Results of the Red Blend Challenge 2026

Wednesday, 25 March, 2026

Red Blend Challenge

Mount Vernon Three Peaks Cantata Red Blend is the winner of this year's Red Blend Challenge.

This year sees the fifth edition of the Red Blend Challenge, organised annually by Events by Celia. Judging took place on Monday, 16 February 2026 in Cape Town. The judging panel consisted of three Cape Wine Masters: Christine Rudman (as chair); winemaker Clive Torr; and sommelier Janine van Zyl.

The wines were judged blind, as is usual with these Challenges, using the international 100 point system. While blends were revealed, no background information about origin, vintage or oaking was available, and no discussion took place until after the individual score sheets had been handed to the auditor. In addition, no pre-tasting guidance was given, the panel tasted what was in the glass then gave the score he/she thought the wine deserved, based on quality. The judging was audited by Cecil Kilpin & Co.

Although the majority of the wines came from Stellenbosch/Simonsberg, other areas were also represented. Prices were wide-ranging, from R74 (the winning wine!) up R550, but when vintages are taken into account, 2019 up to 2025, the older wines justified a premium.

Chair report by Christine Rudford CWM

It was a particularly high performing line-up, with 9 wines achieving gold medals (90-100 points), and the rest silver medals (80-89 points). There were no faulty or poorly made wines, which spoke well of the care and attention red blends receive, from vineyard to cellar.

In the general discussion, the panellists spoke about what had particularly impressed them. While the Cabernet-dominant blends were classic and impressive, there was panel consensus on blend creativity. For example, in Bordeaux blends, unusual pairings, like leading with 49% Petit Verdot followed by 20% Malbec, gave Mount Vernon’s Galileo 2021 a distinctive profile, taking it to a different level from conventional Cabernet-led blends. Similarly, Le Pommier MAC's 68% Cabernet Franc with 32% Malbec gave a streamlined sophistication to the wine.

In particular, the winning wine, Three Peaks Cantata, impressed with its combination of 34% Malbec, 30% Shiraz, and 14% Cinsaut. The high quality confirmed these were not varieties thrown together, but had been carefully chosen to create a multi-layered wine of interest.

Other examples of out-of-the-box thinking, were the two Arendskloof Voetspore wines, where Tannat had been added to a Shiraz blend, for a more exotic note. Rare in South Africa, this French Basque variety is dark-toned in fruit and colour and adds tannin to a wine.

The majority of wines were accessible for current enjoyment, even if the vintages were youthful. There was good tannin management, an indication of structure with ageing potential, yet allowing the fruit and complexity to shine. Gone were the days of having to cellar a Cabernet-dominant blend for a few years before it could be served.

The wines rated Silver were either found to have quieter aromas or be a lighter style, or could have benefitted from a bit more time in bottle to fully integrate. However, they were all good quality and gave pleasurable drinking.

The overall winning wine, Three Peaks Cantata NV from Mount Vernon, receives a floating trophy.