Last Updated: Nov 26, 2025

Some milestones in a winery’s life feel less like an achievement and more like a quiet affirmation — a recognition that years of intention, craftsmanship, and belief have finally aligned. For Cavalli, the John Platter 2026 results delivered exactly such a moment.

Our Reserve White 2024 has been awarded 95 points and a coveted 5-star rating — the first 5-star accolade in Cavalli’s history, marking a beautiful new benchmark for our estate.

For a winery still in its first decade of refinement, this moment is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It reflects not only the skill of our winemaking team, but also the soul of our terroir — the Helderberg’s ancient soils, cooling ocean breezes, and the quiet, persistent pursuit of excellence that has shaped Cavalli since the beginning.

Winemaker Rianie Strydom, together with Eric and our viticulture team, approached the 2024 vintage with a very clear vision: to express Cavalli’s identity with even greater purity, structure, and finesse. Judge Greg de Bruyn, who awarded the wine its 95 points, described it beautifully:

“Chenin blend 2024 similar to 2023 (4.5 stars, 92 pts), with Verdelho, Chardonnay & Viognier, all barrel-fermented, offering substance & charm. Sunny, ripe stonefruit has hints of marzipan & glacé citrus, with rich fullness & leesy texture. Seven months in oak add subtle spicy highlights.”

In his words lie the heart of this wine: sunlit stone fruit, elegance, spice, texture, and a quiet confidence that doesn’t shout — it lingers. The previous vintage, our maiden Reserve White 2023, received 4.5 stars and 92 points, already signalling that the wine was destined for greatness. The 2024 vintage fulfils that promise — going from exceptional to extraordinary.

This accolade arrives at a time when Cavalli is evolving — sharpening our portfolio, refining our craft, and embracing a new era that honours both our heritage and future ambitions. As shared in our label redesign journey

The Story Behind Our Wine Label… Cavalli’s philosophy has always been rooted in place: Koffieklip-rich soils, indigenous fynbos, and the unmistakable silhouette of the Helderberg.

The Reserve White 2024 embodies these elements with purity and precision. Each varietal contributes its own voice:

• Chenin Blanc – structure, brightness, layers
• Verdelho – vibrancy and tropical finesse
• Chardonnay – texture, breadth, and quiet luxury
• Viognier – aromatic lift and plush stonefruit

Together, they create a wine that feels like Cavalli distilled into a single expression: elegant, soulful, sunlit, and unmistakably Stellenbosch.

Great wines are never made in isolation. They begin with patient hands in the vineyards — tending vines through heat, wind, drought, and harvest. They continue with precision in the cellar — choosing barrels, nurturing ferments, and knowing when to step in or step back. They are shaped by vision, craftsmanship, and countless small decisions made with care.

This 5-star award belongs to:

• Rianie, whose mastery and intuition continue to elevate Cavalli wines
• Eric and the viticulture team, who nurture the land with respect and intention
• Lauren, whose vision shapes the identity of the estate
• Every member of our team, from the cellar to the tasting room

It is a collective victory — and one we celebrate with gratitude.

Receiving our first 5-star Platter award is more than a score. It is a turning point — a mark of Cavalli’s growing pedigree and a glimpse into an exciting future. As we refine our craft, embrace innovation, and honour our terroir more deeply than ever, we look forward to creating wines that continue to resonate, inspire, and stand proudly among South Africa’s finest.

The Reserve White 2024 is not just a wine. It is a promise of what Cavalli is capable of. A toast to many more vintages that capture the beauty of our estate — one bottle, one year, one milestone at a time.

Here’s to excellence, to evolution, and to the timeless art of winemaking. Cheers from all of us at Cavalli.

Shop the Reserve White 2024