Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Bordeaux-Style Blends - South Africa
South Africa’s influence in this part of the competition has fallen dramatically over the past few years. Perhaps the harsh economics of the Cape are to blame, perhaps its drought, but what’s sure is that we’re not getting the entries or the silverware that we used to.
As recently as 2017 the Saffers managed 21 medals here, so five this year was a rather sorry effort.
That said, with no Bronze medals, but three Golds – including a Critics’ Choice – it looks like when they do get it right they REALLY get it right. You just have to like that very specific Cape style. And not all our tasters did.
From The Tasting Teams
‘A bad flight. Too green, too bitter, and trying to overcompensate with oak. The precision winemaking was not there at all.’ Andre Luis Martins, Cavalry and Guards Club
‘Very disappointing wines: expensive, underripe, unbalanced. I think the winemakers were worried about losing acidity so they picked early. But the grapes were not ripe so the wines were unbalanced and too grippy.’ Guillaume Mahaut, ETM Group
‘This flight had wines at different prices but not different qualities. The best wines were the ones at entry level, actually. It wasn’t convincing. There were green tannins and unbalanced, high acidities.’ Markus Dilger, Dilger Sommelier Selection
‘Too alcoholic, too warm and too tannic. If I want to put a Cab Sauvignon on my list I would stick with Italy or France.’ Chiara Sieni, MM Grocery
‘You know it’s South Africa. A good combination between a vegetal and fruit character. Over the years, these are becoming more well-made.’ Rémi Cousin, Le Gavroche
‘I wanted more typicity and more elegance, but the only other characteristic was this green character that is not nice by itself.’ Filippo Pastorini, consultant