An internationally benchmarked accolade underscores the strength of Idiom’s Cabernet Sauvignon–led Icon blend.
The Idiom Bordicon 2022 has been awarded Gold at The Drinks Business Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters, held in London on 8 April – one of 32 Global Wine Masters competitions hosted annually by the leading international wine publication. Judged by Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and senior buyers, the competition assesses wines blind within category and price, ensuring objective comparison across global benchmarks.
This year, over 160 Cabernet Sauvignon-led wines from 12 countries were evaluated, with fewer than 20% achieving Gold or Master status – placing the Idiom Bordicon among a select group of top-scoring wines. For Idiom, this recognition affirms what the Bordicon represents: the leading Iconic Blend within its range.
The Idiom Bordicon 2022 will be among the top-performing wines showcased by The Drinks Business at the London Wine Fair (18–20 May 2026, Olympia, London), the UK’s largest wine trade exhibition, where Global Masters-awarded wines are presented to an international audience of buyers and industry professionals.
Rooted in the coastal Southern-most region of Stellenbosch, this Cabernet Sauvignon–led Bordeaux-style blend is shaped by structure, precision and longevity. The 2022 vintage delivered highly favourable conditions, with even ripening and consistent phenolic development across all components. As winemaker Reino Thiart notes, “Even ripening throughout the vintage is always a very good indicator of a good vintage, and 2022 delivered on that promise.”
Cabernet Sauvignon delivers cassis, graphite and a finely tuned tannin framework, while each supporting varietal is introduced with intent: Merlot softens the mid-palate, Cabernet Franc lifts the aromatics, and Petit Verdot reinforces structure and length. The guiding principle is precision, with blending decisions focused on balance, definition and long-term evolution, without compromising accessibility from release.
In tasting, Master of Wine Siobhan Turner notes “a very attractive nose, with blackcurrant, plum and red cherry, with vanilla and a touch of hazelnut underneath. The palate is ripe and rich, with full yet finessed tannins… a nice fruit core, a hint of savoury spice and some attractive mature notes.”
The Idiom Bordicon 2022 has also received Gold at the South African Red Blends Challenge, further reinforcing its standing among leading Cabernet-led wines.
Taken together, these results reinforce Idiom’s position as a producer of Cabernet Sauvignon–led blends defined by structure and intent. The Idiom Bordicon 2022 stands as a considered expression of site and composition – equally compelling in the glass today, and built to evolve with time.
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