WHEN IT COMES TO South African Cab, there’s no question as to which part of the country’s winelands dominates the category. Not that Stellenbosch has it all their own way… See below for what has been most highly rated by the panels of experts internationally during 2023 to date. Highlighted in red are those Cabernets that qualified for the SA Wine Classification showcasing good track records over the past 10 years.

 

Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Trophy at SA Terroir Awards
Gold medal at Mundus Vini (DE)
R275pb ex-cellar, Helderberg-Stellenbosch

Bartinney Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
95 points in Gilbert & Gaillard Challenge (FR)
R320pb ex-cellar, Banghoek-Stellenbosch

Cederberg Five Generations Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Trophy at Concours Mondial (BE)
95 points at International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK)
R750pb ex-cellar, Cederberg

De Trafford Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
95 points in Gilbert & Gaillard Challenge (FR)
R435pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch

Deux Frères Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
95 points in Gilbert & Gaillard Challenge (FR)
R350pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Best in Class at National Wine Challenge (SA)
Gold medal at Mundus Vini (DE)
R201pb ex-cellar in Upper Blaauwklippen Valley, Stellenbosch

Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
97 points at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
R500pb ex-cellar, Helderberg-Stellenbosch

Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
95 points in Gilbert & Gaillard Challenge (FR)
R250pb ex-cellar, Helderberg-Stellenbosch

Jordan Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
95 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
R260pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch Kloof

Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
95 points in Winemag Report (SA)
R450pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch

Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Grand Gold medal at Concours Mondial (BE)
R199pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch

Le Bonheur Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
95 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
R150pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Among Best in Show – 97 points – at Decanter Awards (UK)
R940pb ex-cellar, Helderberg-Stellenbosch

Louisvale Five Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
97 points at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
R470pb ex-cellar in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch

Nederburg Private Bin Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
95 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
Gold medal at Concours Mondial (BE)
R435pb ex-cellar, Paarl

Nederburg Winemasters Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
95 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
R116pb ex-cellar, Paarl

Neil Ellis Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Best in Class – 97 points – at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
R250pb ex-cellar, Helshoogte-Stellenbosch

Plaisir Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
95 points at International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK)
R290pb ex-cellar, Simondium-Paarl

Spier 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
96 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
95 points at International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK)
Gold medal at Concours Mondial (BE)
R350pb ex-cellar, Vlottenburg-Stellenbosch

Tokara Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
95 points in Gilbert & Gaillard Challenge (FR)
R385pb ex-cellar, Helshoogte-Stellenbosch

 

Also most highly rated in 2023:

• Top Chardonnay SA
• Top Chenin Blanc SA
• Top Pinotage
• Top Sauvignon Blanc SA
• Top Shiraz/Syrah SA

• Top Red Blends SA
• Top White Blends SA

• Top Cap Classique Sparkling