Kanonkop Estate

Kadette Rosé Pinotage

8.631 ratings
8.73 pro ratings
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Pinotage
Top Notes For
Allison Lyzenga

Pale salmon; medium minus intensity aromas of lemon, peach, stale amaranth; dry, medium acid, high alcohol, medium body, medium intensity flavors consistent with aromas but with a bitter finish; acceptable

Pale salmon; medium minus intensity aromas of lemon, peach, stale amaranth; dry, medium acid, high alcohol, medium body, medium intensity flavors consistent with aromas but with a bitter finish; acceptable

Feb 19th, 2020
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

8.7

South Africa is the country that champions “Pinotage”. It’s a cross of two grape varieties, Pinot Noir & Cinsaut and was created in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. Kanonkop has embraced this varietal since 1941 and are one of the best in producing it...some would say, the very best.

There are many poor examples of this varietal on the market. You need to research/taste the bottles you might buy. However, in most vintages, you can’t go wrong with Kanonkop, (Ka non’ kop).

We started with their Rosé which was good but, not great. There are just too many other better varietals to make a Rosé from IMHO. Kanonkop simply needed a lighter wine in their line up. So, why not? 🤷‍♂️

The nose reveals; strawberries, lean watermelon, cherries, orange with rind, chalky notes, sea spray and pink flowers & roses.

The body is thick and a touch gluey. The fruits are lean; strawberries, lean watermelon, cherries, orange with rind leading to strong granite minerals, chalky notes, sea spray and pink flowers & roses. The acidity is quite round and nice. A big, lean fruit finish with strong minerals as it sets on the palate.

Photos of; Kanonkop tasting room, Heidi Kritzinger their Customer Relations Manager (what a passionate, knowledgeable, wonderful lady & an excellent host) with my wife & I, the old style canon that appears on their labels and the mountain range that Kanonkop takes their name. The small mountain plateau on the left is where they took their Cellar Door name, it’s referred to as Kanonkop.

South Africa is the country that champions “Pinotage”. It’s a cross of two grape varieties, Pinot Noir & Cinsaut and was created in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. Kanonkop has embraced this varietal since 1941 and are one of the best in producing it...some would say, the very best.

There are many poor examples of this varietal on the market. You need to research/taste the bottles you might buy. However, in most vintages, you can’t go wrong with Kanonkop, (Ka non’ kop).

We started with their Rosé which was good but, not great. There are just too many other better varietals to make a Rosé from IMHO. Kanonkop simply needed a lighter wine in their line up. So, why not? 🤷‍♂️

The nose reveals; strawberries, lean watermelon, cherries, orange with rind, chalky notes, sea spray and pink flowers & roses.

The body is thick and a touch gluey. The fruits are lean; strawberries, lean watermelon, cherries, orange with rind leading to strong granite minerals, chalky notes, sea spray and pink flowers & roses. The acidity is quite round and nice. A big, lean fruit finish with strong minerals as it sets on the palate.

Photos of; Kanonkop tasting room, Heidi Kritzinger their Customer Relations Manager (what a passionate, knowledgeable, wonderful lady & an excellent host) with my wife & I, the old style canon that appears on their labels and the mountain range that Kanonkop takes their name. The small mountain plateau on the left is where they took their Cellar Door name, it’s referred to as Kanonkop.

May 14th, 2019
Adam Knoerzer

Surprisingly rich on the palate. Berries and a bit of pinotage petrol funk on the nose in a pleasant way. Not a ton of acidity, a little more honeyed than I'd have anticipated. Strange bird, but I think I like it.

Surprisingly rich on the palate. Berries and a bit of pinotage petrol funk on the nose in a pleasant way. Not a ton of acidity, a little more honeyed than I'd have anticipated. Strange bird, but I think I like it.

May 25th, 2016
Michael & Lauren Keller

Strong melon flavors

Strong melon flavors

May 11th, 2023
Richard Adams

More sweet than dry, but enjoyable nonetheless. Will partake liberally of these this week.

More sweet than dry, but enjoyable nonetheless. Will partake liberally of these this week.

Mar 11th, 2020
Kristen Hap

Not for me too sweet for my liking.

Not for me too sweet for my liking.

Nov 6th, 2018
Alfred Mölzer

2015

Apr 22nd, 2017
Darlene Narasimhalu

No flavour. Winery Stellenbosch

No flavour. Winery Stellenbosch

Apr 18th, 2017
Denis Oleynik

Супер розе!

Супер розе!

Jan 9th, 2017
Sean Grullon

Agressively aromatic rosé. Floral notes with honey, berries, and some funky tar notes. Rich on the palate, with low acidity and hints of RS. Pinotage works better as a rosé than a red.

Agressively aromatic rosé. Floral notes with honey, berries, and some funky tar notes. Rich on the palate, with low acidity and hints of RS. Pinotage works better as a rosé than a red.

Jan 3rd, 2016