Ken Forrester Petit Cab Sauv Red 75cl

Cabernet Sauvignon that actually tastes like Cabernet Sauvignon, dark fruit, a bit of cedar, and tannins that mean business (in a good way). Ken Forrester’s Petit Cab is a dry South African red that punches way above its “casual dinner” vibe, especially if you like your reds bold enough to stand up to real food.

If you’ve been defaulting to Shiraz or Malbec, this is a fun next step. You still get that satisfying dark-fruit depth, but Cabernet brings a firmer structure and a savoury edge that makes grilled food pop.

• Appearance: Deep ruby with a darker core.
• Nose: Blackcurrant, plum, a little dried herb, and a whisper of cedar.
• Palate: Dry, packed with dark berries and a touch of spice, with grippy tannins that feel made for food.
• Body: Medium-to-full bodied.
• Finish: Long and savoury, with black fruit and gentle oak lingering.

Food pairing: Go straight for ribeye, lamb chops, or a smash burger with caramelized onions, this wine loves char and fat.

Pour it for a weeknight dinner when you want something dependable, or bring it to a braai when you don’t feel like overthinking your red. It’s also a solid “house red” if your house rules are: bold, dry, and not boring.

Ken Forrester is one of Stellenbosch’s most talked-about names, and while they’re famous for game-changing Chenin Blanc, they also know exactly how to make a Cabernet that hits the spot without turning it into a homework assignment.

Fun Fact: Ken Forrester built his reputation by championing old-vine South African Chenin Blanc, then used that same no-nonsense approach to make reds like this one seriously drinkable.