Kanonkop Pinotage 08

Kanonkop is seen as arguably the world’s best producer of the Pinotage variety. Winemaking is traditional, with fermentation in low, open top concrete vats with two hourly plunging of the cap. Fermentation up to 29°C and skin contact for three and a half days has resulted in a wine at 14.0% alc. The wine was then aged 15 months in 70% new French barriques. Deep ruby red in colour, this is perfectly expressed Pinotage varietal character on bouquet with its ripe and savoury-smoky red berryfruit aromas. The wine is a full-bodied one, but sensationally smooth and balanced, with deliciously sweet dark red fruit and savoury plum flavours providing richness, yet refined by supple, rounded tannins. There are subtle smoke, dried herb and game elements that are revealed with air time. The impression is to drink this now and over the next 7-10 years, but Kanonkop’s track record suggests that the wine will keep near two decades.  RC July 10

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