Paul Sauer 2020, Kanonkop

The new release of Kanonkop Estate’s iconic Paul Sauer Bordeaux-style red wine is an annual highlight on the wine calendar, and this year is no exception.

The grapes for the Paul Sauer originate from vineyards averaging 30 years in age and grown on Kanonkop’s decomposed granite soils. Winemaking adheres to the traditional principles that have made Kanonkop a renowned red wine producer. The grapes are harvested by hand, and go through three sorting processes before they are pumped into open concrete fermenters. Fermentation takes place at 29°C over five days, with the cap punched down manually every two hours to ensure a continual and gentle extraction and harmonious interaction between skins, flesh and juice.

The Cabernet Sauvignon (69%), Cabernet Franc (17%) and Merlot (14%) components are blended after malolactic fermentation whereafter the wine is placed in new 225l French oak barrels. As for each vintage, the wine is matured in oak barrels for 24 months.

The 2020 vintage is a classic wine with a saturated ruby colour, complemented by a dense and interwoven complexity of tilled earth, bouquet garni, with red- and black
currant and cedar. The wine is refined, with an elegant structure, precise tannins, and together with the clever use of new oak, creates the perfect backdrop to host the complex fruit spectrum. A long, and 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: 13.5% ABV

Greg Sherwood MW – 97/100 “The aromatics are delicate yet sophisticated, whispering a rich complexity of saline cassis, sweet violets, dried sage, crunchy black berry, iodine and salty oyster shell nuances with a hint of melted candles and incense complexity. Fabulously pure, focused, weightless and intense, there is a notable ambition and intent on the palate, that bristles with a maritime salinity, deep layers of crème de cassis, blue berry, cedar spice and a tart red berry extravagance. This is simply like no other 2020 I have tasted from Stellenbosch. The wine possesses its own class, elegance and swagger, but with an incredible refinement and precision. You would expect nothing less from one of South Africa’s first growth producers!”

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