Stellenbosch’s celebrated Kleine Zalze has reaffirmed its benchmark status in South African wine, with 12 of its wines earning 90+ points in the 2025 Tim Atkin South Africa Report.
Leading the pack is the newly released 2023 Project Z Heritage White Blend (Piekenierskloof | Stellenbosch), which scored 95 points and joined the elite group of wines ranked among Atkin’s top achievers this year. Out of 2,000 wines tasted over a five-week period, only 212 received 95+ scores, placing Kleine Zalze firmly within South Africa’s top tier.
“We place enormous value on Tim Atkin’s perspective, particularly because of his deep knowledge of South African wine and the influence his reports hold in the world’s largest markets,” says Kleine Zalze Cellarmaster RJ Botha. “This year’s results highlight our consistency across vintages, styles, and price points. They also affirm the pioneering spirit of our Project Z range, which was created to push boundaries and showcase the versatility of South African wine.”
Nearly half of Kleine Zalze’s top-rated wines came from the innovative Project Z portfolio. Alongside the 95-point Heritage White Blend were:
- 2023 Project Z Grenache Noir (Western Cape) – 92 pts
- 2024 Project Z Grenache Blanc (Piekenierskloof) – 94 pts
- 2023 Project Z OVP Chenin Blanc (Durbanville | Stellenbosch) – 93 pts
- 2023 Project Z Syrah (Stellenbosch) – 93 pts
The standout Project Z Heritage White Blend 2023 combines Palomino (70%) from Piekenierskloof’s old vines planted in 1967 with Chenin Blanc (20%) and Alvarinho (10%) from Stellenbosch.
Other high scorers from Kleine Zalze included:
- 2021 Family Reserve Syrah – 93 pts
- 2024 Heritage Vineyards Old Vine Chenin Blanc – 92 pts
- 2022 Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon – 91 pts
- 2024 Vineyard Selection Chardonnay – 91 pts
- 2024 Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc – 92 pts
- 2022 Vineyard Selection Syrah – 90 pts
- 2019 Vintage Brut MCC – 92 pts
Since his first visit to South Africa in 1990, Atkin has praised the country’s progress. Reflecting on his 2025 report, he noted: “I’ve been impressed with the quality of what I tasted, especially from the 2024 vintage, which I would rate between seven and eight out of ten.”
Kleine Zalze’s success underscores its philosophy that great wines begin in the vineyard. By selecting varieties and clones suited to specific soils and slopes, the cellar consistently expresses the character of its Stellenbosch and Cape terroirs.
Visitors can experience Kleine Zalze at its Stellenbosch tasting room and acclaimed restaurant led by chef Nic van Wyk. Wines are available at leading retailers, restaurants, and via nationwide delivery through the estate’s online store.
For more information, visit www.kleinezalze.co.za or follow Kleine Zalze on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
