Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2013
By Christian Eedes, 17 May 2017
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4
Boom!
One is inclined to think of the Bordeaux-style red blend that is Paul Sauer from Stellenbosch property Kanonkop as the epitome of elegance and restraint but the 2013 is a bit of a bruiser.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 12% Merlot, it was matured in 100% new oak for 24 months and has an alcohol of 14.56%.
On the nose, it shows red, black and blue fruit, some vanilla and milk chocolate plus a hint of reduction while the palate is rich and smooth textured, not entirely short of freshness, the tannins still very firm. Plenty of weight and substance (alc: 14.56%) but perhaps at the expense of finesse. Port2Port price: R490 a bottle.
Editor’s rating: 89/100.
Find our South African wine ratings database here.
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Grant | 21 May 2017
Rate what’s in the glass. That’s all that is required.
Tom | 17 May 2017
Do you consider 89 a bad score Greg? It seems pretty strong for the category. Plus, does a good track record / history determine the right to up score a wine based on potential? Should a maiden vintage producer with a wine of similar structure be marked less on account of being new? Surely not.
Christian | 17 May 2017
Hi Greg, Paul Sauer’s age-worthiness is well documented and the 2014 may well be a long way off drinking at its best. However, I have found the last five or so vintages unconvincing. I worry that 1) the vineyards are not as healthy as they should be and 2) they over-reach themselves when it comes to winemaking.
Greg Sherwood MW | 17 May 2017
Wow, 89pts. Are you sure you are scoring this wine on its potential? Or purely what’s in the glass right now in front of you? You know a wine like this will be amazing in 10, 15, 20 years time. Surely a wine with a track record and great proven potential needs to have thatincorporated into potential score? I’ve not tasted yet but will do so soon.