Celebrating Success: Rickety Bridge’s Recent Award Wins!

Gilbert and Gaillard Awards Triumph

At the Gilbert and Gaillard Awards, our wines truly shined. We’re excited to share that our Paulina's Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023 and Paulina's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 each won a DOUBLE GOLD medal, with impressive scores of 90 and 92, respectively! This recognition is not just a reflection of our winemaking process, but also of the unique terroir that contributes to the richness of our wines.

And that’s not all! Our Paulina's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 secured a prestigious GOLD medal, further showcasing the quality and dedication that goes into each bottle. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Donovan Ackermann and our entire winemaking team for their relentless pursuit of excellence!

Cheers to the 2024 Vitis Vinifera Awards!

As if that wasn't enough, we are overjoyed to share that Rickety Bridge wines also dazzled at the 2024 Vitis Vinifera Awards! Our Rickety Bridge Chardonnay 2022 and Rickety Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 both won Gold medals, underscoring their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

But wait, there’s even more reason to celebrate! Our Foundation Stone White 2023 and Foundation Stone Red 2019 also snagged Gold medals, further enhancing our reputation for excellence across the board.

Tim Atkin 2024 South Africa Report

Venerated by vignerons around the globe, Tim Atkin's opinions and scores are eagerly anticipated and held in the highest regard. His insights into the world of wine not only elevate the industry but also guide enthusiasts in discovering exceptional selections. With every release, his evaluations serve as a trusted benchmark for quality and excellence. If you would like to taste our wines and see if you agree with his scores, then click here

94:                         Rickety Bridge The Pilgrimage Old Vine OVP Semillon 2021

Everyone who makes a Semillon from the 1905 Landau Vineyard seems to produce a brilliant wine and Donovan Ackerman is no exception. Light-bodied yet intense, this has layers of flavour and perfume: petrichor, struck match, beeswax, lemon grass and patisserie spices and a hint of orange zest. Very complex and complete. 2024-32

93:                         Rickety Bridge Paulina's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Donovan Ackermann has a gentle touch with white grapes, drawing the best out of his terroirs. This coastal Sauvignon Blanc, blended with 5% Semillon, comes from Walker Bay and Franschhoek and has aromas of nettle and elderflower, subtle vanilla oak and a stony, tapering finish. 2024-30

93:                         Rickety Bridge Paulina's Reserve Semillon 2023

One of a pair of very impressive Semillons in the Rickety Bridge portfolio, shows how good the grape can be in the right spots in Franschhoek. Chiselled, focused and taut, it’s a wine that will reward patience but is already showing lovely chamomile and saffron aromas and a palate of lanolin, lemongrass and wet stones. 2025-32

92:                        Rickety Bridge Chardonnay 2023

Rickety Bridge is one of a handful of Cape wineries that are using Stockinger's wonderful Austrian foudres, combining them here with 30% new 500-litre barrels. This is appealingly floral and perfumed, all baking spice and wet stone aromas and a balanced, mineral, linear palate of tangerine and waxed lemons. 2024-28

91                          Rickety Bridge Paulina's Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023

Sold as a Coastal wine because it pairs components from Franschhoek and Paarl, this is a typically fresh, focused Chenin Blanc from Donovan Ackermann that uses 30% new barrels and some foudres to frame a palate of citrus, yellow apple and subtle kitchen spices. The finish is engagingly fresh. 2024-29

91                          Rickety Bridge Paulina's Reserve OVP Old Vine Cinsault 2023

A bush-vine parcel planted in 1954 is the source of Agter Paarl Cinsault. Fermented with 5% added stems before ageing in amphoras and older barrels, it has bouquet garni and patisserie spice aromas, layers of wild strawberry and pomegranate and a toasty finish. 2025-30

91                          Rickety Bridge The Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Light, bright and appealingly minty, this is a medium-bodied Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon that carries its 100% new oak lightly. Balanced and refreshing, The Bridge has good texture and structure, bramble, cassis and red berry flavours and a racy, mineral finish

A Toast to Our Team and Supporters
These accolades are a testament to the hard work, passion, and commitment of our entire team. A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated staff and loyal supporters—your passion and appreciation make every bottle worth the journey. Speaking of which, if you need a bottle, click here!

As we raise our glasses to these remarkable achievements, we look forward to many more moments of excellence and celebration. Here's to the continued success of Rickety Bridge and the joy that our wines bring to all who enjoy them!

Cheers to a wine-derful journey ahead! 🥂