Technical Analysis
Making up 50% of all plantings, Kanonkop's Pinotage vines have been retained as bush vines to provide optimum sunlight and therefore maximum ripeness.
Tasting note
Attractive deep plum, with scented aromas of red currants, black cherry, strawberry confit and nutmeg and wood spice. The palate is medium-full bodied and opulent, with finely textured tannins and flavours of red pastille sweets, bright cherries and a hint of nutmeg oak spice and dark chocolate. The acidity is in balance with the fruit and wood components and adds a sparkle of freshness to the red and black fruit flavours on the finish.
Vintage conditions
The preceding winter had sufficient rain and cold units. Throughout the harvesting period the weather remained favourable, with relatively warm days, no significant heatwaves and cool night temperatures.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels
Technical Analysis
Making up 50% of all plantings, Kanonkop's Pinotage vines have been retained as bush vines to provide optimum sunlight and therefore maximum ripeness.
Tasting note
Attractive crimson hues, with scented aromas of red currants, strawberry confit and dried rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied and opulent, with finely textured tannins and flavours of red pastille sweets, bright cherries and a hint of spice. The acidity is in balance with the fruit and wood components, and adds a sparkle of freshness to the alluring red berry flavours on the finish.
Vintage conditions
The carry-over effect of the previous three year’s drought was still visible in this vintage, despite the higher rainfall during the season, and it delivered a smaller crop, but of high quality. Despite the relative low water stress, the cool weather contributed to smaller berries, and less irrigation was needed in this growing season.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was then drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.
Technical Analysis
Making up 50% of all plantings, Kanonkop's Pinotage vines have been retained as bush vines to provide optimum sunlight and therefore maximum ripeness.
Tasting note
Intense purple hues with lively aromas of fresh plums, mulberries and allspice, followed by a meaty undertone. The palate displays an inherent earthy touch, with flavours of crimson beetroot and maraschino cherries. Coherent balance between the fruit and the fresh acidity, with muscular support from the tightly-woven tannin structure.
Vintage conditions
A dry summer with warm days and consistently cool nights to ensure good ripening.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open concrete fermenters at 28°C. The cap was punched down manually every 2 hours, with the juice drawn off the skins after 3-5 days. Post fermentation, the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd- and 3rd-fill French oak barrels.
Technical Analysis
Making up 50% of all plantings, Kanonkop's Pinotage vines have been retained as bush vines to provide optimum sunlight and therefore maximum ripeness.
Tasting note
A deep purple-red colour, with a bright rim. This Pinotage offers notes of raspberry, strawberry and red cherry which is balanced by sweet spice, plum, redcurrant and supple tannins.
Vintage conditions
2017 was a very dry and hot growing season which resulted in lower yields.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in open concrete fermenters at 28°C. The cap was punched down manually every 2 hours, with the juice drawn off the skins after 3 days. Post fermentation, the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd- and 3rd-fill French oak barrels.
