New Platter's guide out end November

Five-star ratings

Three producers (Cederberg Private Cellar, Mullineux Family Wines and Nederburg Wines) got 4 five star ratings, (Newton Johnson Vineyards) 3 five stars and a further ten wineries (Cape Chamonix Wine Farm, DeMorgenzon, Fable Mountain Vineyards, Klein Constantia Estate, Kleine Zalze Wines, Sadie Family Wines, Stark-Condé Wines, Tokara, Reyneke Wines and KWV) each got 2 five stars.

Eleven wineries received five star ratings for the first time, namely Alvi's Drift Private Cellar, Chateau Naudé Wine Creation, Eikendal Vineyards, Hilton Vineyards, Opstal Estate, Raats Family Wines, Richard Kershaw Wines, Sijnn, Silverthorn Wines, Spioenkop Wines and Windmeul Cooperative Cellar.

Superquaffer of the Year is Boland Kelder's Five Climates Chenin Blanc 2013 (Wine of Origin Paarl), praised in the guide as a "cracking crowd pleaser" and an "over-deliverer of note".

Platter's prestigious Winery of the Year award is the editor's personal selection after considering a variety of criteria, the aim being to highlight a producer who epitomises the best of South African winegrowing today. "The award is influenced by the results of the five star tasting," says editor Philip van Zyl, "and this edition's haul of four maximum ratings gives Mullineux Family Wines (formerly Mullineux Family Wines) an astonishing 11 five stars to date and places them firmly in the league of the greatest modern-era South African wineries in just seven years of operation. Congratulations go to winemakers/co-owners Chris and Andrea Mullineux and the team on an exceptional achievement."

The new Platter's includes descriptions and ratings of more than 60 brandies and husk spirits (grappa) across a broad spectrum - from ultra-exclusive Au.Ra to ubiquitous "Klippies" - together with brief profiles of distillers and brands. The leading South African sherry-style wines are also featured in the 2014 edition.

Cape Wine Masters Winnie Bowman and Tim James did brandy tastings and ratings with constant reference to Dave Hughes; perhaps South Africa's most experienced judge of spirits. Winnie Bowman and Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman assessed the sherries.

"By publishing brandy and sherry notes alongside those for wines," says Platter's new publisher, Jean-Pierre Rossouw, "we're not only providing useful information and buying advice but also intending to create a sense of discovery and excitement among our readers. Many top producers make brandies and sherry-style wines, and they are excellent. It may surprise consumers that Nederburg produces brandy; or that Douglas Green makes 'sherry' - and these listings will hopefully prompt further exploration of South Africa's internationally acclaimed brandy and sherry-style offerings."

Tour wine areas

In addition to spotlighting some 900 South African producers, merchants and brands and over 7400 wines, brandies and sherries, Platter's 2014 also packs extensive information on where to go and what to do in wine country.

Dining, accommodation and cellar door tasting options are covered extensively, along with many winery amenities, attractions and activities. GPS coordinates, easy-to-use maps and quick look-up tables provide invaluable help for visitors planning their own wineland rambles, while listings of specialised wine tour operators offer a variety of alternatives for those searching for a guided experience.

Fully updated notes on the major winegrowing regions, grape varieties, winemaking styles, winetasting terms and the major wine competitions and awards, as well as listings of wine educators countrywide complete the wide-ranging Platter's offering.

For more information, go to www.wineonaplatter.com.