KANONKOP PINOTAGE 2021

Gold Medal – Global Fine Wine Challenge

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)
"Bright red in colour, with a purple hue. This Pinotage offers bold plums, blackberries, with layers of liquorice, smoke, roasted nuts and rich vanilla on the nose. Followed by a palate packed with plums, black and red cherries, and dark chocolate, and spicy oak, The integrated and plush ripe tannins together with the satisfying acidity results in a balanced wine with a long finish, promising great maturation potential.

Fermented in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down by hand, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 18 months in 80% new and 20% second fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels."

94/100 Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Six different parcels at different altitudes on decomposed granite soils supply the grapes for this ambitious, age-worthy Pinotage from a master of the variety. Intensely aromatic, with notes of patisserie spices, coconut and coffee bean, fleshy tannins, impressive minerality and a core of bramble and black cherry fruit framed by 80% new wood. "

95/100 Christian Eedes, winemag.co.za (2021 Vintage)
‘Matured for 18 months in 225-litre barrels, 80% new. Enticing aromatics of violets, black cherry and plum plus hints of vanilla, toast and spice. The palate has good fruit definition, bright acidity and firm but not coarse tannins. Full-bodied but simultaneously balanced and lively. Flavourful and long on the finish, this is a wonderfully composed vintage."