Babylonstoren Shiraz 2022 and De Grendel Op Die Berg Syrah 2023: South Africa's Hidden Gems in the 2025 Vintage Renaissance
The 2025 South African Harvest: A Once-in-a-Century Vintage Is Here
The 2025 South African wine harvest is showing exceptional quality, with Shiraz and Merlot demonstrating particularly promising results. Thanks to moderate temperatures, sufficient winter rainfall, and meticulous canopy management, disease pressure remained low while vine vigor stayed strong, creating ideal conditions for high-quality fruit development. As we approach September 2025, this vintage is already being hailed as one showcasing "the skill, resilience, and dedication" of South Africa's wine industry.
Babylonstoren Shiraz 2022 and De Grendel's 2021 and 2023 Shiraz selections both earned spots in the 2025 Shiraz SA Top 12, positioning these wines at the forefront of South Africa's Shiraz renaissance. Early samples from the 2025 harvest show Chardonnay and Pinotage surprising winemakers with their purity and intensity, while initial Shiraz and Merlot samples indicate wines that promise to be complex and harmonious in an exceptional vintage.
Babylonstoren Shiraz 2022 – Hedonistic Pleasure from the Simonsberg Slopes
Babylonstoren, nestled at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountains near Franschhoek, is one of South Africa's oldest Cape Dutch farms dating back to 1692. The estate spans 88 hectares of vineyards, employing sustainable farming methods and minimal intervention winemaking to allow the terroir to express itself fully.
The 2022 Shiraz shows impressive specs: 14.5% alcohol, 3.6g/l residual sugar, 6g/l total acidity, and pH 3.67. It delivers layers of blackcurrant, new leather, wood spice, and white pepper, with a finely crafted balance between chocolate intensity and finesse that makes it a hedonistic joy to drink now, though it can age for up to ten years.
The grapes undergo skin fermentation for about seven days, followed by an extended maceration period of another week. The wine is then pressed into a combination of 70% new and 30% second-fill 300-liter French oak barrels for 18 months of aging. In the UK market, it retails for around £25-30 ($32-38 USD), while European prices hover around €28-35.
De Grendel Op Die Berg Syrah 2023 – A High-Altitude Expression from Ceres Plateau
While De Grendel is based in Durbanville, their 'Op Die Berg' (On the Mountain) series comes from one of South Africa's highest and coldest winemaking districts, the Ceres Plateau. The 2021 vintage won both the South African Shiraz Trophy and South African Red Trophy at the International Wine Challenge, plus a 96-point score (5 stars) from Platter's Guide.
Op Die Berg Syrah showcases flavors of buchu (a native South African herb), rosemary, allspice, and fresh green herbs, complemented by smooth, ripe, and well-integrated tannins. While superb on release, it will reward careful cellaring for 8-10 years. In the US market, De Grendel wines average $25 per bottle, making them exceptional value compared to equivalent Northern Rhône or cool-climate Australian Shiraz.
Living in Seoul, I've watched the Korean wine market evolve dramatically over the past five years. South African wines have gained significant traction here, particularly among younger consumers who appreciate quality without the premium price tags of French wines. Korean importers like Wine & More and L'Vin have expanded their South African portfolios considerably, and these wines pair beautifully with Korean BBQ – the spice and fruit intensity of Shiraz complements the bold flavors of galbi and bulgogi perfectly.
The 2025 Vintage Outlook and Investment Timing
The 2025 harvest produced 1.244 million tonnes from 86,544 hectares. While this remains below long-term averages due to a shrinking vineyard footprint, it aligns perfectly with the industry's focus on premiumization rather than volume. Unlike the 2024 vintage that began with unprecedented October floods, 2025 has delivered what producers describe as near-ideal conditions with "exceptional fruit expression and freshness".
From an investment perspective, while the 2024 vintage dealt with once-in-200-year floods followed by warm, dry conditions that accelerated ripening, 2025 is shaping up as a balanced "classic vintage" with superior aging potential. The 2022-2023 vintages currently entering international markets represent excellent value, especially as they precede what's being called a legendary 2025.
Market Dynamics and Purchasing Recommendations
Current pricing dynamics make South African premium Shiraz particularly compelling. While top Northern Rhône Syrah easily commands $70-100+ per bottle and premium Barossa Shiraz sits at $60-80, equivalent quality South African examples remain at $25-40. This pricing gap won't last forever – as quality recognition increases and the rand strengthens, these wines will inevitably appreciate.
Global demand for premium, sustainably produced wines continues to rise, and as Siobhan Thompson, CEO of Wines of South Africa notes, "Buyers increasingly seek authenticity, quality, and provenance, and South Africa delivers on all three".
For Babylonstoren Shiraz 2022, the drinking window spans from now through 2032, while De Grendel Op Die Berg Syrah 2023 will peak between 2026 and 2035. Serve these at 16-18°C (60-64°F), and don't hesitate to decant younger bottles for 1-2 hours to let them fully express themselves.
International shipping has become increasingly streamlined, with many South African producers now offering direct-to-consumer sales through platforms like Wine.com and Vivino. European buyers benefit from established import channels through the UK and Netherlands, while Asian markets are seeing rapid expansion of South African wine availability.
Looking Forward
As of September 2025, South African Shiraz stands at a pivotal moment. The convergence of an exceptional vintage, increasing international recognition, and still-reasonable pricing creates a unique opportunity for both collectors and everyday wine enthusiasts. Producers like Babylonstoren and De Grendel represent the vanguard of South Africa's quality revolution – wines that deliver complexity and aging potential at prices that would be unthinkable from established Old World regions.
The Korean market's embrace of these wines reflects a broader Asian trend toward discovering alternatives to traditional wine regions. With the 2025 vintage promising to be one for the history books, now is the time to explore what South Africa's renaissance winemakers have to offer. Whether you're seeking an alternative to pricey Northern Rhône Syrah or looking to diversify your cellar with wines that will surprise guests, these South African Shiraz selections deliver on every level.
Disclaimer: This article represents independent editorial content and was not sponsored by any winery or trade organization. Wine prices and availability vary by market and are subject to change. All purchasing decisions should be based on personal preference and individual circumstances.