Technical Analysis
Making up 50% of all plantings, Kanonkop's Pinotage vines have been retained as bush vines to provide optimum sunlight and therefore maximum ripeness.
Tasting note
Bright purple red in colour. A bold, enticing nose of cherries, red and black plums, strawberry coulis, vanilla, cinnamon and allspice. The palate is packed with juicy, rasberries, plums, cranberries, milk chocolate, cedar and layers of baking spices. Medium bodied with refeshing, balance
Vintage conditions
2022 was the latest vintage in the past 25 years, about 2 weeks later than normal. A proper cold winter with enough rain resulted in budbreak that was 2 weeks late. The earlier part of the season was quite cool, with December showing lower maximum and minimum temperatures. January was more moderate with a couple of hot days. The slow ripening conditions resulted in concentrated fruit development and palate weight.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.
AWARDS
Tim Atkin MW: 92 pts
Technical Analysis
Making up 50% of all plantings, Kanonkop's Pinotage vines have been retained as bush vines to provide optimum sunlight and therefore maximum ripeness.
Tasting note
Attractive deep plum, with scented aromas of red currants, black cherry, strawberry confit and nutmeg and wood spice. The palate is medium-full bodied and opulent, with finely textured tannins and flavours of red pastille sweets, bright cherries and a hint of nutmeg oak spice and dark chocolate. The fresh acidity is in balance with the fruit and oak
Vintage conditions
Warmer periods during the latter part of the winter resulted in some un-even budding, flowering and fruit set. The moisture levels in the soils were satisfactory throughout the growing and ripening phase, and very little moisture stress was noticeable on the vines. The late start to the 2021 harvest was one of the distinguishing hallmarks of this vintage. The cooler growing conditions of the 2021 vintage produced elegant wines with softer tannin structures that will make them accessible and drinkable from an earlier age.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.
AWARDS
Tim Atkin MW: 92 pts
Technical Analysis
Making up 50% of all plantings, Kanonkop's Pinotage vines have been retained as bush vines to provide optimum sunlight and therefore maximum ripeness.
Tasting note
Attractive deep plum, with scented aromas of red currants, black cherry, strawberry confit and nutmeg and wood spice. The palate is medium-full bodied and opulent, with finely textured tannins and flavours of red pastille sweets, bright cherries and a hint of nutmeg oak spice and dark chocolate. The acidity is in balance with the fruit and wood components and adds a sparkle of freshness to the red and black fruit flavours on the finish.
Vintage conditions
The preceding winter had sufficient rain and cold units. Throughout the harvesting period the weather remained favourable, with relatively warm days, no significant heatwaves and cool night temperatures.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels
Technical Analysis
Making up 50% of all plantings, Kanonkop's Pinotage vines have been retained as bush vines to provide optimum sunlight and therefore maximum ripeness.
Tasting note
Attractive crimson hues, with scented aromas of red currants, strawberry confit and dried rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied and opulent, with finely textured tannins and flavours of red pastille sweets, bright cherries and a hint of spice. The acidity is in balance with the fruit and wood components, and adds a sparkle of freshness to the alluring red berry flavours on the finish.
Vintage conditions
The carry-over effect of the previous three year’s drought was still visible in this vintage, despite the higher rainfall during the season, and it delivered a smaller crop, but of high quality. Despite the relative low water stress, the cool weather contributed to smaller berries, and less irrigation was needed in this growing season.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was then drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.
Technical Analysis
Making up 50% of all plantings, Kanonkop's Pinotage vines have been retained as bush vines to provide optimum sunlight and therefore maximum ripeness.
Tasting note
Intense purple hues with lively aromas of fresh plums, mulberries and allspice, followed by a meaty undertone. The palate displays an inherent earthy touch, with flavours of crimson beetroot and maraschino cherries. Coherent balance between the fruit and the fresh acidity, with muscular support from the tightly-woven tannin structure.
Vintage conditions
A dry summer with warm days and consistently cool nights to ensure good ripening.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open concrete fermenters at 28°C. The cap was punched down manually every 2 hours, with the juice drawn off the skins after 3-5 days. Post fermentation, the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd- and 3rd-fill French oak barrels.
