May 2023 saw another well organised and happy challenge hosted by Celia’s Events in Cape Town where Janine van Zyl, Greg Mutambe, and Carrie Adams (chair) tasted a really impressive collection of South African Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
As expected, the Stellenbosch Cabernets screamed from the rooftops. A very noticeable statement. Purity of fruit is paramount, and it abounded in this particular line up with only a handful of wines disappointing and just two reflecting faults. The Distell wineries really did shine. The Fleur du Cap Essence du Cap Cabernet 2021 is a beautiful example of refined and silky ripe fruit as was the case with the Nederburg Classic Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. At under R70 a bottle, cellar door price, the Nederburg simply has to be on the shopping list. Knorhoek Cabernet 2020 shone brightest for most of us and scored an impressive 94 points.
One of the main objects of these tastings is to accentuate the positives that promote sales and so placing of wine doesn’t form part of a chairperson’s report. However, the general public need to know that high scoring wines are rated professionally, and that guidance can be taken seriously when you are in a store and wondering what to purchase. So, with winter upon us I am sure a few suggestions of what reds to buy would not go amiss. Wines that really stood out for us on the whole that I would definitely recommend trying: Peter Falke PF Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Boplaas Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Brampton Roxton Black 2018, and David Finlayson Cabernet Sauvignon 2021. Personally, I also liked the Mitre’s Edge Cab 2020.
While there were a couple of older vintages in the mix, on balance, the 2020 vintage really did stand out as a cracker of a Cabernet Sauvignon vintage.
Medalists are listed below in alphabetical order.
Not for sale to persons under the age of 18. Enjoy Responsibly.