My first bottle of the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (100%) from Kanonkop. My prior experience from this estate is limited, but memorable, having enjoyed the 2015 of the same wine a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it.
What of the 2017, then? This wine is pungent from the get-go, with very Stellenbosch-like aromas of incredibly pure fruit; a medley of kirsch, cassis, blackberry compote, strawberry and melted chocolate. There are pleasing notes of vanilla and sandalwood but no overbearing presence of oak (50% new, 50% 2nd fill). The palate is rich, pure, precise and an exemplary display of Cape Cabernet, with cool black and blue fruit and probably much more that didn’t make it to this tasting note which seems to have cut off here..! A sign of enjoyment, I’m sure. Delighted to have a case of this. — 8 months ago
Extremely nice of our host Heidi to Coravin some of their flagship wine, Kanonkop Black Label. This was my first time having their Black Label and it didn’t disappoint. It is only one of two bottles I brought back. I couldn’t pass on the trade price Heidi was nice enough to extend to us.
The nose shows very dark currants and dark expresso roast. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dark cherries, cocoa powder, saline, dark chocolate, caramel, mocha, vanilla, cinnamon, Black licorice, dry top soil, underbrush, dark, rich soils, touch of mint, sweet tarry notes with dark, blue and red amazingly fragrant florals.
The body is full and thick. Dark, meaty, powdery, sticky tannins. Used expresso roast grounds, steeped black tea, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, raspberries, dark cherries, cocoa powder, saline, dark chocolate, caramel, mocha, vanilla, cinnamon, black licorice, iodine notes, dry top soil, underbrush, crushed granite powder, dark, rich soils, touch of mint, sweet tarry notes with dark, blue and red amazingly fragrant florals. The acidity is near perfect. The finish is juicy fruit driven, elegant, well balanced and delicious. It is impressive and can’t wait to try it again in 10 plus years.
Photos of; the mountains around their property where they took their name. The small left plateau is referred to a Kanonkop, Heidi Kritzinger-their
Customer Relations Manager (sweetheart) with Sofia and I, tasting room lounge area and the Kanonkop entrance. — 5 years ago
A remarkable wine. Still some tannins and acidity, and great red color. — 4 months ago
More sweet than dry, but enjoyable nonetheless. Will partake liberally of these this week. — 4 years ago
Delicious! Amazing! — 5 years ago
Rich supple with a sweet end — 6 months ago
Velvet, chocolate, black cherries and plums, sage and lavender — delicious! — 8 months ago
Anthony took us to the tasting room in their Cellar to taste the Hamilton Russell line of wines.
This was a very nice Pinotage. Not quite the same style as Kanonkop. It’s a little softer and not quite as dark in fruit. Still a very well made wine. Enjoyed it quite a lot.
Photos of, the Hamilton Russell Vineyard, Anthony’s pouring our tasting, barrels around our tasting, and a long view of their property and house on the hilltop. — 5 years ago
Roman Ochocki
Very dry coffee finish made this wine. — 2 months ago