2000
90 - Neil Ellis Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc 2000
90 - Rust en Vrede Estate 1996

2000

92 - Rustenberg Peter Barlow 1996

91 - Rustenberg Stellenbosch Red 1996
91 - Thelema Chardonnay 1998

90 - Meerlust Rubicon 1995
90 - Rustenberg Peter Barlow 1997

For more Robert Parker ratings, see www.erobertparker.com