Prescient Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2024: Top 10
By Christian Eedes, 27 August 2024
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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 64 entries from 57 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:
95
Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2022
Price: R705
Wine of Origin: Simonsberg-Paarl
Abv: 14.5%
94
Nederburg Heritage Heroes The Brew Master 2021
Price: R245
Wine of Origin: Coastal Region
Abv: 14%
94
Peter Falke Signature Kanoa Exclusive Blend 2019
Price: R400
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.5%
94
Quoin Rock Red Blend 2021
Price: R750
Wine of Origin: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.29%
94
Vigne d’Or Red Blend 2021 (Terre Paisible)
Price: R260
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.41%
93
Diemersdal Private Collection 2022
Price: R210
Wine of Origin: Durbanville
Abv: 14.32%
93
Dornier Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2019
Price: R195
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.5%
93
Ernie Els Signature 2018
Price: R900
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.41%
93
La Bri Affinity 2021
Price: R230
Wine of Origin: Franschhoek
Abv: 13.87%
93
Vriesenhof Jan Boland Coetzee 2022
Price: R160
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 13.8%
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 price of the 38 wines to rate 90-plus is R377 a bottle and of the Top 10 is R406.
Best buy
Offering the best quality relative to price is Bishops The Mitre Red 2022 (Bruce Jack) with a rating of 90 and selling for R120 a bottle.
45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot. Red and black berries, herbs and pencil shavings on the nose while the palate shows pure fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins – clean and correct.
In-depth analysis
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 2024
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