Wildeberg White is Semillon of the Year 2026!

The results are in for Platter’s 2026 Wine Guide.

We’re pleased to announce that Wildeberg White 2023 has been named Platter’s ‘Semillon of the Year’, scoring a whopping 97 Points.

“9 months in Austrian oak, 50% new, for Franschhoek heirloom variety semillon & venerable 1905 vines in assured 2023. Waxy lemon, earth & smoke, silky breadth & thrilling rapier acidity. Deserves ageing, aerate if broaching now.” – Platters 

Here’s what Wildeberg Winemaker, JD Rossouw, had to say about the wine:

“It’s a real honour to work with these old vineyards and express them in the most natural way possible. Each individual vine tells its own story of the years past. This adds complexity to the wine and showcases terroir.

With the Wildeberg White we’re making wine from an old Semillon vineyard planted in Franschhoek in 1905. About 5% of the vineyard is “Semillon Gris” adding to the personality of this wine. Naturally fermented in 600 litre Austrian oak barrels to really capture the fruit and place. Then kept on the gross lees for 9 months prior to bottling to add texture and complexity. 

It’s a big honour winning Platter’s “Semillon of the year”.  Not only for our winemaking team but also for the vineyard, going head-to-head with amazing South African Sems. 

2023 was an interesting and challenging harvest. Crops were down because of drought, and we also had to deal with load shedding. With the smaller harvest the fruit was more concentrated bringing the very best traits to the fore.”

Congratulations to the Wildeberg Team on this amazing achievement!