Technical Analysis
Paul Sauer, grandfather of current Kanonkop owners, politician and an early spokesman and figurehead of the South African wine industry.
Tasting note
62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc , 15% Merlot Deep ruby red colour. A classic, perfumed nose packed with youthful red berries, blackcurrant and vibrant cherry, layered with pencil shavings, fresh cedar wood and delicate floral notes. As the wine opens, subtle toastiness emerges alongside an intriguing, wild, fynbos character and notes of lavender and saltbush. The palate is refined with linear tannins providing structure and balance. A complex, multi-layered wine with a beautiful structure, balanced acidity, and a long, fresh finish.
Vintage conditions
The 2023 vintage followed a late, relatively dry winter with good June rainfall. Cold spells and a dry spring encouraged even budding, with minimal disease pressure. A very wet December produced larger berries, resulting in softer tannins. Harvest commenced as usual in early February.
Vinification details
Fermented in open concrete fermenters at 29°C. The floating skins were punched down manually every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 5 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was matured for 24 months in 100% new 225L French Nevers oak barrels.
AWARDS
Tim Atkin MW: 93 pts
Vinous: 94 pts
Greg Sherwood MW: 97 pts
Technical Analysis
Paul Sauer, grandfather of current Kanonkop owners, politician and an early spokesman and figurehead of the South African wine industry.
Tasting note
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot. Deep ruby colour. A classic, perfumed nose packed with cherries, cassis, cedar wood, tea leaves and tomato puree. The palate is an explosion of fruit with lovely dark berry, rose petal, toasted oak and hints of plum. A complex multi-layered, refined wine with a beautiful structure, balanced acidity with fine-grained tannins and a long finish. Bottled elegance.
Vintage conditions
A cold and wet winter was ideal for late but even budding. The wetter and cooler weather persisted through spring, with a slight heat spike towards the end of January. Later veriason and cool growing conditions made 2022 vintage a memorable one with structured, elegant, age worthy wines
Vinification details
Fermented in open top concrete fermenters at 290C. The floating skins were punched down by hand, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 5 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 24 months in 100% new 225L French Nevers oak barrels.
AWARDS
Tim Atkin MW: 95 pts
Vinous: 94 pts
Wine Advocate: 94 pts
Platter: 93 pts
Technical Analysis
Paul Sauer, grandfather of current Kanonkop owners, politician and an early spokesman and figurehead of the South African wine industry.
Tasting note
The saturated ruby colour is complemented by an array of scents typically associated with Paul Sauer – fresh herbs, tilled earth, pencil shavings, spice, red and black fruits. While being heady and perfumed, the wine remains classic and refined, with an utterly elegant structure. The tannins are precise, and together with the clever use of new oak, creates the perfect backdrop to host the complex fruit spectrum. The finish is sappy and spicy, with layered notes of red fruits and cured meats on the long, youthful finish.
Vintage conditions
Winter rainfall was higher than the previous two winters. Irregular temperatures from winter until the flowering period, together with cool growing conditions, led to great variations in the vineyards. The cool weather and regular rain showers led to less water stress for the vines during ripening. Harvest time was characterised by regular rain showers.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open fermentors at 29°C, with 5 days on skins and the cap punched down manually every 2 hours. Post fermentation, the wine spent 24 months in new 225L French Nevers barrels.
Awards
Tim Atkin MW: 96 pts
Green credentials
Accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate.
Technical Analysis
Paul Sauer, grandfather of current Kanonkop owners, politician and an early spokesman and figurehead of the South African wine industry.
Tasting note
Complex, layered and intense aromas of cassis, plums, spiced oak and cigar box on the nose. The palate is rich and supple, with seamless fruit/oak integration, delicate tannins and a fine seam of acidity. Layers and layers of plush fruit explode in the mouth with concentrated flavours of tomato cocktail, black and red fruits, and stewed meat. A wine of immense purity, depth and freshness that characterises the stellar 2017 vintage. A subtle note of mint on the finish completes a wine filled with detail.
Vintage conditions
A very dry and hot growing season which resulted in lower yields.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open fermentors at 29°C, with 5 days on skins and the cap punched down manually every 2 hours. Post fermentation, the wine spent 24 months in new medium-toasted 225L French Nevers barrels.
Awards
Platter: 5*
Tim Atkin MW: 98 pts
Green credentials
Accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate.
Technical Analysis
Paul Sauer, grandfather of current Kanonkop owners, politician and an early spokesman and figurehead of the South African wine industry.
Tasting note
A complex perfume of plush black fruit, including cassis, black plum and sour cherries is complemented by layers of tobacco, cedar wood and cigar box undertones. The full rich expression of the 2015 vintage, which is expressively fruit forward and opulent, will stand the test of time, and be very rewarding to those with patience. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Cabernet Franc 15% and Merlot 15%.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open fermentors at 29°C, with 5 days on skins and the cap punched down manually every 2 hours. Post fermentation, the wine spent 24 months in new medium-toasted 225L French Nevers barrels.
Awards
Tim Atkin MW: 100 pts
Platter: 5*
Greg Sherwood MW: 98+ pts
JamesSuckling.com: 94 pts
Green credentials
Accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate.
