There’s a reason Cabernet Sauvignon is known as the ‘King of Red Grapes’. With bold tannins, layered dark fruit flavours and a structure built for ageing, it’s a wine that knows how to make a lasting impression. But when grown on home soil, it takes on a distinctive character that further sets it apart. South African Cabernet Sauvignon wine offers the perfect balance of oomph and elegance, often matched with vibrant acidity and savoury complexity, while offering a taste of the terroir in every sip. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious sipper, these award-winning bottles showcase just how cellar-worthy local Cabernet can be, even among the global array.
Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Alto Wine Estate is situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. The renowned estate is revered for producing some of the best red wines in South Africa. Cabernet Sauvignon is their most celebrated variety and forms the cornerstone of their estate, making it a worthy addition to any notable wine collection. The first single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1965 and has since become their most awarded wine to date.
Produced by winemaker Bertho van der Westhuizen, the Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 vintage encapsulates their terroir of excellence, offering rich aromas of dark fruit and hints of Fynbos. Bright red with a rich, deep hue, this remarkable wine showcases great complexity and structure. Flavours of plum, blackcurrant and fig paste, with a firm line of graphite, add a luxurious dimension to the palate. A beautiful wine to enjoy now, but maturation will enhance its excellence over the next five to ten years.
Winemaker’s Note: The palate is beautifully refined with structured tannins and an unwavering depth of fruit, featuring subtle graphite undertones.
Grapes & Region: Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Helderberg region, Stellenbosch.
Perfect Pairing: Excellent enjoyed on its own or served with red meat dishes like ostrich, beef fillet or lamb. It is also a great accompaniment to game fish like yellowtail or tuna. Light up the coals and savour it with these Chilli Rocket Pesto Lamb Chops with Yoghurt.
Vibe & Occasion: Dining beside the fireplace.
Something Unique: The estate has previously earned a 4.5-star Platter’s rating and a Silver status at the Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters in 2023 for its execution of this style. Awards include a 93-point rating from Winemag and a Top 10 ranking, as well as a Gold win at Veritas.
Serving Tip: Decant and enjoy!
RSP: R290.00 (1 x 750 ml; 14.6% ABV) | SHOP HERE
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Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, just outside Stellenbosch, lies Kleine Zalze – one of South Africa’s leading wine producers. Under the skilled guidance of cellarmaster RJ Botha, the wines are made using traditional methods with minimal cellar intervention, while pushing the boundaries for optimal style and quality. From Cellar Selection wines, ideal for everyday consumption, to high-end Family Reserve wines, each collection offers something unique. Kleine Zalze wines are refreshing, refined, beautifully balanced and well-suited to food, especially the Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 vintage.
Part of the Vineyard Selection, this elegantly structured Cabernet showcases its provenance; fine tannins and beautifully integrated oak linger on the palate. The fruit was sourced from the estate’s vineyards and selected Stellenbosch blocks. Most of these vineyards are grown on soils consisting of ferricrete, also known as ‘koffie klip’, well-suited for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Upfront berry and subtle herbal notes open up in the glass, revealing intense dark fruit on the palate, with cassis and black cherry notes. Known for their depth and age-worthiness, Kleine Zalze’s Cabernet Sauvignons stand tall among South Africa’s most celebrated wines.
Winemaker’s Note: Dark berry and subtle herbal notes open up in the glass, revealing intense dark fruit, followed by notes of cassis and black cherry on the palate.
Grapes & Region: Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from Stellenbosch.
Perfect Pairing: A fantastic companion to most meat dishes, this wine is ideal with this Crying Tiger Steak with Nahm Jim Jaew Sauce & Pickled Cucumber.
Vibe & Occasion: Braaing and bonding around the fire.
Something Unique: The grapes are all from virus-free vineyards that ensure early and even ripening, resulting in an intense concentration of flavours at harvest time, promising another classic vintage.
Serving Tip: Enjoy as is or allow to mature for 10 years with careful cellaring.
RSP: R220.00 (1 x 750 ml; 14.5% ABV) | SHOP HERE
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Ernie Els Big Easy Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Nestled in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Stellenbosch, Ernie Els Wines is framed by panoramic views of Cape Town’s Table Mountain to the west and Stellenbosch’s Helderberg Mountains to the east. Here, esteemed winemaker Louis Strydom crafts iconic wines, ranging from their Signature to the Major Series collection. The Big Easy collection features the Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 vintage, a wine renowned for its fine tannins and premium quality.
Open and inviting, this wine has a keenly pitched red-toned acidity, which complements the chalkiness on the finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault vineyards grow on the warm north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. With an altitude of approximately 250 metres above sea level, together with the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean just 15 kilometres away, it’s reminiscent of bushels of herbs dried in sea winds, with salty-savoury notes, making the flavour profile uniquely nostalgic.
