The expectation was therefore high for the three judges of this Challenge on June 19th in Cape Town. Organised by EventsbyCelia, it’s the third time a Cabernet Challenge has been run. The experienced tasters were Cape Wine Masters Christine Rudman (as chair) and winemaker Clive Torr, with Suzanne Potgieter, editor of Versnit, the wine section of Die Burger.

The wines were judged blind, as is usual with these Challenges, using the 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. 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. The judging was audited by Cecil Kilpin & Co.

Although the majority of the wines came from Stellenbosch/Simonsberg, other areas were also represented, as far afield as Robertson. Prices ranged from R880 to R135, but R200 – R300 was where most producers pitched their prices. Vintages ranged from 2019 to 2023, with 2022 accounting for just under half the wines entered.

Unsurprisingly, the panel awarded ten of the wines Gold (90 – 100 points), and many receiving Silver medals (80 - 89). There were no faulty wines, which spoke of the high standard of the line-up.

For the discussion after the judging the panel was given the vintages, where they commented that in general the wines had Cabernet typicity, and most were accessible for current enjoyment, even if the vintages were youthful. There was good tannin management: gone were the days of having to cellar a cabernet for a few years before it could be served. Overall the wines reflected vineyard health and winemaker expertise.

The Golds stood out with their well-defined fruit, complexity, structural harmony and enough concentration for further ageing. The consensus was that they were all drinking beautifully. The overall winner was Peter Falke Signature Kailani 2020 from Stellenbosch, which scored a significant point higher than the other Golds.

The wines rated Silver, were either found to have quieter aromas, or were a lighter style, or could have benefitted from a bit more time in bottle to fully integrate, but even these were of good quality.

The overall winning wine receives a floating trophy.

WINNER Peter Falke Signature Kailani 2020

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Werner Schrenk, head winemaker of Peter Falke

GOLD (Alphabetical order) Ayama Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vine 2023 Conviction Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Koelenhof Stellenbosch 1679 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Kruger Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Lynx Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Merwida Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 Mitre’s Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Mt Vernon Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Niel Joubert Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

SILVER (Alphabetical order) Benguela Cove Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Cape Five Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Conviction Wines C3 Cool Climate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 De Wetshof Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Dieu Donné Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Lovane Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Lynx Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Peter Falke Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Vergenoegd Lőw Lara Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 Vredenheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2022