A first for Darling Cellars, this award marks a significant achievement, recognising the excellence of an outstanding wine made from the region's signature grape variety. At the same time, it brings attention to the growing acclaim garnered by Pieter-Niel Rossouw, the Head Winemaker, and the accomplished Darling Cellars team.
Building on Tim Atkin MW's recognition of Darling as Producer Cellar of the Year in November 2022, the brand has continued to collect prominent awards, such as Sir Charles Darling 2019 receiving Darling’s inaugural five-star rating in Platter’s, and Gustus Sauvignon Blanc 2020 claiming the Revelation Trophy as the best-performing SA wine at the 2023 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon.
At the heart of Darling's terroir lie bush vines from the cool West Coast, setting the stage for truly distinctive Shiraz. The Top 12 Shiraz winner stems from two quite different blocks, meticulously nurtured over six years. Rossouw and the team’s expertise blend two different flavour profiles: coastal wines bring elegance, softer tannins, and intense spice-driven notes, while their inland counterparts boast pronounced tannins, flavours of red fruit, plum, cherries, strawberries, and sweet floral aromas.
Rossouw explains: "Crafting the 2021 Gustus Shiraz alongside our red winemaker Maggie Immelman, we found the perfect fusion of components. When you taste the wine, you smile, for you know this is what you are seeking for: the essence of a Darling wine.”
Gustus Shiraz 2021 is available for R135 a bottle through Darling Cellar's online shop at shop.darlingcellars.co.za.
Bush vine with a sea view: The roots of the Darling Gustus Sauvignon Blanc 2021, the winner of the Revelation Trophy as the best-performing South African wine at the 2023 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon.
The tasting room, managed by Christine Fortuin, gets wonderful reviews. Wine & Dine Wednesdays is a popular event that requires advance reservations.
The tasting room is open Monday through Thursday from 09h00 to 17h00, Friday from 09h00 to 16h00, Saturday from 10h00 to 15h00, and Sundays closed.
Visit darlingcellars.co.za for more information, or contact tasting@darlingcellars.co.za or 022 492 2276.
Darling Cellars, located on the picturesque R315 between Malmesbury and Darling, is the place to go to enjoy this Top 12 Shiraz winner.
Not for sale to persons under the age of 18. Enjoy Responsibly.
