It is with immense pride that we share our outstanding results in the newly released Platter’s Guide 2026. This year marks a defining milestone for Niel Joubert Wines with the release, and remarkable recognition, of NAMMI, our Cape Late Bottled Vintage port-style wine.
After 21 years in the making, NAMMI has been awarded Platter’s Port-Style Wine of the Year, along with a coveted 5-Star rating.
Winemaker Erni Leicht describes the moment as nothing short of extraordinary:
“It is like running a race for 21 years of your life and then receiving the Olympic Gold Medal!”
Erni Leicht recieving the award from Philip van Zyl, Editor of the Platter’s Guide
The story of NAMMI begins back in 2004 with an unharvested block of Shiraz grapes slowly turning into raisins on the vine. Erni recalls:
“We almost forgot about these vines… and when oom Niel asked what our plans were with this vineyard, we quickly had to make a plan!”
The grapes were intensely sweet, requiring careful acid adjustments before fortification. The young wine was then matured in third-fill 300L barrels. From an initial 1200 litres, the “angel’s share” left just 720 litres to bottle.
With a grin, Erni adds:
“I should maybe have tasted less of the wine over the years!”
He monitored the wine for the first five to six years, then made the bold decision to seal the barrels, hide them deep in the cellar, and leave them untouched until 2025 – trusting his intuition and experience.
“This year was the year I was waiting for. Receiving this award proves that if your decision is well thought through and you trust your knowledge as a winemaker, you must believe in yourself.”
Alongside NAMMI’s triumph, Niel Joubert Wines is proud to celebrate an array of top ratings:
5-Star Rating
Reserve Cabernet Franc 2022
4.5-Star Ratings
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Reserve Tempranillo 2021
Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023
The Proprietor Malbec 2018
Rosé Mari Brut Cap Classique NV
Christine Marie Chardonnay Brut Cap Classique NV
Estate Range Awards
Chenin Blanc 2025 – Hidden Gem status
Merlot 2022 – Good Value
Shiraz 2022 – Good Value
This year’s Platter’s results affirm everything we strive for: integrity, patience, innovation, and wines that speak with authenticity. To our loyal customers, friends, and supporters – thank you for believing in us, celebrating with us, and sharing our wines at your tables.
Here’s to NAMMI, to 21 years of craftsmanship, and to many more milestones still to come.
Raise a glass – the future tastes bright.