Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2016

By , 23 July 2019

Kanonkop-Paul-Sauer-2016

Medium calibre.

Is the 2016 vintage of Paul Sauer from Kanonkop in Stellenbosch (R650 a bottle from Wine Cellar) in the same league as the much vaunted 2015? Suffice to say, it’s a fine effort in what was by all accounts a challenging vintage. Compared to the 2015, the 2016 sees Cab down to 62% from 70%, Cab Franc up to 25% from 15% and Merlot down to 13% from 15%. As  with 2015, maturation lasted 24 months in 225-litre French oak barrels, 100% new, alcohol down to 13.84% down from 14.47% in the case of its predecessor.

The nose is exotic and intriguing with notes of vanilla, incense, earth and tar to go with black and blue fruit while the palate shows plenty of sweet, dense fruit and smooth tannins – winemaker Abrie Beeslaar has managed to coax impressive depth out of his grapes although ultimately this vintage probably doesn’t have quite the same complexity as 2015.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Buy This Wine

Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend 2017

Yet another indication that 2017 is shaping up to be a particularly special vintage for Stellenbosch reds is just how fine the Kadette Cape Blend is looking.

A blend of 37% Pinotage, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine was matured for some 14 months in older oak, alcohol: 14.29%. The nose shows slight reduction before red and black fruit, violets and attractive oak-derived notes. The palate is polished in the best sense with well-defined fruit and smooth tannins. It already displays layers of flavour and is a proper bargain at R110 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 90/100.

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