Kanonkop Estate has been described by those in the know as being the South African equivalent of a French First Growth.
Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"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.
Warmer periods during the latter part of the winter resulted in some un-even budding, flowering and fruit set. Good moisture levels throughout the growing and ripening season. 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.
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"