Twelve out of sixty invited Cabernet Sauvignon wines were judged to be the best in our country, scoring 90 or more out of 100 points in Winemag’s Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report 2016, the top wines recognised at a function held at the MOMA Gallery in Bo-Kaap on Thursday.

The exhibition by Florine Demosthene, entitled ‘The Burst‘, formed the backdrop to the awards event, which was attended by wine writers as well as winemakers, with representatives of sponsor Prescient. Cabernet Sauvignon is our country’s third most planted variety, at 12%.

We were welcomed by Winemag Business Manager Jacqueline Lahoud, thanking all attending, including the talented winemakers who had made the best Cabernet Sauvignons in the country. She reminded those present that Winemag organises five wine category awards annually.  While the Cabernet Sauvignon Report is in its fifth year, it is the first time that the Cabernet Sauvignon Report has been sponsored by Prescient.

Prescient’s Herman Steyn thanked the MOMA Gallery for the use of its space, and acknowledged the dedication and craft of the winemakers which led to their top performance. The event linked his three loves, being art, investment, and wines, he said.

The judges who evaluated the wines were lead judge Christian Eedes, with Roland Peens and James Pedersen being the two additional judges, who have been involved with Christian since he started his Reports, giving consistency. Christian said that they had invited 60 Cabernet Sauvignon brands to be part of the 2016 competition, and these were blind-tasted. Most of the wines entered were 2013 vintages, but some wines were older at 2010, or younger at 2014.  Christian emphasised that they are the only ones to use the 100 point score to evaluate wines in South Africa. He said that the judges had picked up more light-bodied red wines in this category, perhaps allowing for earlier drinking. But there were some heavy ‘overwhelming’ ones in the mix too. He highlighted that Franschhoek and Stellenbosch were well represented as regions amongst the twelve top wines.

The countdown of the top twelve Cabernet Sauvignons began at the 90 score, working its way up to 94 points out of 100.

94 score: Delaire Graff Reserve 2013, and Spier Woolworths Private Collection 2013.

93 score:  Plaisier de Merle 2012

92 score:   Nederburg II Centuries 2012

91 score:  Môreson Magia 2013, Thelema 2012, and Vergenoegd 2011

90 score:   Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch 2014, Fleur du Cap Unfiltered 2013, Kleine Salze Vineyard Selection 2013, Rickety Bridge Paulina’s Reserve 2013 (making the top list four times in five years) , and Stony Brook Ghost Gum 2012.

Public tastings of the top twelve Cabernet Sauvignons will be held, in Cape Town at the Southern Sun Cullinan on 26 May, and at the Radisson Blu Hotel Gautrain in Johannesburg on 2 June.

The Salmon and Caprese Canapes added nice touches of colour to the event.

Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report 2016, www.winemag.co.za.  Twitter: @ChristianEedes  @Winemag

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.whalecottage.com/blog  Tel 082 55 11 323 Twitter: @WhaleCottage  Facebook:  click here Instagram: @Chris_Ulmenstein