A Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon has placed South African red wine firmly in the international limelight, following recognition on two respected global wine platforms.

Tokara’s Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 has been included in the red-wine judging list for the 2026 Judgement of Davis, a landmark blind tasting hosted by the University of California, Davis, in honour of the 50th anniversary of the original 1976 Judgement of Paris.

The original Judgement of Paris changed the global perception of fine wine when Californian wines outperformed leading French wines in a blind tasting. Fifty years later, the Judgement of Davis carries that legacy forward in a modern, international context, bringing together Cabernet Sauvignon-based reds and Chardonnay-based whites from leading wine regions around the world.

Only red wine from SA

Tokara’s inclusion among 12 red wine finalists adds weight to Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon’s growing global reputation and to South Africa’s place among leading wine-producing regions.

The same wine has also been selected for this year’s World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection, where it was recognised as the only red wine from South Africa. The 2026 selection brought together 30 leading head sommeliers from 50 Best Restaurants across Asia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and Latin America. These sommeliers tasted and assessed registered gastronomic wines for quality, background and food-pairing potential. This is the third year the Tokara Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon is featured in the Selection.

Together, the two recognitions place the Tokara Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 among wines being assessed by influential international judges and leading restaurant sommeliers, adding further momentum to South African red wine on the global stage.

The Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 has already built strong momentum internationally. Current accolades for the 2022 vintage include Double Gold from Gilbert & Gaillard, 94 points from Tim Atkin, Gold at the Intercontinental Wine Challenge, 93+ points from Robert Parker and 4½ Stars in Platter’s Wine Guide. The 2021 vintage earned 97 points and Best in Show at the Decanter Awards. This year, the 2022 vintage continued the momentum with an impressive 95-point score.

The wine itself demonstrates the strength and refinement increasingly associated with top Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows a brilliant purple-black core and deep ruby edge, with classic aromas of cassis, ripe cherry, subtle liquorice and graphite. Hints of cigar box and fynbos add freshness and local character, while the palate is full-bodied with dense, fine-grained tannins, ripe fruit and a persistent, layered finish.

This recognition is another reminder that the country’s fine wines are actively selected and judged alongside wines from some of the world’s most established regions.

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