Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2014
By Christian Eedes, 1 November 2017
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The current release that fans of Stellenbosch property Kanonkop should not miss out on is the Paul Sauer 2014. A blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, it was matured for 24 months in French oak, 100% new.
The nose is beguiling with notes of red and black fruit, flowers and fresh herbs, a little oyster shell and attractive oak. The palate is medium bodied (alcohol: 14.27%) with pure fruit, fresh acidity and firm but not astringent tannins, the finish long and savoury. It’s supremely elegant and with all great wine, it drinks exceptionally well now but should give great enjoyment for many years to come. Price: R550 a bottle.
Editor’s rating: 95/100.
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Billabong | 3 December 2017
A quality SA Bordeaux Blend that spends 2 years in 100% new French oak is never going to be cheap. This wine compares well with Bordeaux classified growths that are twice the price. That doesn’t mean that you can’t find good alternatives at half the Rand price. That’s where all the fun is these days.
Brian Jones | 7 November 2017
I’m sure it’s a lovely wine, but a Raka Quinary or even a Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Cab at around R130 in Windhoek will provide quality wines at excellent prices. If the 2014 is going at R550 I wonder what I could get for the 2004 sitting next to me in the wine fridge? Back then I thought the quality to price ratio for top SA reds was still ok. Somehow it just doesn’t seem worth it to be paying the current high prices even if you can afford it now and then.