Organised by Events by Celia, the judging of the Red Blend Challenge took place on February 23rd in Cape Town, by three experienced tasters, Cape Wine Master Christine Rudman (as Chair), Greg Mutambe, Chief Sommelier at The Twelve Apostles, and Norma Ratcliffe, previously winemaker and co-owner of Warwick Wine Estate and was audited by Cecil Kilpin & Company.
There were 46 entries across various styles: Bordeaux (any combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot); Rhône (any combination of Shiraz, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Viognier); Cape (30%+ Pinotage with other red varieties); and Others, not fitting any of the aforementioned styles. Bordeaux at 23 was the largest category, followed by Other Blends at 13.
Judging was according to the international 100 point system, and all wines were evaluated blind in the presence of an auditor. There were 15 golds awarded, 90 points and above, accounting for 33% of the entries, with 10 of these from the Stellenbosch/Simonsberg and Franschhoek areas. The balance of the entries were Silver, scoring 80 – 89 points, with no Bronze awarded, reflecting the general quality of the wines submitted. The majority of the vintages stretched from 2018 to 2021, with a few older.
Red Blends Challenge 2023 judges
The highest rated wines were the Bordeaux blends, a well-proven combination of varieties, capable of impressive quality in the right hands. Of the 9 Golds, four were Cabernet Franc-led, a new trend in this competition, while the rest were more conventionally Cabernet Sauvignon-led. The majority of the Bordeaux Blends comprised two or three varieties, rather than the conventional five. Only two Rhône blends were entered, both scoring gold, with one, Zonnebleom Shiraz/Mourvèdre/Viognier being judged the overall winner. As expected, Other Blends were diverse and creative, using Portuguese varieties as well as local like Pinotage and lesser known French such as Durif and Tannat, in combination with Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. There were four Golds awarded, with the wines being praised for their complexity and mouthfeel.
Some of the gold medallists
The panel was impressed the quality and balance of the Bordeaux Blends, which had wonderful typicity and accessibility. If there was any criticism it, was that some seemed to be created for earlier drinking, rather than for ageing. Of the eight Cape Blends, one earned a Gold, but overall they were considered creative and well-made, with interesting varietal combinations and good texture. Throughout all entries, there was good tannin balance, with no harsh wines, and most had good fruit expression, coupled with attractive oak spicing.
Winner
Zonnebloem SMV 2020
Gold (Alphabetical order)
Anura Layla Blaire Signature 2018
Arendskloof Shiraz Tannat 2020
Beau Joubert The Ambassador 2020
Cap Vino Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2021
Chamonix Troika 2020
Durbanville Hills Tangram Bordeaux Blend 2019
Holden Manz Big G 2018
Idiom Cape Red 2020
Le Pommier Mac Cabernet Franc Malbec 2021
Thor The Megan Mari 2020
Thor The Megan Mari 2021
Thelema Mountain Red 2019
Vendôme Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Zonnebloem Laureat 2020
Silver (Alphabetical order)
Anura Legato 2020
Arendskloof Shiraz Tannat 2021
Bellevue Atticus Cape Blend 2021
Blaauwklippen De Blaauwe Klip 2018
Boplaas Gamka 2020
Boplaas Ring of Rocks 2018
Cavalli Warlord 2020
Chamonix Rouge 2021
Doolhof Jacques Potier Bordeaux Blend 2021
Druk My Niet Invictus 2016
Eagle’s Cliff Shiraz Pinotage 2021
Groot Constantia Lady of Abundance 2019
Hillcrest Atlantic Sloped Hornfels 2016
Idiom Conical Peak 2013
Journey’s End Cape Doctor “The Red” 2017
Mimosa Mysterium 2021
Mimosa Natus 2021
Mimosa Solus 2021
Mitre’s Edge Sholto 2018
Mitre’s Edge The Mitre 2019
Mountain Ridge De Liefde 2021
My Wyn Cape Blend 2020
My Wyn Les Grandes Horisontales Rouge 2020
Nederburg Baronne 2021
Nederburg Double Barrel Reserve 2021
The Fledge & Co Field Blend 2021
Thor Gentis Red 2021
Villiersdorp Since 1922 Kiara 2018
Villiersdorp Since 1922 Kiara 2019
Whalehaven Old Harbour 2019
