Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

By , 7 November 2019

Comment

2

Regal.

Last night a pre-release tasting of the 2018 vintage of the Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage and as ever, a chance to taste some older vintages of the various wines in the range from this great Stellenbosch property.

The Cape Bordeaux-style Paul Sauer 1994 is currently topical, as prominent international critic Neal Martin recently rated it 95 points, although I thought it a little too overtly herbal, even minty, to warrant quite so high a score. I much preferred the Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 – cassis, violets, a certain leafiness plus sea breeze and the vaguest hint of undergrowth on the nose while the palate appears lean in the best way (alcohol: 13.5%) with pure fruit and fresh acidity, the tannins still grippy. Supremely elegant, I rated this 94/100.

A wine which will forever have a special place in my heart is the Pinotage 2011, as this was one of the (many) bottles consumed after the Springboks victory of the rugby world cup final. This was being poured from magnums at the function and it really is something special – the nose shows red and black cherry, rose and spice with just a hint of earth in the background while the palate is remarkably intact with great fruit expression, nicely integrated acidity and tannins that are just starting to mellow. Rating: 94/100.

Comments

2 comment(s)

Please read our Comments Policy here.

    Christian Eedes | 7 November 2019

    Hi Hotstix, Kanonkop did not pay for the assessment but it should be noted none of the wines mentioned are commercially available (the Pinotage 2011 was on sale but only available on the night in question) – thought some comments on my part might be useful in passing. Declaration of interest: Kanonkop provided me with a snoek braai supper.

    Hotstix | 7 November 2019

    did Kanonkop pay you for this assessment?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Like our content?

Show your support.


Subscribe