In the latest release of South Africa’s revered Platter’s Guide, Diemersdal Estate from Durbanville achieved a milestone in its 44-year history by securing an impressive six five-star ratings. Among these accolades, the standout was Diemersdal’s The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2022, named the Platter’s Sauvignon Blanc of the Year, marking the highest scoring wine in its category as determined by a panel of esteemed wine critics who rigorously assess entries annually.
The 2024 Platter’s Guide evaluated over 8,000 South African wines, brandies, and spirits, with more than 900 producers submitting their offerings. Only 226 wines attained the prestigious five-star rating, denoting scores of 95 points or higher, reinforcing the guide’s status as a comprehensive benchmark for local wine quality.
Diemersdal clinched five-star ratings not only for The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2022 but also for two other Sauvignon Blancs—Wild Horseshoe 2022 and the Diemersdal Reserve 2023. Additionally, the estate received three five-star accolades for its red wines: The Journal Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Reserve Syrah 2022, and the Bordeaux-style blend Private Collection 2021.
Thys Louw, owner-winemaker of Diemersdal Estate, expressed astonishment at the recognition. He highlighted the rarity of such achievements, noting that typically, producers hope for one or perhaps two wines to earn a five-star rating, making the attainment of six a remarkable feat.
Diemersdal’s expertise in Sauvignon Blanc was showcased through its diverse approach with the three five-star wines in this category. The Journal embodies a wooded Sauvignon Blanc akin to the style of Sancerre in France, while Wild Horseshoe gains complexity through skin-contact, wild fermentation, and oak-aging. Diemersdal Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 stands out as a vibrant, pure, and unoaked expression sourced from selected elevated sites on the Durbanville farm.
While renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc, the recognition of Diemersdal’s red wines emphasizes the estate’s versatility stemming from its Durbanville terroir. Thys highlighted the historical significance of the region in fine red wine-making, tracing back to iconic reds produced in the 1950s and 1960s. The recent Platter’s five-star ratings for Diemersdal’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Private Collection Bordeaux blend continue this legacy.
Thys emphasized that beyond the success of specific vintages, Diemersdal’s achievements are deeply rooted in the legacy of six generations of the Louw family, tending to the land and crafting wines since 1885. He stressed the importance of what he called “human terroir,” attributing the estate’s success not only to favorable soil and climate but also to the collective wisdom, values, and commitment passed down through generations, shaping Diemersdal’s winemaking ethos.
This recognition not only celebrates the excellence of Diemersdal’s offerings but also pays homage to the longstanding dedication and expertise of a family deeply entrenched in the art of winemaking.
