There's a particular satisfaction that comes with earning recognition—not once, but twice. For Benguela Cove, securing a repeat inclusion in James Suckling's Top 100 South African Wines of 2025 represents far more than accolades. It's validation of a philosophy, confirmation of a journey, and proof that excellence, when pursued relentlessly, becomes consistent rather than coincidental. 

The Numbers Tell a Story 

When we submitted ten wines for consideration this year, we knew each bottle represented countless hours of meticulous work—from pruning decisions made months earlier to harvest timing calibrated to the hour. What we couldn't have predicted was the result: 100% of our entries scored 90 points or above. 

Five wines—our Chardonnay 2024, Pinot Noir 2024, Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, and Collage 2023—each achieved 92 points. Most notably, our Sauvignon Blanc 2024 achieved 92 points and was listed as number 95 on the prestigious Top 100 South African Wines list. Our Lighthouse Collection Moody Lagoon 2022 earned 91 points, whilst the Lighthouse Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2025 secured 90 points. 

But statistics, whilst impressive, only scratch the surface of what these scores represent. 

James Suckling Tasting Note for Benguela Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (92 Points, No. 95 on Top 100): "This shows black currents, sliced pears, crushed stones and grapefruit pitch on the nose. It's medium- to full-bodied, compact and flavourful with flinty, mineral undertones at the end. Drink now." 

The Walker Bay Advantage 

Our home in Walker Bay isn't just beautiful—it's a winemaker's dream. The cooling maritime influence from the Atlantic Ocean, combined with our unique terroir, creates conditions that allow us to craft wines with remarkable elegance and balance. The coastal winds moderate temperatures, extending the ripening period and allowing flavours to develop complexity whilst maintaining natural acidity. 

This environment is particularly kind to varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which thrive in cooler climates. It's why our Burgundian varieties continue to earn recognition alongside our more robust reds. The same terroir that produces a delicate, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc can also yield a structured, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. 

The Philosophy Behind the Scores 

"Achieving 90 plus across various grape varietals both white and red shows the diversity and consistency of the estate's portfolio," reflects Johann Fourie, our Cellar Master. "What is particularly pleasing is to see the scores of the wines creeping up year on year, which is a sign that we're on the right track and constantly improving." 

That word—improving—is central to everything we do. It would be easy to rest on laurels, to replicate what worked last year. But winemaking at its finest is an iterative craft. Each vintage teaches us something new about our vineyards, about timing, about the subtle art of extraction and élevage. 

The upward trajectory in our scores isn't accidental. It reflects refinements in our vineyard management, more precise sorting at harvest, thoughtful barrel selection, and an obsessive attention to detail at every stage of production. It's the accumulation of marginal gains that, over time, result in wines of greater depth, purity, and expression. 

From Vineyard to Glass: The Journey of Excellence 

The wines that earned recognition this year began their journey long before the 2024 and 2025 vintages. They started with soil analysis, canopy management decisions, and careful monitoring of vine health throughout the growing season. Our viticulture team works tirelessly to ensure each block produces fruit that genuinely expresses its site. 

In the cellar, Johann and his team approach winemaking with both respect for tradition and openness to innovation. There's no single formula—our Sauvignon Blanc demands a different approach than our Collage blend. Each variety, each vineyard block, receives the specific attention it needs to reach its full potential. 

The result is a portfolio that offers something for every palate and occasion, yet maintains a consistent thread of quality and character. Whether you're opening a bottle of our vibrant Lighthouse Collection Sauvignon Blanc for a summer lunch or cellaring our Cabernet Sauvignon for a special occasion, you're experiencing wine made with the same commitment to excellence. 

What This Recognition Means 

For those who've followed our journey since the beginning, this repeat inclusion in James Suckling's Top 100 is gratifying. For newcomers to Benguela Cove, it's an invitation to discover what Walker Bay has to offer. 

But perhaps most importantly, it's a benchmark—a marker of where we are and a reminder of where we're heading. The wine industry is constantly evolving, with new techniques, changing climate patterns, and shifting consumer preferences. Staying relevant means staying committed to improvement, to learning, to pushing boundaries whilst honouring the fundamentals that make great wine great. 

Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate this achievement, we're already looking towards the next vintage. The 2025 growing season is underway, and early indications suggest another promising year. Our team is applying lessons learned, implementing new sustainable practices, and continuing to refine our approach to both viticulture and winemaking. 

The beauty of wine is that there's always another vintage, always another opportunity to improve, to surprise, to delight. These scores from James Suckling aren't a finish line—they're fuel for the journey ahead. 

Experience Benguela Cove 

Whether you're a trade professional looking to add world-class South African wines to your portfolio, or a wine enthusiast seeking your next favourite bottle, we invite you to experience the wines that earned these accolades. Each bottle tells the story of our Walker Bay terroir, our team's dedication, and our unwavering commitment to crafting wines that stand amongst South Africa's finest. 

Visit our estate, taste our wines, and discover why Benguela Cove has earned its place amongst the country's elite producers - not once, but twice. 

To learn more about our wines or arrange a tasting, contact our team at Benguela Cove. We'd be delighted to share our passion for Walker Bay wine with you. 

About James Suckling's Top 100 South African Wines 

James Suckling, one of the world's most influential wine critics, annually reviews and rates hundreds of South African wines. His Top 100 list represents the pinnacle of quality in South African winemaking, with scores above 90 points reserved for exceptional wines that demonstrate outstanding character, balance, and ageing potential.