Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

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Kanonkop
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : South Africa
  • Region : Stellenbosch
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,4°
  • Grappes : 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and structured wine, reflecting the precision and craftsmanship of winemaker Abrie Beeslaar, and designed to age gracefully over the next decade or more.

Experts Score Vintage
WE Wine Enthusiast 90 2018
WS Wine Spectator 89 2018
TA Tim Atkin 94 2014
RP Robert Parker 90 2014
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Stellenbosch region, specifically the Simonsberg sub-region, is recognized as a premier area for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Located in the Western Cape of South Africa, the vineyards benefit from the cooling influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean, which helps to moderate the warm summer temperatures. This allows for slow, even ripening, enhancing the development of complex flavors and firm tannins in the grapes.

The Kanonkop estate, situated on the lower slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, enjoys a unique terroir of decomposed granite soils, interspersed with Hutton and Clovelly types. These well-drained soils are ideal for growing dry-farmed Cabernet Sauvignon, forcing the vines to develop deep roots, resulting in concentrated flavors and natural balance. The vines used for this wine average 29 years in age, which contributes to the wine's complexity and depth.

Winemaking

This vintage experienced cooler growing conditions with regular rainfall, which led to an extended ripening period and reduced water stress in the vineyards. This slow maturation allowed the grapes to develop intense flavors and balanced acidity.

Fermentation was carried out in open-top concrete fermenters at 29°C, with the skins being punched down by hand every two hours to ensure full extraction of color, tannins, and flavor. After five days, the juice was drawn off the skins and underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged for 24 months in 225-liter French oak barrels, with a mix of 50% new and 50% second-fill Nevers oak, giving the wine structure and an integrated oak character.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep, rich ruby with a garnet rim, indicating its youthful intensity.
  • Aroma: Complex aromas of blackberry, cassis, and tobacco are complemented by hints of cedar, spice, and a subtle touch of fresh fynbos.
  • Palate: The palate is full and mouth-filling, with concentrated flavors of blackcurrant and black cherries, framed by oak spice and a touch of roasted nuts. The tannins are firm yet finely integrated, providing excellent structure for further aging.

Did you know?

Kanonkop is often referred to as South Africa’s First Growth, akin to the Bordeaux classification system. The estate has been producing some of the country’s most iconic wines for over a century. The name "Kanonkop" refers to a hill from which a cannon was fired in the 17th century to signal that trading ships were approaching Cape Town.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled Ribeye Steak: The robust tannins and dark fruit notes of the wine complement the rich, fatty flavors of a perfectly grilled ribeye.
  • Slow-cooked Venison: The gamey flavors of venison find harmony with the wine’s depth of fruit and spice, while the firm tannins balance the dish’s richness.
  • Braised Beef Short Ribs: The supple texture of the wine pairs beautifully with the tender, savory character of braised beef, enhancing the umami and meaty flavors.
  • Matured Hard Cheeses: The wine’s complexity and oak influence make it an ideal partner for aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or a well-aged cheddar.

History of Kanonkop Estate

Kanonkop’s history dates back to the early 20th century when the farm was first acquired by Paul Sauer, who later became a leading figure in South African wine. The name “Kanonkop” refers to the hill (kop) from which a cannon (kanon) was fired in the 17th century to signal the arrival of ships in Table Bay. This historical connection highlights the estate’s deep roots in South Africa’s history.

For generations, the Sauer family has owned and managed the estate, with a focus on producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Simonsberg. Under the leadership of Abrie Beeslaar, the estate’s celebrated winemaker, Kanonkop has become synonymous with world-class Pinotage and has garnered numerous international accolades.

Region and Vineyards

Kanonkop is situated in the Simonsberg sub-region of Stellenbosch, an area famed for its ability to produce wines of great depth and complexity. The estate’s bush vines, many of which are between 30 and 70 years old, are planted on soils composed of decomposed granite and Hutton. These soils, along with the dry-farming practices employed at Kanonkop, result in low yields of concentrated fruit that give the wines their intense flavors.

