‘South African Cabernet Sauvignon has reached remarkable heights of quality and complexity, allied to a longevity that should make even the most astute international collectors and connoisseurs sit up and take notice.’ – Greg Sherwood MW
‘Stellenbosch’s Cabernets and Bordeaux-style blends are some of the best in the world.’ – Tim Atkin, South Africa 2026 Special Report
Stellenbosch Cabernet is back in en primeur-like fashion. We have curated a selection of top Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2024 vintage. Though the 2025 vintage is currently front of mind, it will be criminal for 2024 to be overlooked. A very wet winter of 2023 replenished water reserves, while wind was also less during spring and summer into 2024 – meaning less evapotranspiration, better moisture in the soils and an earlier harvest. A dry summer meant no disruptions during the ripening or harvest period, resulting in well ripened tannins and good structure, both important to great Cabernet Sauvignon.
‘2024 had a very wet winter, with (then) record-breaking floods in September 2023 followed by a warm spring and hot summer that produced an early harvest. Yields were very low. The best wines are appropriately concentrated; the reds in particular will reward patience.’ – Tim Atkin
Kanonkop is a terrific wine. Tensile, fresh and so delicately perfumed. At the offered price, it’s almost 18% down on the eventual release price! Stark-Condé’s Three Pines is so attractive. Clearly showing its Jonkershoek origins – cool fruited centre and lovely salty tannins. Beyerskloof is impressive, albeit in a more traditional styling. A touch of sweetness and rich fruit, combined with firm structure and composed palate results in wine that is very well assembled. Le Riche Reserve carries its identity so clearly – deep, beguiling aromatics, a hint of blue fruit not commonly found in local Cabernets and great palate weight. Another terrific Cab.
Meerlust and Thelema have great similarity in their expression. Initially quite shy, but then opens up with sweet fruit, followed by a leafy freshness. Both wines will reward cellaring, with Meerlust’s tannins a touch more rounded and the acidity a bit more linear. Neil Ellis’ Jonkershoek is another grand wine. Quite Bordeaux-like in its structure and brooding nature, it will require time to come into its own. But patience will pay dividends. Oldenburg Rondekop Per Se is a beautiful wine – generous aromatics of rich cherry and pencil shavings held together by a wonderful acidity on the palate. Great purity marks this complete wine. Alto rounds off our selection with classic Helderberg Cabernet. Seaspray combines with chocolate and mint references on the nose, while the palate has firm tannins, wrapped around an earthy profile. Great value.
Considering future release prices and the pricing at which these wines are offered, there is terrific value in securing these wines now. Please send an email to johan@briceandburnett.co.za to secure your order.
Payment is required on presentation of the invoice with wines delivered once released from the estate. Wines will not all be released at the same time, due to different maturation regimes followed by the different estates.
Minimum order of 3 bottles per wine, with multiples of 3 or 6 thereafter. You can view the tasting notes here.
| Producer | Wine | Vintage | Greg Sherwood | EP Price | Est. saving | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alto | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2024 | 93-95 | R 300 | 13.5% | |
| Beyerskloof | Eerste Ry Cabernet Sauvignon | 2024 | 95-97 | R 725 | 12.3% | |
| Kanonkop | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2024 | 96-98 | R 620 | 18.0% | |
| Le Riche | Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | 2024 | 96-97 | R1, 095 | 9.5% | |
| Meerlust | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2024 | 95-96+ | R 490 | 9.5% | |
| Neil Ellis | Jonkershoek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | 2024 | 94-96 | R 695 | 14.0% | |
| Oldenburg | Rondekop Per Se Cabernet Sauvignon | 2024 | 95-97 | R1, 190 | 13.5% | |
| Stark-Condé | Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon | 2024 | Not tasted | R 625 | 8.4% | |
| Thelema | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2024 | 95-97 | R 375 | 12.8% |
