KANONKOP PINOTAGE 2022

Trophy – International Wine & Spirits Competition 2025
Gold Medal & 95/100 – International Wine & Spirits Competition 2025

Kanonkop Estate has been described by those in the know as being the South African equivalent of a French First Growth.

Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"Opaque purple red colour. Bold plums, blackberries, mulberries, rich vanilla, layers of smoke, and roasted nut the nose. Followed by a palate packed with plums, cherries, black figs, pomegranate, dark chocolate, blackberries and spicy oak, The beautifully integrated plush, creamy tannins teams with satisfying acidity resulting in a wonderfully balanced wine with and a long finish, promising a great maturation potential.

Fermented in open top concrete fermenters at 28°C. 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."

Judges' Comments IWSC 2025 (2022 Vintage)
"Delightfully fragrant and exotic, the wine bursts with scents of violets and black cherry, underpinned by a hint of salinity. On the palate, it reveals a plush, hedonistic density, showcasing intense dark fruit and smoky mineral tannins that lingers."

92/100 Jesica Vargas, Wine Enthusiast, March 2025 (2022 Vintage)
"The winery has been making Pinotage since 1973, half a century later its wine shows complexity. A perfumed nose displays notes of licorice, ground black pepper and pink peppercorn. Hints of mint lift the bouquet. The palate is vibrant, showing finely textured tannins and energetic acidity. There is a balanced and gentle mix of cranberries and other red berries. Clove, cinnamon and coriander add depth to this deliciously spicy Pinotage."