At the 2025 International Wine Challenge (IWC) one of the most rigorous and respected wine competitions worldwide, Le Grand Domaine was awarded both the International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy and the South African Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy for its Le Grand Vin de Stellenbosch “La Grande Sélection” Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 vintage.
The wine was placed ahead of international contenders from renowned regions including Bordeaux, Napa and Coonawarra. Judges described it as: “Dense, youthful colour. cassis, blackcurrant, leafy black pepper and bouquet garni. Savoury, graphite lead, dark fruits with tar and mulberries over a tight, restrained, dry, lightly spiced finish.”
“The IWC award is a powerful endorsement of what we’re quietly accomplishing at Le Grand Domaine,” says winemaker Debbie Thompson, who joined the winery in 2020. “This wine speaks of place, patience and the work that happens every day in the vineyard and cellar. It’s a proud moment, not just for us, our team but for the broader South African wine community.”
“We are very pleased, indeed, with this outstanding result, stated Bernard Fontannaz, owner and founder of Le Grand Domaine, as we, it includes Deon Joubert who cultivates our vineyards, where everything starts, with an exceptional care to detail, as well as, our “Women Power Team” in the cellar - Debbie, Yolande and Mosima who work their daily magic with a smile!.
I am personally pleased with what we have been developing at Le Grand Domaine. Beside our Sauvignon Blanc wines, which have received good recognition to date, as Top 10 SA Sauvignon Blanc, under our experimental brand, The Pledge, my aim is to develop a unique, terroir driven, Stellenbosch, outstanding red blend. To achieve this, we embarked on a full replanting of Le Grand Domaine, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, in the same way and thinking done, verysuccessfully, over the years in well-known Bordeaux Chateaux,an excellent model and source of inspiration beingmy favourite of all time, Chateau Margaux.
Having a young Cabernet Sauvignon vine delivering this level of quality is auguring well for what will come down the line, a truly magnificent Grand Vin under an ultimate brand still to be revealed.”
About Le Grand Domaine Wines
Perched at the top of Devon Valley, Le Grand Domaine overlooks the Stellenbosch mountains and benefits from the region’s distinct soils and rare microclimate. Though often less publicised than other Stellenbosch wards, Devon Valley has long been known for its potential, with vines cultivated here since the 18th century.
Le Grand Domaine holds 10.69 hectares under vine, planted in 2016 to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
Emphasis has been done on terroir studies to match the different clones, a precise selection for each varietal with some specific suitable areas of Le Domaine.
Viticultureis focused on soil health, minimal intervention with organic practices, as a base, and an aim to become bio dynamic with time.. The valley’s varying slopes, elevations and soils, ranging from Hutton and Oakleaf to decomposed granite, allow for nuanced expressions of classic red varieties.
With the 2025 IWC trophies, Le Grand Domaine joins the ranks of the world’s leading Cabernet Sauvignon producers, a reflection of both the site, the vineyards and terroir, as well as, the team behind the wine.
For more information about Le Grand Domaine, visit www.granddomaine.co.za.