Winemag.co.za is pleased to announce the third annual Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report (previously the Red Hot Wine Awards) featuring Bordeaux-style red blends. The Bordeaux region in the southwest of France is famous for its red blends, the best of which have the ability to mature in the bottle for many years. The two grape varieties that feature most prominently are the austere Cabernet Sauvignon and fleshy Merlot, although Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot also contribute.

Sixty entries were received from 45 producers for this year’s competition. Twenty-five wines were rated 90 or higher on the 100-point quality scale. These were recognised at an event held at Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant, Granger Bay Campus in Mouille Point, on Wednesday 6 June.

Thelema, as the producer of the wine judged best overall, won a new 300-litre Selection barrel from Tonnellerie Sylvain.

Wines that rated 90 or higher on the 100-point quality scale were as follows:

94 Thelema Rabelais 2013

93 Morgenster 2011, MR de Compostella 2014 and Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2013

92 Holden Manz Big G 2013, Rustenberg John X Merriman 2015 and Simonsig Tiara 2011

91 Allée Bleue Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2014, Beyerskloof Field Blend 2013, Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve 2014, Laibach The Ladybird 2015, Longridge Ekliptika 2014, Morgenster 2012, Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2014, Muratie Ansela van de Caab 2013, Rustenberg John X Merriman 2014, Spier Creative Block 5 2014 and Zorgvliet Richelle 2015

90 Allée Bleue L’Amour Toujours 2013, Creation Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Petit Verdot 2015, Knorhoek Pantère 2014, La Vierge Nymphomane 2015, Villiera Monro Red 2013, Vriesenhof Kallista 2011 and Vondeling Philosophie 2015

To read the full report, visit Winemag.co.za.