Winemaker’s Note: Lifted red berries, plums and morello cherries evolve to the sappy core, stitched by fine tannins from delicate oaking, with a hint of vanilla pod and subtle toast notes.
Grapes & Region: Cabernet Sauvignon 88% and 12% Cinsault from Stellenbosch vineyards.
Perfect Pairing: The plum, cherry and herby notes of this wine complement these Biltong, Caramelised Onion & Blue Cheese Tartlets.
Vibe & Occasion: Scenic views and easy conversations.
Something Unique: The vines benefit from the high-potential Tukulu and Oakleaf soils and are planted north-facing to absorb maximum sunlight, creating ideal growing conditions to produce the fuller and fruitier wines of Ernie Els’ fame.
Serving Tip: Decant and savour every sip.
RSP: R145.00 (1 x 750 ml; 13.5% ABV) | SHOP HERE
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Le Grand Domaine Grand Vin de Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Le Grand Domaine joins the ranks of the world’s leading Cabernet Sauvignon producers – a true reflection of the vineyards, the terroir and the team behind the wine. Perched at the top of Devon Valley, the prized estate overlooks the Stellenbosch mountains and benefits from the region’s distinct soils and rare microclimate. It holds 10.69 hectares under vine, planted in 2016 to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
At the 2025 International Wine Challenge (IWC), one of the most rigorous and respected wine competitions worldwide, Le Grand Domaine was awarded both the International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy and the South African Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy for its Le Grand Vin de Stellenbosch ‘La Grande Sélection’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 vintage. Produced by head winemaker Debbie Thompson and the team, the highly acclaimed wine was placed ahead of international contenders from renowned regions including Bordeaux, Napa and Coonawarra. A bouquet of violets is complemented with vibrant notes of opulent cassis and cranberries, followed by undertones of oak and pencil shavings. The palate is coated with structured tannins; notes like dark fruits and berries provide a powerful finish.
Winemaker’s Note: This wine is accessible now, but will age another 10 years from vintage.
Grapes & Region: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from Devon Valley, Stellenbosch.
Perfect Pairing: A dry, full-bodied red with berry and dark fruit notes, this extraordinary wine pairs well with this Olive Oil Chocolate Torte with Mascarpone & Seasonal Berries.
Vibe & Occasion: Grand events and milestones.
Something Unique: The vineyard blocks are planted in a northeast-to-southwest row direction. Within this block, five different clones were planted, hence the different layers of red and black fruit.
Serving Tip: Decant and enjoy!
RSP: POA (1 x 750 ml; 14% ABV) | SHOP HERE
Starke-Condé Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon Jonkershoek Valley 2022
Starke-Condé Wines crafts elegant, terroir-driven wines. The estate’s Oude Nektar farm benefits from cooler temperatures, well-drained decomposed granite soils and generous winter rainfall – the ideal conditions for producing structured yet refined Cabernet Sauvignon wines. With a philosophy rooted in minimal intervention and precision, cellarmaster José Conde and the winemaking team have created the much-celebrated Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon.
This single-vineyard wine draws its character from the farm’s oldest block, where the finely textured soils and higher altitude create the perfect setting for slow, even ripening. The result is a Cabernet that balances richness with restraint, showing hallmark notes of cassis, black cherry and violets. The tannins are fine and silky – a signature of both the vineyard and the region – with an elegance that carries through the long, layered finish. Aged carefully in oak and made with a vegan-friendly approach, the wine reflects the precision that has earned it multiple Platter’s 5-star ratings and two trophies at the Six Nations Wine Challenge held annually in Australia, among other esteemed awards.
Winemaker’s Note: When young, this wine shows violet, cassis and black cherry notes, coupled with the fine tannins for which the Jonkershoek Valley is known.
Grapes & Region: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec from Oude Nektar farm, Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch.
Perfect Pairing: The silky tannins and lingering notes of this Cabernet are ideal for braised or slow-cooked dishes, like this comforting Pork Ragù with Pappardelle.
Vibe & Occasion: Cosy winter nights, alongside good people and great food.
Something Unique: The wines made from this vineyard often have good ripeness and natural acidity and a unique floral note that sets it apart from other blocks of Cabernet.
Serving Tip: Let the aromas breathe and enjoy.
RSP: R635.00 (1 x 750ml; 14.5% ABV) | SHOP HERE
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Black Elephant Vintners & Co. Amazing Grace Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Black Elephant Vintners & Co. is anything but traditional. Founded by managing director Kevin Swart, viticulturist and winemaker Jacques Wentzel and chairman Raymond Ndlovu, the estate leans into unique music-driven wine experiences that challenge the conventions of winemaking. Their branding is bold and the philosophy is simple – let the vines and the land lead, with minimal interference. The winery’s ethos of ‘Wine Unplugged’ finds heartfelt expression in Amazing Grace Cabernet Sauvignon. A tribute to Kevin’s late father, this exceptional wine is crafted each year to the sound of a live recording of the song by Tree63, featuring Swart’s younger brother, Darryl.
