Paul Sauer 2019 Double Magnum (3 litres), Kanonkop

Following on from the success of the 2015 Paul Sauer, which became SA’s most sought-after red when Tim Atkin MW awarded it his first 100/100 score in the New World, the 2019 vintage which has been awarded an impressive 98 points in Tim Atkin’s 2022 Special South Africa Report.  This legendary wine is named after Kanonkop’s patriarch and is a Bordeaux-style blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot. The depth of flavour, structure and complexity offered by these three grape varieties is accentuated by 24 months’ ageing in new French Nevers oak barrels to create a regal wine recognised as one of the best South Africa has to offer.

The 2019 vintage is complimented by a dense and interwoven complexity of tilled earth, nutmeg, bouquet garni, with classic cedar and red and black fruits. The wine remains refined, with an elegant structure. Tannins are precise and, together with the use of new oak, create the perfect backdrop to host the complex fruit spectrum. A long, and – at this stage – youthful finish.

Ageing potential: 20 – 25 years from vintage

Food pairing: Paired well all types of steak, meat casseroles, roast leg of lamb and matured cheeses.

Alcohol: 13.02% ABV

Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2022: 98 points ‘This brilliant red blend – now part of the Cape’s elite – comes from the same trio of vineyards each year. A triumph in a difficult vintage, it has the lowest alcohol since 1993 and artfully combines Cabernet Sauvignon with 14% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot, with ageing in new oak. Poised, structured, yet fresh, with cedarwood, red cherry and blackberry fruit, elegant tannins and a long, balanced finish. Classy stuff. 2025-35’

Greg Sherwood MW Wine Safari Score: 96+/100 ‘This classically styled Paul Sauer 2019 is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot. After noticeably more fruit forward aromatics on the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 on release, this 2019 represents somewhat of departure in style with a decidedly tight, broody aromatic profile of inky dark berry fruits, iodine, crushed gravel, Bouquet Garni, dried herbs, sweet clove and graphite before subtle hints of pithy black currant and black cherry join the party and mingle with perfumed notes of pressed violets and lilac. Despite its 24 months in 100% new French Never oak 225 litre barriques, there is only a mere suggestion of wood influence with a beautifully refined cedar spice and unsmoked cigar nuances. On the palate, the results of a cooler and smaller harvest manifest themselves through a distinctly classical Old World restraint, purity, wound spring tension and supremely refined tannins that linger on the palate with seamless precision. As with many longer, cooler Bordeaux vintages, there is more a sense of concentration and power rather than an actual overt textural display, with sinewy black fruits, cocoa powder and earthy, brambly layers concertinaed by lively acids and yet more overt minerality. An impressive creation indeed that will benefit from a good 8 to 10 years in the cellar to fully blossom despite its textural finesse, balance and accessibility.’

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