Kanonkop - Paul Sauer Stellenbosch 2021
Price: $79.99
| Producer | Kanonkop |
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| Country | South Africa |
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| Region | Stellenbosch |
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| Varietal | Proprietary Red |
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| Vintage | 2021 |
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| Sku | 38783 |
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Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Merlot 17%, Cabernet Franc 13%
Deep ruby colour. A classic, perfumed nose packed with cherries, cassis, cedar, cigar box, tea leaves and tomato paste, followed by a palate of cassis, cranberries, savoury plum and sweet vanilla. A complex multi-layered, refined wine with a beautiful structure, balanced acidity, elegant, fine grained tannins and a long, persistent finish.
Tim Atkin, MW: 97 Points
This is the last release that will be presented to the market by departing winemaker Abrie Beeslaar and he’s going out on a high. Partnering Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, with ageing in new French oak, it’s leafy, floral and refined, showing plenty of underlying structure, cassis and red berry fruit and sculpted tannins. Classy stuff. 2026-40
Wine Spectator: 95 Points
This is a polished and full-bodied red blend, showing notes of vanilla bean, blackcurrant, black plum, dill and mocha. Refined, silky yet firm tannins frame the dark fruit. Long and classy. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 13% cabernet franc. Drink from 2025.
Top 100 South African Wines 2024 #17
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot, the Kanonkop 2021 Simonsberg Stellenbosch Paul Sauer Estate Wine sees 24 months in 100% new oak. This is considered a very good vintage that produced concentrated fruit that surely needs more time to evolve in bottle. The wine has all of its elements fixed into place, but it needs to flesh out and soften. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc are fermented separately. and the blend is made after malolactic fermentation. A combination of oak is used, including 40% Seguin Moreau, for added richness. This elegant red blend exhibits an especially polished quality that I found across this portfolio. The bouquet starts with cassis and candied cherry, and the strong oak signature brings Christmas candle and spice. The alcohol content is measured at a moderate 13%. 2025-2040
