Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2021

Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2021

 

Zoom Mouse over image to zoom
Kanonkop
Kadette Pinotage 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : South Africa
  • Region : Stellenbosch
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Fruity Medium Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Pinotage

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.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 93 2021
RP Robert Parker 89 2021
WE Wine Enthusiast 90 2020
WS Wine Spectator 89 2019
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 89 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Kadette Pinotage is sourced from vineyards in Stellenbosch, a renowned South African wine region known for its optimal growing conditions for Pinotage. Stellenbosch enjoys a Mediterranean climate moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, which brings freshness and balance to the wines.

The vines used for this wine range between 7 and 22 years of age and are planted on decomposed granite and Hutton soils, which provide excellent drainage. With supplemental irrigation, these vines produce 6 to 7 tons per hectare, a controlled yield that ensures concentrated flavors in the grapes.

Winemaking

The vintage saw a late harvest due to cooler growing conditions, which contributed to producing elegant wines with softer tannin structures, making them accessible at an earlier stage.

Fermentation took place in open-top concrete fermenters at 28°C. The skins were mechanically punched down every two hours to maximize the extraction of flavors and tannins. The juice was drawn off the skins after three days, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine was then matured for 12 months in second- and third-fill French oak barrels from Nevers.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep, intense plum.
  • Aroma: Attractive scents of red currant, black cherry, and strawberry jam, with a hint of nutmeg and wood spice.
  • Palate: The palate is medium to full-bodied, with finely textured tannins and flavors of red candy, bright cherries, and a touch of nutmeg oak spice and dark chocolate. The acidity is well-balanced with the fruit and wood components, adding freshness to the red and black fruit flavors on the finish.

Did You Know?

Pinotage, South Africa's signature grape, is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. This unique combination produces wines that are both fruity and powerful, often characterized by red and black berry aromas, with smoky and spicy notes.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Pizza: The fruity and spicy flavors of Pinotage perfectly complement the rich, grilled toppings of a pizza.
  • Pasta: The wine’s supple tannins pair beautifully with pasta dishes featuring tomato or meat-based sauces.
  • Barbequed Meat: The spicy notes and ripe fruit of the Pinotage enhance the smoky flavors of barbequed meats.
  • Venison Stew: The depth and tannic structure of this wine balance the richness of a venison stew or game ragout.

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.

James Suckling (JS) : 93 Points (2021)
Plums, currants, wet stones and violets on the nose. Medium body with finely grained tannins. Delicious core of berries and a velvety texture. Elegant and refined with a subtle touch of succulent sour cherries lifting the finish. Drink or hold.

Robert Parker (RP) : 89 Points (2021)
Subtly spiced and with aromas of succulent red fruit skin, the 2021 Kadette Pinotage offers delightful potpourri aromas. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is fresh with a balanced structure. It ends with a food-friendly finish and lingering tannic edge. Enjoy with food. After resting a year in used French oak barrels, just over one-third of a million bottles were produced.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 90 Points (2020)
Light notes of eucalyptus and oak spice mingle on the nose and reappear on the fresh palate. Nicely balanced by good acidity and concentrated fruit flavors, this Pinotage is smooth and finishes with notes of tobacco.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 89 Points (2019)
Aromatic hints of bay leaf, black pepper and smoke ride the ripe flavors of cassis, black raspberry and fig cake in this bright and brambly, medium-bodied red. Creamy finish. Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 89 Points (2018)
The 2018 Kadette Pinotage has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry, fig, raspberry and pain d’épice. The palate is medium-bodied with good weight, smooth tannins and well-judged acidity. There is an easy-drinking quality to this Pinotage, but it also has lovely freshness and vitality and an attractive spicy aftertaste. Excellent.

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 €
Quantity : moins plus
Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Kanonkop
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
WE
90
WS
89
RP
90
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.
49,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2020
Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2020
Kanonkop
Black Label Pinotage 2020
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
Wine regions guide
22,50 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
We also suggest...
South Africa
94+ Robert Parker
Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2020
Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2020
The Kanonkop Paul Sauer is a powerful and elegant Bordeaux-style blend from South Africa, recognized for its precision, depth, and long ageing potential.
Paul Sauer 2020
64,90 €
South Africa
90 Wine Enthusiast
Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
49,00 €
South Africa
93 Tim Atkin
Southern Right Pinotage 2021
Southern Right Pinotage 2021
Southern Right is re-defining Pinotage with this intense classically styled, clay-grown wine, packed with complex berry fruit, beautiful tannins and subtle wood spice. Full ripeness and the…
Pinotage 2021
24,90 €
Chile
91 James Suckling
Errazuriz Max Reserva Carmenère 2022
Errazuriz Max Reserva Carmenère 2022
A vibrant and expressive Carmenère that embodies the unique terroir of the Aconcagua Valley, delivering rich dark fruit, soft spice, and silky tannins.
Max Reserva Carmenère 2022
21,50 €
Italy
Massimo Lentsch Cosentino Etna Rosso 2019
Massimo Lentsch Cosentino Etna Rosso 2019
A pure expression of Nerello Mascalese, Cosentino captures the essence of Etna’s volcanic terroir with finesse, minerality, and depth.
Cosentino Etna Rosso 2019
43,90 €
Australia
98 James Halliday
Tolpuddle Chardonnay 2023
Tolpuddle Chardonnay 2023
Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay is a crystalline, refined expression of Tasmanian Chardonnay, with exceptional balance and a delicate, fresh acidity.
Chardonnay 2023
68,90 €