Kanonkop Estate

Paul Sauer Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

9.1257 ratings
8.922 pro ratings
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy, Salami & Prosciutto, Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Herbs, Chicken, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Soft Cheese, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Blue Cheese
Top Notes For
Allison Lyzenga

Medium ruby; medium intensity aromas of dried black fruit, black plum, black cherry, black currant, vanilla, baking spices; dry, medium acid, medium plus tannins, high alcohol, medium plus body, medium intensity flavors consistent with aromas; concentrated flavors, flavors not as ripe as aromas

Medium ruby; medium intensity aromas of dried black fruit, black plum, black cherry, black currant, vanilla, baking spices; dry, medium acid, medium plus tannins, high alcohol, medium plus body, medium intensity flavors consistent with aromas; concentrated flavors, flavors not as ripe as aromas

Feb 19th, 2020
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

The nose reveals ripe, lush, floral, baking spice laced fruits. Blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, cherries and strawberries. Beautifully layered baking spices; caramel, mocha & dark chocolate. Dark, rich soils, dry crushed rocks, black licorice, black cherry cola, steeped fruit tea and fragrant, red, blue and dark florals.

Beautiful full body with powdery, cocoa, dry, meaty, sticky tannins. Really nice, structure, tension, length and balance. Drink now or hold another 5-7 years. Ripe, lush, floral baking spice laced fruits. Blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, cherries and strawberries. Beautifully layered baking spices, caramel, mocha & dark chocolate. Dark, rich soils, dry crushed rocks, dark spice, black licorice, black cherry cola, steeped fruit tea and fragrant, red, blue and dark florals. The acidy is again round and beautiful. The finish, rich, lush, elegant, balanced and delicious. It’s persists endlessly.

Photos of; Kanonkop entrance, painting of Paul Sauer who this wine is named after, Kanonkop library cellar and the mountains viewed from their courtyard.

The nose reveals ripe, lush, floral, baking spice laced fruits. Blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, cherries and strawberries. Beautifully layered baking spices; caramel, mocha & dark chocolate. Dark, rich soils, dry crushed rocks, black licorice, black cherry cola, steeped fruit tea and fragrant, red, blue and dark florals.

Beautiful full body with powdery, cocoa, dry, meaty, sticky tannins. Really nice, structure, tension, length and balance. Drink now or hold another 5-7 years. Ripe, lush, floral baking spice laced fruits. Blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, cherries and strawberries. Beautifully layered baking spices, caramel, mocha & dark chocolate. Dark, rich soils, dry crushed rocks, dark spice, black licorice, black cherry cola, steeped fruit tea and fragrant, red, blue and dark florals. The acidy is again round and beautiful. The finish, rich, lush, elegant, balanced and delicious. It’s persists endlessly.

Photos of; Kanonkop entrance, painting of Paul Sauer who this wine is named after, Kanonkop library cellar and the mountains viewed from their courtyard.

May 15th, 2019
Shay A
9.2

In appearance, I would have called this Napa as it had a deep purple rim but once you smelled it, it was South African through and through. Though I’ve only had a limited experience with SA wines, I’ve normally gotten a unique smell, reminiscent of smoked rubber. A lot of potpourri to this too. Black fruits (blackberries, cassis) with an herbal and tannic/slightly chalky finish. Well made.

In appearance, I would have called this Napa as it had a deep purple rim but once you smelled it, it was South African through and through. Though I’ve only had a limited experience with SA wines, I’ve normally gotten a unique smell, reminiscent of smoked rubber. A lot of potpourri to this too. Black fruits (blackberries, cassis) with an herbal and tannic/slightly chalky finish. Well made.

Mar 16th, 2019
Joakim Andersson

A bit sweet but still very nice.

A bit sweet but still very nice.

Mar 14th, 2019
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.0

Seventh red wine at our annual DMV South African wine tasting. Medium ruby red in appearance. Chalky notes coming straight out of the glass with some more layers of black cherries, twigs and light spices. Great acidity and balanced tannins (6.5/10) and medium plus bodied. Layers of red and black fruits on the palate, some cinnamon, vanilla and some chalky and earthy notes. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2022.

Seventh red wine at our annual DMV South African wine tasting. Medium ruby red in appearance. Chalky notes coming straight out of the glass with some more layers of black cherries, twigs and light spices. Great acidity and balanced tannins (6.5/10) and medium plus bodied. Layers of red and black fruits on the palate, some cinnamon, vanilla and some chalky and earthy notes. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2022.

Mar 5th, 2018
Peter van den Besselaar

Vintage 2013 Rich smell, wine with a lot of taste: chocolate, cherries, beautiful acidity, figs, plums and long aftertaste

Vintage 2013 Rich smell, wine with a lot of taste: chocolate, cherries, beautiful acidity, figs, plums and long aftertaste

Oct 17th, 2017
Peter van den Besselaar

Vintage 2012

Vintage 2012

Oct 17th, 2017
Peter van den Besselaar

Vintage 2011

Vintage 2011

Sep 21st, 2017
Jasmine Amussen

i mean it's nice but a 45$ South African is difficult for me to sell.

i mean it's nice but a 45$ South African is difficult for me to sell.

Aug 15th, 2017
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.2

Medium to deep garnet red. Layered nose with damp earthy notes, cherries, light black fruits, a touch stinky and floral. Medium tannins (6/10), solid acidity and medium to medium plus finish. Well rounded palate with black cherries, earthy notes, petroleum, a touch floral and light sweet spice undertones. Dry and long finish. Impress but expected for this high-end Bordeaux-blend from Kanonkop Wine Estate. Drink till 2020.

Medium to deep garnet red. Layered nose with damp earthy notes, cherries, light black fruits, a touch stinky and floral. Medium tannins (6/10), solid acidity and medium to medium plus finish. Well rounded palate with black cherries, earthy notes, petroleum, a touch floral and light sweet spice undertones. Dry and long finish. Impress but expected for this high-end Bordeaux-blend from Kanonkop Wine Estate. Drink till 2020.

Jul 17th, 2017