Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

97 pts Greg Sherwood MW Jan 2024 The 2019 vintage in the Cape yielded another iconic Paul Sauer Cabernet Sauvignon (69%) based Cape Bordeaux blend. From the very moment of its final assemblage, all eyes were on its later release sibling, Kanonkop’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, such was the power, freshness and intensity inherent in the Paul Sauer 2019 blend. Produced from 30-year-old vines which are nearing old vine heritage status, grown on dry land vineyards on decomposed Granite, Hutton and Clovelly soils, the wine was matured for 24 months in 225-litre French Never oak barrels with a 50% new oak portion and a 50% second fill portion. From the very first nosing of the glass, the aromatics are incredibly vibrant, lifted, and expressive with enticing perfumed notes of pressed violets and purple flowers over saline crème de cassis, black cherry liquor, macerated plums, oyster shell, moist cherry tobacco and beautifully integrated notes of subtle sweet cedary oak and seductive vanilla pod spice. Medium bodied and initially quite weightless, lithe and supple in the mouth on entry, before a massive shock wave of intense black cherry, salty black currant, graphite, and tart blueberry fruits invigorate the senses, making the palate salivate with its bright refreshing acids and intense mouthwatering persistence. This is an exceptionally well-made single cultivar wine with intricate pinpoint tannins, tart sweet-sour acids, a piercing fruit concentration and the most harmoniously seamless structure possible. It has all the elegance, focus and poise of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vins of the world. Drink from 2024 to 204496 pts Tim Atkin MW 2023 “I like the restraint of 2019 a lot,” says Abrie Beeslaar, who says he relishes the challenge of working with different growing seasons. This is fresh, feline, silky and long, showing flavours of plum and blackcurrant, stylish 50% new wood, understated concentration and layered tannins. A very impressive release. 2024-355 Stars 2024 John Platter’s South African Wine Guide Beguiling Old World nuance on 19 (95 pts)’s cassis, savoury spices & old books. At 13.7% alc, lighter than 18 (95pts) (14.8%) though in no way lacking fruit, oak (2 years, 50% new) adding aroma & flavor, & contributing to intricate tannin structure, bright acid adds nervy freshness. Deserves ample time to integrate & unfurl, released later than others in range.93 pts Wine Advocate Starting with tart red fruits and a dusty mineral essence, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon offers notes of black cherry and spiced plum. Medium-bodied and with a ripe, fresh fruit condition, the palate expresses fine-grained tannins with a dusty mineral tension. It ends with a long, spicy finish with persistent pencil lead essences. It’s a well-made, sturdy wine that produced 72,000 bottles from wine that rested in 50% new French oak barrels for two years.93 pts James Suckling A textural and well-balanced red with red berry, earth, cedar and baking spice aromas. Medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. It has a powdery texture on the center-palate and juicy cherries and red berries intermingling with the spices, bringing much vitality and poise. Focused long finish. Drink or hold.