Four Cabernet Sauvignon wines were awarded Best in Show, and eight received Platinum Medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards. All 12 wines, sourced from around the world, scored 97/100 points. The DWWA is the largest wine competition globally and is considered one of the most prestigious. Over 18,000 wines were entered in the recently completed 2025 judging. Here is a brief overview and tasting note for each of these wines.
Knorhoek, 2021, Cabernet Sauvignon, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa, 14% ABV, 750 ml.
Located on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, Knorhoek is a historic Stellenbosch estate known for its traditionally styled wines with aging potential.The wine features aromas of black currant, cedar, eucalyptus, earth, and assorted wood spices. It’s assertive and dry on the palate, with pronounced, gritty tannins that showcase flavors of cassis, roasted herbs, graphite, and a touch of dry tobacco leaf. The finish is long, structured, and slightly savory, with lingering notes of black fruits and a hint of minerality. Drinkable now, it’s an ideal food wine, but it could benefit from some additional aging.
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From China’s emerging talents in Ningxia to California’s sun-drenched slopes, the gravel banks of Bordeaux, and Israel’s highlands, this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards confirmed that world-class Cabernet Sauvignon knows no borders. These outstanding wines showcase the remarkable versatility and global reach of the variety.
Whether driven by old-world tradition or new-world innovation, these twelve wines showcase power, elegance, and a distinct sense of terroir. They stand as a testament to Cabernet Sauvignon’s status as a true global icon. Offering a captivating invitation to explore the world one glass at a time.
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