As one of the premium varieties, Cabernet is widely grown in South Africa and is frequently included in cellar ranges, often the top wine of the range. Adaptable to most soil types and climates, this thick-skinned variety is capable of ageing, but in talented, experienced hands, can also be accessed young, as this tasting showed.
Entries were mainly from Stellenbosch and Coastal, but also as far afield as Robertson, Walker Bay, Paarl, Wellington and Franschhoek. Vintages ranged from 2021 to 2024, with the majority from 2023. Prices were pitched from a very affordable R140 a bottle, through to a limited release wine at R1150, with most entries priced between R200 and R400.
The wines were judged blind, as is usual with these Challenges, using the international 100-point system. 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, Cecil Kilpin & Co. In addition, no pre-tasting guidance was given, except to look for quality; the panel tasted what was in the glass, then gave the score he/she thought the wine deserved.
Unsurprisingly, the panel awarded 65%of the wines Gold (90 – 100 points), the rest receiving a Silver medal (80-89). There were no Bronze medals, which spoke of the high standard of the line-up. More than half of the Gold medal wines were from Stellenbosch, which has, over the years, deservedly earned a reputation for its Cabernet quality.
The panel commented that in general the wines had Cabernet typicity, and most were accessible for current enjoyment, despite their relative youth. There was good tannin management, with just enough finishing grip for further ageing. Overall, the wines reflected vineyard health and cellar care.
The Golds stood out with their fruit plushness and concentration, complexity, structural balance, and enough depth for further ageing. The consensus was that they were all a pleasure to drink. The overall winner was Deborah’s Selection 2021 from Mt Vernon in the Simonsberg, which scored a significant point higher than the other Golds.
The wines rated Silver were not faulty; they either tended to have quieter aromas or could have benefitted from a bit more time in the bottle to fully integrate, but even these were drinkable. Quite a few were high-end Silver, borderline Gold.
Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge 2026 results
Overall winner
Mt Vernon Estate
Mt Vernon Deborah's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Gold medals
Medalists are listed below in alphabetical order.
Benguela Cove Estate
Benguela Cove Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Copeland Wines
Copeland Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
De Wetshof Estate
De Wetshof Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Diemersfontein Wines
Diemersfontein Cabernet Sauvignon 202
Eikendal Vineyards (Pty) Ltd
Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Joubert Family Wines
Joubert Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Louisvale Wines
Louisvale Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Mont Rochelle Mountain Vineyards
Mont Rochelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Peter Falke Wines
Peter Falke Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Peter Falke Signature Kallani 2021
Stellenview Premium Wines
Kruger Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
KFK Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Great Five Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Villion Family Wines (Pty) Ltd
Villion Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Villion Cabernet Sauvignon 2021