John Platter's, South Africa's favourite wine guide, is back with a new “green” 2011 edition packed with news, reviews and ratings of more than 800 producers and brands, including 58 newcomers, and well over 6,000 locally grown wines.

A highlight of any new edition is the five-star line-up – the exceptional bottlings which emerge from a second round of tasting with the judging team’s highest rating on the Platter’s scale of 0 - 5 stars. This edition a record 58 wines made the five-star cut, including 10 by established producers with no previous five-star awards, namely Delaire Graff Estate, Hermanuspietersfontein, Julien Schaal, Lammershoek Winery, Reyneke Wines, Shannon Vineyards, StellenRust, Strandveld Wines, Topiary Wines and Zevenwacht, and one newcomer to the guide, Botanica Wines.

Of the five-star awarded wines, the red and white which receive the most votes from the judging panel are named Platter’s Wines Of The Year. This time the Red Wine Of The Year is De Trafford Shiraz 2008, described as “pure hedonism” and promising outstanding development over the next decade, whilst the White Wine Of The Year is Fleur du Cap Bergkelder Selection Noble Late Harvest 2009, made from mainly chenin blanc and noted as “arresting”, with astounding balance of ripe fruit and crisp acidity.

Luhambo Tours offers daily wine tours in Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek to experience these award-wining South African wines.

Source (and read more): Platter's Wine Guide