Results of the Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge 2024

Friday, 14 June, 2024

Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge

At the 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge, Gold medals were awarded to the likes of DGB, Dieu Donné, Dornier, Hazendal, KWV, and Peter Falke Wines.

Gold medal winning wines of the Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge 2024.

Organised by Events by Celia, a company belonging to Celia Gilloway, the Cabernet Sauvignon judging took place on 23 April in Cape Town, by three experienced tasters: Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman (as chair); Colin Frith, winemaker and member of the ICWM; and Janine van Zyl, qualified sommelier and CWM student.

A word from the chair, Christine Rudman

Judging was according to the international 100 point system, and all wines were evaluated blind in the presence of an auditor, Chani Bosman of Cecil Kilpin & Co. No vintage or regional information was given and there was no discussion permitted until completion of the tasting, after score sheets had been given to the auditor. Gold medals, 90 points and above, were awarded to DGB, Dieu Donné Vineyards, Dornier Wines, Hazendal, KWV, Mount Vernon, Overhex Wines, Peter Falke Wines, Sondagskloof Wines, and Stellenview Premium Wines.

The majority of the entries were from the Stellenbosch/Simonsberg area. Other entries came from Franschhoek, Sundays Glen, Montagu, and a few broader classifications like Coastal and Western Cape. The vintages were evenly spread across 2018 to 2022.

In summing up their impressions, the panellists were impressed with the general quality of the wines submitted. Even the younger vintages showed their potential, with a tannin structure for ageing, without any harshness that could interfere with current drinking. There was complexity, good palate weight and length, all qualities well-made Cabernet Sauvignon can display, and in particular most showed typicity.