Kanonkop new releases

We are slowly but surely seeing the last of the Kanonkop wines as made by Abrie Beeslaar, who stepped down as head winemaker at this Stellenbosch property earlier this year. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Kanonkop Pinotage 2022
Price: R550
Matured for 18 months in 225-litre barrels, 80% new. Compelling aromatics of cherries, plums, flowers and herbs plus notes of vanilla, chocolate and spice. The palate has plush, luxuriant richness about it with lots of juicy fruit, vibrant acidity and fine tannins. Finishes nicely dry. Alc: 14.64%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Price: R595
To be released in January 2025. Matured for 24 months in 225-litre barrels, 50% new. Cranberry, cassis, violets, dried herbs, earth, vanilla and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate is big and open – not that dense on the mid-palate and smooth textured, this is already quite accessible. Alc: 14.56%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2022
Price: R2,350
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1953. Matured for 18 months in 225-litre barrels, 100% new. The nose shows musk, red and black cherry plus hints of vanilla, chocolate and spice. The palate is rich and broad with a creamy texture and an impression of sweetness although not short of freshness. An open, inviting, very polished wine. Alc: 14.67%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2021 (R995) rated 93 on review in June this year – see here.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.