They were awarded the Cobie van Oort Cabernet Franc Challenge Trophy at a prize giving function on 19 May at the Ridgeback Winery in the Paarl Wine Region. The top six single varietal wines, top three Cab Franc dominated blends and the Best Value Wine at the Challenge were awarded with certificates and a rating of Gold.
The Thor Vintners Dag Droom 2022 has quite an interesting tale to tell.
Why the name? Says Emile Gentis, winemaker and owner of Thor Vintners: “Dag Droom, meaning Day Dream in Afrikaans, was born from distraction. While blending our Megan Mari Cabernet Franc Merlot, one barrel of pure Cabernet Franc demanded attention. After two years in a Vicard French oak barrel, it emerged utterly transformed from it’s siblings, complex, aromatic, and rebellious. A wine that refused to stay in line, pulling us into daydreams instead of decisions.”
Another ten Cabernet Franc’s and three blends at the Challenge were awarded with Gold ratings.
Fiona McDonald, international taster and former Wine Magazine editor, said the entries “displayed cohesion, ease and sheer drinkability. Combined with structure, well managed oak tannin and length of flavour, it was a genuine pleasure to judge.”
Lizette Tolken, fellow judge and Cape Wine Master, said that “Cabernet Franc is sometimes dismissed as being green or herbaceous because of its methoxypyrazine content, but it takes careful winemaking to allow some of the character to feature.”
Samarie Smit-Meletiou, wine writer, panellist, WSET Graduate and the third judge on the panel, described the best examples as charming and impressing with the ripeness and fruit character. She also said that “the use of oak still remains key, describing the best examples as charming and impressing with the ripeness and fruit character. It doesn’t need to be overt or overdone. It’s there to support and enhance, not overwhelm the fruit.”
The geographical spread of the top performers ranged from Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Walker Bay.
Results of the Cabernet Franc Challenge 2026
Overall winner (Cobie van Oort Cabernet Franc Challenge Trophy)
Thor Vintners Dag Droom 2022
Best Value
Thokozani Cabernet Franc 2022
Top 6
- Benguela Cove Vinography Cabernet Franc 2023
- Niel Joubert Reserve Cabernet Franc 2022
- Thokozani Cabernet Franc 2022
- Limited Edition by Thokozani Cabernet Franc 2023
- Thor Vintners Dag Droom 2022
- Villiera The Clan 2021
Top 3 blends
- Chamonix Troika 2023
- Ridgeback The Journey 2022
- Ridgeback Signature C 2020
Gold
- Bellevue Cabernet Franc Reserve 2024
- Hermanuspietersfontein Swart Skaap 2021
- Holden Manz Reserve Cabernet Franc 2023
- Le Pommier Angle Peur Cabernet Franc 2025
- Lynx The Cabernet Franc 2021
- Lynx The Cabernet Franc 2022
- Rainbow's End Limited Release Cabernet Franc 2024
- Ridgeback Cabernet Franc 2023
- Stellenbosch Vineyards The Flagship 2018
- Zorgvliet Cabernet Franc 2022
Gold blends
- Lozarn Kay's Legacy 2022
- Sondagskloof Right Bank 2023
- Thor Vintners Megan Mari 2022
For more info or enquiries, please contact Björn van Oort at CVO Marketing on bjorn@cvomarketing.co.za or on 084 511 1806.