75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot Initially the aromas are redolent of French oak, but they very quickly develop away from that - cinnamon, cloves, sawdust, dried oregano, thyme, cracked black pepper, ripe plum, dried cherries, purple fruit pastilles, old wood-piles, furniture polish, dust from old gravel roads, the smell after rain... impressive to find so much complexity on a wine so young. The palate is bright and surprisingly, delectably juicy: blackberry, black cherry, a touch of anise, liquorice, blueberry pie, pencil shavings, old barrels and hot bitumen on distant roads. Superb elegance, length and intensity; very poised, and very youthful, with boundless potential. For me, personally, a really lovely surprise - I had always associated the Paul Sauer name with a monolithic Bordeaux blend, one of many produced in Stellenbosch; undeniably of excellent quality, but otherwise lacking in identity. This wine shatters that perception and affirms for me the international respect Abrie Beeslaar has garnered over his long career with Kanonkop. (JH 04/08/22)

Producer

Kanonkop

Origin

Stellenbosch, South Africa SOUTH AFRICA

Colour

red

Wine Style

dry

Dominant Grape

Cabernet Sauvignon

Closure Style

cork

Maturity

drink or keep

Bottle Size

75cl

Case Quantity

6

Alcohol

13%

Wine Score

93 points, Neal Martin, vinous.com, Aug 2022