Graham Beck Shines in Tim Atkin’s South African Report 2024 with Exceptional Cap Classique Wines

Graham Beck Shines in Tim Atkin’s South African Report 2024 with Exceptional Cap Classique Wines

The 2024 South African Report by Tim Atkin, the internationally acclaimed Master of Wine and award-winning wine writer, marks the 12th edition of this leading guide to South Africa’s finest wines. With over 30 years of experience and a global following, Atkin is an authority in the wine world. This year, he tasted a record-breaking 2,256 wines from 425 wineries, pushing his expertise even further and highlighting the best of South Africa’s wine industry.

One of the standout performers in this year’s report is Graham Beck, which once again made history with their Cuvée Clive 2018, winning the prestigious title of ‘Sparkling Wine of the Year’ for the sixth time. Scoring an impressive 97 points, this accolade not only confirms Graham Beck’s exceptional quality but also reinforces Cap Classique’s status as a world-class sparkling wine category.

Outstanding ratings for Graham Beck wines:

• 97 points – Graham Beck Cuvée Clive CC 2018, Western Cape (11.9%) This edition of Cuvée Clive is regarded as one of the best ever. Combining Chardonnay from Robertson and Stellenbosch with 5% Pinot Noir from Durbanville, the wine exudes elegance and refinement. Notes of wild mushroom, citrus, subtle toasty autolysis, and layered complexity make this a world-class sparkling wine.
• 94 points – Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs CC Magnum 2018, Robertson (11.7%) Made from Chardonnay grapes sourced from limestone-rich vineyards in Robertson, this Blanc de Blancs is partially fermented in foudres, amphoras, and new oak barrels. The result is a chalky, precise wine with citrus, hazelnut, and oyster shell notes. The magnum release adds even more complexity.
• 94 points – Graham Beck Ultra Brut CC 2017, Robertson (12.5%) This powerful Ultra Brut, made from Chardonnay and 33% Pinot Noir, was aged on lees for five years, followed by 12 months on cork. It offers toasty flavors, firm tannins, and notes of raspberry and wild strawberry, with a fresh, crisp finish.
• 93 points – Graham Beck Vintage Pinot Noir Rosé CC 2018, Western Cape (11.5%) This rosé blends Pinot Noir from Napier, Stellenbosch, and Robertson with 10% Chardonnay. The wine has a creamy mousse with flavors of wild strawberry, red berries, and aniseed, with a dry and satisfying finish.
• 91 points – Graham Beck Brut Rosé CC NV, Western Cape (12.1%) A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a touch of Pinot Meunier, this Cap Classique rosé offers layers of raspberry, cream, and wild strawberry, with subtle hints of aniseed and fine bubbles.
• 91 points – Graham Beck Brut CC NV, Western Cape (12.1%) This Brut, made from Chardonnay and 47% Pinot Noir sourced from 13 regions across the Western Cape, represents nearly 60% of Graham Beck’s production. It has a lively freshness of apple and citrus, fine bubbles, and a light nutty finish.

With these outstanding scores in Tim Atkin’s 2024 South African Report, Graham Beck reaffirms its place at the top of the Cap Classique category. These wines not only reflect the house’s tradition and craftsmanship but also solidify its global reputation.

These highly rated wines from South Africa are available through us. Discover the exceptional quality of Graham Beck's award-winning Cap Classique and add a world-class sparkling wine to your collection.