Amazing Grace Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 has soul and structure. Aged for five years in a barrel, it reflects a season marked by drought and early ripening, resulting in fruit with great concentration and chemistry. In the glass, it shows a deep purple hue and an expressive bouquet of blueberry, blackcurrant and cedarwood. The palate is taut and vibrant, framed by fine, linear tannins and a persistent freshness that suggests excellent ageing potential. This is not a quick-sip wine – it’s built to last, and decanting is encouraged to fully unlock its depth.
Winemaker’s Note: This wine is not just a momentary pleasure but a long-term investment in your wine collection.
Grapes & Region: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Franschhoek.
Perfect Pairing: The blackcurrant and berry notes of this wine pair brilliantly with these hearty Indonesian Short Ribs with Plums.
Vibe & Occasion: Celebrating life with friends and family.
Something Unique: Mature gracefully over the next 8-10 years to unlock its full potential.
Serving Tip: Decant and enjoy.
RSP: R449.50 (1 x 750 ml; 13.61% ABV) | SHOP HERE
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Plaisir Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Plaisir Wine Estate rests at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain, between Paarl and Franschhoek. With centuries of winemaking tradition, the estate is a guardian of both heritage and natural harmony. The surrounding landscape teems with diverse flora and fauna; Plaisir’s approach to farming honours this biodiversity. This deep-rooted philosophy of balance and respect finds expression in their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine shaped by time, terroir and thoughtful craftsmanship, produced by winemaker and former cellarmaster Neil Bester.
This classic style of Cabernet offers a full-bodied but finely tuned expression of the celebrated varietal. On the nose, it opens with dark blueberry and red currant layered over a graphite-like minerality – a signature of the region’s soils. The palate is structured yet refined, balancing dense fruit concentration with polished tannins and a sense of clarity that carries through to a layered finish. While it has the power you’d expect from a classic Cabernet, there’s restraint and finesse at play here, making it a delightful South African Cabernet Sauvignon wine.
Winemaker’s Note: Hints of dark blueberry, redcurrant and a graphitic nuance. Flavours mirror the primary aromas, resulting in a layered wine with length and a persistent palate.
Grapes & Region: Cabernet Sauvignon from Simonsberg Mountain, between Paarl and Franschhoek.
Perfect Pairing: The well-defined fruit expression in this wine makes it an ideal match for this divine Berry Nice Chocolate Mousse with Blackberries & Cream.
Vibe & Occasion: Delicious conversation over wine and dessert.
Something Unique: Although a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, the palate is well poised and stages an effortless balance between fruit clarity and tannin weight.
Serving Tip: Decant and enjoy!
RSP: R315.00 (1 x 750 ml) | SHOP HERE
Restless River ‘Main Road & Dignity’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Once known as ‘Attacquas Kloof’, Restless River is a small but uncompromising wine estate in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, where cool ocean winds and ancient granite-clay soils shape a unique growing environment. Just 5 kilometres from the South Atlantic, the estate benefits from some of the lowest summer temperatures in the Cape’s Winelands, resulting in slower ripening and more refined fruit. Owners Craig and Anne Wessels have deep historical ties to the region.
Crafted by winemaker Craig Wessels, Cabernet Sauvignon, Main Road & Dignity, takes its name from the two vineyard blocks where the grapes are grown. A unique expression of the Hemel-en-Aarde territory, this wine is as much a product of place as it is of philosophy. The 2021 vintage was picked late from low-yielding vines, allowing the fruit to develop concentration while retaining the energy and elegance that this cool-climate site imparts. Renowned Master of Wine, Tim Atkins, says, “It has cassis, bay leaf, fresh herb and damson flavours, grippy tannins, appealing zip and freshness and the concentration to age.” There’s a precision and freshness to this Cabernet that sets it apart from other styles, with the structure and balance to evolve beautifully over time.
Winemaker’s Note: The cool climate and the decomposed granite soils at Hemel-en-Aarde are ideal for producing lighter, more elegant-style wines.
Grapes & Region: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes sourced from Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus.
Perfect Pairing: The balance of texture, length and complexity makes this Pork Neck Vindaloo Curry the perfect match for this wine.
Vibe & Occasion: Intimate dinner parties.
Something Unique: Each vineyard on their farm is registered as a single vineyard, and the wines are named after the vineyards.
Serving Tip: Decant and savour.
RSP: R805.00 (1 x 750 ml; 13.8% ABV) | SHOP HERE
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*Prices and product availability are subject to change.
