Paul Clüver Family Wines Hits 95-Point Milestone in Tim Atkin’s 2026 South Africa Report

Paul Clüver Family Wines continues to cement its reputation as a powerhouse of cool-climate viticulture, as evidenced by the recently released 2026 South Africa Report from Master of Wine Tim Atkin. The Elgin estate has proven its mettle once again, demonstrating exceptional consistency across its diverse range of offerings.

The standout achievement in this year’s report is the Colline du Matin Chardonnay 2025, which was awarded an impressive 95 points. This wine is not merely a score; it represents a meaningful collaboration between Paul Clüver Jnr, cellarmaster Andries Burger, and Martin Prieur of Domaine Jacques Prieur in Meursault. This partnership, born from a personal friendship rather than a marketing brief, has resulted in a wine that is already being hailed as one of the most compelling Chardonnays to emerge from the Cape in recent vintages.

The success extends well beyond a single hero wine, confirming that Elgin—and Paul Clüver in particular—is a true reference point for cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in South Africa. Nine of the estate’s wines achieved scores of 90 points or higher, highlighting a clear philosophy focused on terroir-driven wines. Among the top performers were the Seven Flags Chardonnay 2025, the CWG Auction Selection Pinot Noir 2025, and the Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2024, all of which secured 94 points.

For cellarmaster Andries Burger, who has guided the estate’s winemaking since its debut vintage, such accolades serve as vital validation in a competitive global market. The consistent recognition reinforces the estate’s long-standing commitment to the high-altitude vineyards of the Elgin Valley, which the Clüver family first planted in 1987. This commitment to freshness, elegance, and site-specific expression continues to set a high standard.

The complete list of ratings for Paul Clüver Family Wines in Tim Atkin’s latest report includes: