Kanonkop Pinotage 750ml

This benchmark South African Pinotage is a true Cape Classic! The nose is beautifully aromatic, with scented aromas of red currants, macerated cherries, and cinnamon spice. The palate displays a silky tannin structure, backed by a fine seam of acidity. Subtle vanilla undertones from the integrated oak profile are juxtaposed against a fruit explosion of wild bramble, plums, and blackberries. An elegant wine of intense purple hues, it lingers at the finish with juicy, dark plums flavors.

93 Pts – Vinous
The 2018 Pinotage comes from vines up to 65 years old, cropped at 5 tons/ha, and raised for 16 months in 80% new oak and 20% second fill. There is a little reduction on the nose, though this is brushed away with aeration to reveal black plum mixed with Christmas cake and a hint of licorice; fine delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive harmony and focus, the oak seamlessly integrated. There is a fine backbone to this Pinotage and a sustained white pepper finish that lingers. Outstanding. Drinking window: 2021 – 2033.

92 Pts – Wine Spectator
A sleek, medium- to full-bodied Pinotage, rich with baked blackberry, plum pudding, and roasted fig fruit, and accents of charred brioche and herbes de Provence. Tightly-meshed and chewy, this would benefit from short-term cellaring. A streak of minerally iron drives the lasting finish.

90 Pts – Wine Advocate
Displaying a dark ruby core with purple and red hints on the rim, the 2018 Pinotage Stellenbosch opens with a nose of sweet, confected plums, black raspberry, mocha, and hints of sweet oak spice. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays sweet fruit on the palate with a generous helping of 80% new French oak. It ends with sappy plums and black cherry skin flavors that give way to tight tannins that linger on the long finish. There are plenty of winemaking practices happening with the expression that creates an enjoyable experience for the drinker.