Prescient Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2023: Top 10

By , 29 August 2023

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 59 entries from 49 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

Allée Bleue L’Amour Toujours 2018
Price: R300
Wine of Origin: Banghoek
Abv: 14.49%

95

Constantia Glen Three 2020
Price: R360
Wine of Origin: Constantia
Abv: 14.5%

 

95 – Best Overall

Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2021
Price: R405
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.9%

Winner of a new 225-litre Sylvain Grande Reserve barrel from Tonnellerie Sylvain.  

94

Journey’s End Cape Doctor The Red 2018
Price: R330
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.5%

94

Vrede en Lust Boet Erasmus 2019
Price: R280
Wine of Origin: Simonsberg-Paarl
Abv: 13.8%

94

Zorgvliet Richelle 2019
Price: R440
Wine of Origin: Banghoek
Abv: 14.27%

93

Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve 2020
Price: R540
Wine of Origin: Constantia
Abv: 14.02%

93

Harry Hartman Coracle 2020
Price: R575
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 13.9%

93

Idiom Bordicon “B” Blend 2018
Price: R600
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14%

93 – Best Buy

Zonnebloem Lauréat 2020
Price: R175
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 14.26%

Delaire Graff, Stellenbosch.

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 34 wines to rate 90-plus is R379 a bottle and of the Top 10 is R390. Offering the best quality relative to price is Zonnebloem Lauréat 2020 with a rating of 93 and selling for R115 a bottle.

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 2023

Shop online

Johannesburg boutique wine retailer Dry Dock Liquor is offering the top wines for sale and can deliver nationwide – buy now.

Hermanus wine shop Wine Village is offering the top wines for sale and can ship all over the world – buy now.

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