An unmissable night for any wine lover, Caroline’s Red Wine Review 2025 once again delivered an unforgettable showcase of South Africa’s top-tier reds. Hosted by the ever-passionate Caroline Rillema, this iconic event lit up the Members’ Lounge at DHL Stadium with an atmosphere buzzing with elegance, anticipation and bold expression.
The country’s most celebrated producers gathered under one roof, each pouring their flagship red wines that speak of heritage, terroir and the winemaker’s unique signature. From powerful Cabernets to silky Pinot Noirs, every bottle told a story, and every glass revealed something rare and remarkable.
What we tasted:
Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
The Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is bold and elegant, with notes of blackcurrant, plum and cedar. Firm tannins and fresh acidity give it structure, while hints of tobacco and dark chocolate add depth. A polished, age-worthy wine with a long, refined finish.
Benguela Cove Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Polished and precise, with ripe blackberries, cassis and graphite on the nose. The palate is structured yet refined, showing integrated oak, firm tannins and a cool maritime freshness.
Beyerskloof Eerste Ry Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
A bold and expressive Cabernet with dark cherry, cedar and hints of cigar box. Concentrated and powerful, with smooth tannins and a long, savoury finish.
David Finlayson Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Vibrant and modern, with juicy black fruit, mint and subtle spice. Silky tannins and lively acidity bring freshness to the rich, fruit-driven core.
Idiom Barbera 2021
Bright and juicy with red cherry, raspberry and a hint of sweet spice. Elegant acidity and fine tannins make this an energetic and food-friendly red.
Almenkerk Merlot 2022
A stylish, cool-climate Merlot with plum, dark chocolate and a whisper of graphite. Smooth texture with balancing acidity and a savoury finish.
Holden Manz Merlot Reserve 2021
Rich and plush with layers of black plum, mocha and vanilla. Opulent in texture, yet balanced with gentle tannins and a warming, persistent finish.
Lourensford Limited Release Merlot 2023
Ripe and refined, showing red berries, baking spice and soft oak. Medium-bodied with supple tannins and a clean, fruit-forward finish.
Villiera Monro Merlot 2022
Deep and smooth, with mulberry, plum and a hint of earthy spice. Polished structure and gentle oak integration create a seamless palate.
Nederburg Private Bin Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Classic and concentrated, offering blackcurrant, mint and pencil shavings. Dense yet elegant, with fine tannins and great ageing potential.
Nico van der Merwe Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Serious and structured, with cassis, dried herbs and firm, grippy tannins. A focused and age-worthy Cabernet with depth and restraint.
Restless River Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Pure and precise, with black cherry, graphite and a mineral edge. Finessed tannins and bright acidity carry a long, elegant finish.
Blank Bottle Confessions of a White Glove Chaser 2022
Intriguing and layered, with wild red berries, floral notes and earthy spice. Light-footed yet complex, with fine structure and a touch of mystery.
Morgenster The Reserve 2018
Mature and regal, with black fruit, olive tapenade and cedar. Silky texture with depth, savoury complexity and a long, graceful finish.
Muratie Ansela van de Caab 2021
Rich and textured with blackberries, spice and a touch of leather. Full-bodied and generous, showing both structure and charm.
Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon The Mint 2022
Bold and aromatic with blackcurrant, eucalyptus and dark chocolate. Fresh, structured and unmistakably Thelema, with a long minty finish.
De Toren Fusion V 2021
Polished and poised, with dark fruit, violets and graphite. Silky tannins and a seamless palate highlight the finesse of this Bordeaux-style blend.
Zorgvliet Cabernet Franc 2022
Bright and perfumed with red berries, bell pepper and subtle oak spice. Elegant and focused with fine tannins and a cool-climate lift.
Saxenburg Private Collection Syrah 2021
Dark and spicy with blackberry, black pepper and savoury herbs. Full-bodied and intense, with a meaty edge and long, spicy finish.
Metzer Shiraz 2022
Elegant and restrained with floral aromatics, red berries and white pepper. Textured and balanced with freshness and length.
Keermont Syrah 2019
Rich yet refined, with dark plum, violet and earthy spice. Well-integrated tannins and a savoury, lingering finish reflect the estate’s mountain terroir.
Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2021
Expressive and bold, with ripe cherry, dark chocolate and smoky oak. Plush and full on the palate, with a smooth, modern finish.
Bellevue 1953 Pinotage 2020
Concentrated and complex, with dark berries, spice and earthy undertones. Grippy tannins and a long, structured finish reflect its heritage.
Beeslaar Pinotage 2022
Lush and powerful, with ripe plum, violets and seamless oak integration. Full-bodied and velvety, showing elegance alongside intensity.
Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2021
Deep and expressive with dark fruit, tobacco and spice. Dense yet polished, with a velvety texture and a refined, persistent finish.
Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend 2021
Layered and rich with blackberry, vanilla and savoury oak. Full-bodied and well-knit, offering smooth tannins and lasting depth.
Newton Johnson Pinot Noir 2023
Bright and pure with red cherry, rose petal and subtle spice. Light-bodied yet focused, with fine tannins and a long, elegant finish.
Oak Valley Tabula Rasa PN114 2021
Sleek and vibrant with tart red berries, earthy minerality and floral lift. Tense and linear on the palate, with great precision and finesse.
Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir 2023
Delicate and graceful, offering raspberry, rose and a hint of forest floor. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity lead to a beautifully balanced finish.
Paul Cluver Estate Pinot Noir 2023
Fresh and expressive with cranberry, spice and a touch of oak. Lively acidity and fine tannins make it a classic Elgin Pinot with charm.
Matthew van Heerden Pinot Noir 2021
Elegant and fragrant, with red cherry, wild herbs and subtle oak. Smooth, balanced and quietly complex with a refined finish.
Bosman Pinot Noir 2022
Juicy and accessible with strawberry, spice and earthy notes. Soft tannins and a gentle palate make it a crowd-pleasing Pinot with character.
Creation Art of Pinot Noir 2022
Poised and sophisticated, with vibrant red fruit, rose petal and savoury spice. Silky and harmonious, showing great depth and precision.
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2023
Classic and understated, with red cherry, tea leaf and earthy minerality. Elegant and textural with a restrained, Burgundian finish.
This year’s event carried an atmosphere of understated glamour, with winemakers and wine lovers mingling over carefully poured tastings, thoughtful conversations and the shared passion for excellence in the glass.
Looking for that special bottle of wine? Visit Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar website as they delivery all over South Africa. If you would like to read more about Caroline’s Wine Reviews visit our previous articles.
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