Kanonkop new releases

Even more, respect, if that’s possible, for Stellenbosch property Kanonkop after tasting the new releases – the Pinotage 2019 masterfully well crafted, the Cab 2017 setting a new benchmark for what can be achieved with this variety locally and in the case of the 2018 vintage of the Cape Bordeaux red blend that is Paul Sauer, the challenges of the vintage deftly negotiated. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Kanonkop Pinotage 2019
Price: R450
Matured for 16 months in French oak, 80% new. The aromatics are captivating with a top notes of flowers and fynbos before red and blackberries, dark chocolate, banana bread, and baking spice. The palate shows excellent depth but also poise – great fruit definition, fresh acidity, and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. Alcohol is 14.95% but this is extremely focused and not too lush.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
To be released in October.
Matured for 24 months in French oak, 50% new. A classic nose showing a hint of reduction before cassis, violets, leafiness, and some tilled earth while the palate possesses extraordinary depth and structure – massive fruit concentration but no shortage of verve while the finish is super-long. It has also absorbed its time in oak well and the tannins are wonderfully supple. Tightly wound and yet no hardness, full but not weighty, just about complete. Alcohol: 14.94%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

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Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2018
Price: R770
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot. Matured for 24 months in French oak, 100% new. Red currant, cassis, fresh herbs plus quite prominent vanilla and spice on the nose. The palate is relatively medium-bodied (alcohol is 13.91%) with good freshness and fine tannins. It’s elegant and restrained, a nicely judged offering from a vintage marked by uneven ripening and certainly not in the same league as either 2015 or 2017. A bit unresolved now, this will no doubt grow in stature over time as this cuvée always does.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

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