CABERNET Franc from the southern hemisphere. 112 wines tasted for the report in the UK's Decanter Magazine, December '25 issue. Ten wines rated 95–97 points, including four from South Africa. Top-scoring wine: Warwick's 2022 vintage, WO Stellenbosch – with the Cape's Damascene, Lisha Nelson and Raats also among the panel's favourites alongside wines from Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
On the panel: Master of Wine Dirceu Vianna Junior (founder of international consultants Vianna Wine Resources), Eugenio Egorov (director of wine for the Six Senses hotel in London) and Roger Jones (former owner of Michelin-rated restaurant in Wiltshire, UK). Though Argentina led the way in terms of wine submissions from the various countries, Jones said that: “Producers should follow the lead of those in New Zealand and South Africa, who travel frequently in search of knowledge.” Of the 13 South African entries, four were considered ‘outstanding', seven ‘highly recommended' – see below for the most highly rated.
For the Cab Francs included in the 2026 SA Wine Classification, click here.
96/100
Warwick Cabernet Franc 2022
R600pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
95/100
Damascene Cabernet Franc 2023
R575pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Lisha Nelson Cabernet Franc 2019
R521pb ex-Nelson Estate, Paarl
Raats Family Reserve Cabernet Franc 2022
R800pb ex-producer, Polkadraai-Stellenbosch
94/100
KWV Mentors Cabernet Franc 2021
R349pb ex-cellar, Paarl
93/100
Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2020
R515pb ex-cellar, Polkadraai-Stellenbosch
Mulderbosch Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021
R515pb ex-cellar, Polkadraai-Stellenbosch
Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2022
R235pb ex-producer, Polkadraai-Stellenbosch