South Africa's signature grape Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It's uniquely suited to the Cape microclimate and delivers plush fruit with earthy nuances. Kanonkop produces a fine example, sourced from 30 to 65 year old bush vines, fermented in concrete tanks then aged 16 months in 80% new French Never oak barrels.
Tim Atkin scored this 94 points saying "Still youthful and showing its 80% new wood, this is a very ambitious Pinotage from a fantastic Cape red wine vintage, exhibiting considerable color, structure and concentration, fine-boned tannins and layers of raspberry and black cherry fruit. Give it time."
James Suckling scored it 93 points saying "Intense but really attractive notes of ripe stems, blackberry crumble, incense, jasmine, pressed violets, bark and ivy extract. The palate's also a mouthful with chewy tannins, but it's delivered across a bed of razor-sharp acidity that brings it through to a mouthwatering finish. Really well done. Drink in 2021."
Decanter magazine scored this 90 points saying "Pinotage may not be the most fashionable grape variety but I urge you to try this entry-level example from one of South Africa's finest producers. The grapes are fermented in open concrete vats before maturing for 14 months in second-use French oak barriques, combining the juicy red fruits of Pinotage with the rich complexities of the oak. Consequently, this is a softly structured wine displaying intense red berry flavors joined by coffee, cream and chocolate notes. Try it with hearty pasta dishes. Drinking Window 2019 - 2024"