Tasting notes:
Intense purple hues. The nose is beautifully aromatic, with scented aromas of red currants, macerated cherries and cinnamon spice. The palate displays a silky tannin structure, backed by a fine seam of acidity. Subtle vanilla undertones from the integrated oak profile are juxtaposed against a fruit explosion of wild bramble, plums and black berries. An elegant wine with lingering flavours of juicy, dark plums on the finish.
Reviews:
94 points, Tim Atkin
Hot, long and tiring” is how Johann Krige describes the 2018 vintage, but Kanonkop more than coped with the challenge. The tannins are quite serious here, lending the wine structure and ageing potential. The palate is sweet and layered, with notes of sweet spices and patisserie and a long, tapering finish. 2022-30
93 points, Vinous
The 2018 Pinotage comes from vines up to 65 years old, cropped at 5 tons/ha, and raised for 16 months in 80% new oak and 20% second fill. There is a little reduction on the nose, though this is brushed away with aeration to reveal black plum mixed with Christmas cake and a hint of licorice; fine delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive harmony and focus, the oak seamlessly integrated. There is fine backbone to this Pinotage, and a sustained white pepper finish that lingers. Outstanding.
92 points, Wine Enthusiast
There's a slight warmth to the nose of this wine, which opens with aromas of licorice root, char, baked plum and roasted blackberry alongside a touch of balsamic herbs and minty rooibos. It's plush in feel and full in weight, with gripping tannins that support all of that ripe black fruit flavor. Ample acidity assists with balance, while the long finish shows beautiful evolution.