2018 Kanonkop Pinotage Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Winemaker Notes: Vibrant aromas of blueberries, ripe plums, black cherries, and vanilla on the nose. The palate is sultry and luxurious, with densely packed flavors of berry compote, wild plum and savory aspects. Ripe tannins are beautifully intertwined between the layers of fruit, adding a dense and broad texture to the wine. The subtle spicy tones and plush black cherry flavors long finish completes a very elegant and age-worthy wine. Kanonkop Wine Estate, considered one of South Africa's First Growths, highlights Pinotage's sense of place as a native grape varietal by producing a vibrant and sultry wine with a lingering finish. 

100% Pinotage grown as bush vines only. Fermented in open top concrete fermenters with 3 days of skin contact. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 16 months in 80% new and 20% second fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

Vinous - "The 2018 Pinotage comes from vines up to 65 years old, cropped at 5 tons/ha, and raised for 16 months in 80% new oak and 20% second fill. There is a little reduction on the nose, though this is brushed away with aeration to reveal black plum mixed with Christmas cake and a hint of licorice; fine delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive harmony and focus, the oak seamlessly integrated. There is fine backbone to this Pinotage, and a sustained white pepper finish that lingers. Outstanding."

Wine Spectator - "There’s a slight warmth to the nose of this wine, which opens with aromas of licorice root, char, baked plum and roasted blackberry alongside a touch of balsamic herbs and minty rooibos. It’s plush in feel and full in weight, with gripping tannins that support all of that ripe black fruit flavor. Ample acidity assists with balance, while the long finish shows beautiful evolution."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Displaying a dark ruby core with purple and red hints on the rim, the 2018 Pinotage Stellenbosch opens with a nose of sweet, confected plums, black raspberry, mocha and hints of sweet oak spice. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays sweet fruit on the palate with a generous helping of 80% new French oak. It ends with sappy plums and black cherry skin flavors that give way to tight tannins that linger on the long finish. There are plenty of winemaking practices happening with the expression that creates an enjoyable experience for the drinker."