The Simonsberg Mountain influences the estate’s microclimate, with cooler ocean breezes moderating the warm temperatures, allowing for slow ripening of the grapes. This balance between warm days and cool nights helps retain the grapes’ natural acidity, producing wines with both power and elegance.

Wine Range

Kanonkop’s wine range is focused on Pinotage and Bordeaux-style blends, both of which have garnered critical acclaim over the years. Their wines are known for their ageing potential and ability to reflect the terroir of the Simonsberg region.

  • Pinotage: Kanonkop’s flagship wine, produced from old bush vines and aged in French oak. The estate’s Pinotage is revered as one of the finest examples of this South African variety, known for its rich dark fruit, spicy oak, and elegant tannins.
  • Paul Sauer: A Bordeaux-style blend named after the estate’s founder. This wine is crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, offering a powerful yet refined structure with flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco.
  • Kadette: A more accessible range that includes both Pinotage and Bordeaux blends, offering excellent value while maintaining the estate’s signature quality and style.

Did you know?

Kanonkop is often referred to as the "First Lady of South African wine," due to its pivotal role in establishing South Africa as a global wine producer. The estate’s Pinotage vines are among the oldest in the world, and the estate has been at the forefront of elevating the status of this unique South African varietal on the international stage.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 90 Points (2018)
Enticing notes of cigar spice, baked plum and cassis form the nose of this wine, with a touch of cedar for added interest. It’s medium in weight, with a velvety texture thanks to plush yet structuring tannins and just enough acidity for balance. The medium-length finish offers nice evolution, from jammy black plum and black cherry characteristics to lingering sweet spice.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 89 Points (2018)
Ripe and silky boysenberry and crème de cassis fruit flavors are enmeshed with a savory range of herbed olive, iron and charcoal notes in this well-balanced, medium- to full-bodied red. Plush tannins firm the spicy finish. Drink now through 2025. 100 cases imported.

Tim Atkin (TA) : 94 Points (2014)
Pure Cabernets are surprisingly hard to find in Stellenbosch, such is the growing fashion for Bordeaux blends, but this comparatively large volume example is scented, leafy and refined, with tobacco pouch and wild herb aromas and some of the cool elegance of the 2014 vintage. 2020-28. Alcohol: 14.6%

Robert Parker (RP) : 90 Points (2014)
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich nose with a dark-fruited core of blackberries, dark plum, cassis and soft oak spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, with a focused and dusty minerality. Full-bodied on the palate, the wine is packed with juicy and rustic dark fruit and subtle, integrated oak tones that linger through the mid-palate. It's a quality-minded wine with precise, focused balance and a long finish.

Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2021
Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2021
Kanonkop
Kadette Pinotage 2021
RP
89
JS
93
WE
90
The Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage embodies the essence of South Africa’s signature grape variety, with enticing aromas of red and black fruits combined with a touch of wood spice. This wine is both elegant and approachable from its youth.
22,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Kanonkop Pinotage 2021
Kanonkop Pinotage 2021
Kanonkop
Pinotage 2021
RP
92
JS
93
WE
90
Kanonkop Pinotage is an exceptional expression of South Africa’s signature grape, Pinotage, produced by the prestigious Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Known for its bold flavors and ageing potential, this wine showcases the estate’s expertise and commitment to quality.
47,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2020
Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2020
Kanonkop
Paul Sauer 2020
RP
95
WE
93
VN
96
The Kanonkop Paul Sauer is a powerful and elegant Bordeaux-style blend from South Africa, recognized for its precision, depth, and long ageing potential.
64,90 €
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Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2020
Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2020
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RP
93
The Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage represents the pinnacle of South African winemaking, showcasing the full potential of old-vine Pinotage from the esteemed Simonsberg vineyards.
205,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
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