Prescient Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2020 convened by Winemag.co.za
Introduction
This year’s Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report convened by Winemag.co.za and sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient is now out. There were 61 entries from 51 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.
Top 10
The 10 best wines overall are as follows:
De Grendel Rubiayat 2016
Price: R375
Wine of Origin: Coastal Region
Abv: 14.5%
Dornier Donatus 2017
Price: R350
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.5%
Ernie Els Signature 2015
Price: R740
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.72%
Kaapzicht Steytler Pentagon 2017
Price: R550
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv:14.57%
MR de Compostella 2017
Price: R1 500
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.5%
Org de Rac Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Reserve 2017
Price: R250
Wine of Origin: Swartland
Abv: 14.56%
Quest Bordeaux Style 2017 (Du Toitskloof)
Price: R310
Wine of Origin: Western Cape
Abv: 14.5%
Tokara Director’s Reserve 2017
Price: R400
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.8%
Warwick Trilogy 2017
Price: R550
Wine of Origin: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.27%
Zorgvliet Richelle 2017
Price: R315
Wine of Origin: Banghoek
Abv: 14.66%
About the category
The Bordeaux region in the southwest of France is famous for its red blends, the best of which can age with benefit over many years. The two grapes that feature most prominently are austere Cabernet Sauvignon and fleshy Merlot, although Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot also play a role. This style has been imitated around the world and South Africa is no exception.
What do top Cape Bordeaux Red Blends go for?
The average cellar-door price of the Top 10, meanwhile, is R534 a bottle with Org de Rac Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Reserve 2017 the most affordable at R250 a bottle.
In-depth analysis
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To read the report in full, including key findings, tasting notes for the top wines, buyers guide and scores on the 100-point quality scale for all wines entered, download the following: Prescient Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2020 |
Prize
The producer of the wine judged best overall wins a new 225-litre Biodynamie barrel worth €908 (the equivalent of R17 375 at the time of writing) from Tonnellerie Sylvain. This will be announced towards the end of the year.
Shop online
Johannesburg boutique wine retailer Dry Dock Liquor is offering all wines in the top 10 for sale – buy now.