The 2023 Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage from Stellenbosch is a vibrant and expressive red that showcases the varietal’s signature depth and charm. Winemaker Abrie Beeslaar brings his renowned touch to this vintage, crafting a wine with a deep purple-red hue and an enticing bouquet of cherries, red and black plums, maraschino cherry, cinnamon, and nutmeg. On the palate, it bursts with ripe blackberries, mulberries, orange zest, and layers of liquorice, cedar, and warm baking spices. The medium-bodied structure is supported by juicy fruit, balanced acidity, and fine-grained tannins, culminating in a long, satisfying finish. Fermented in open-top concrete tanks and matured for 12 months in second- and third-fill French oak barrels, the wine retains its vibrant fruit while gaining subtle complexity. With an ABV of 14.5% and a residual sugar of 2.2 g/L, it’s both accessible and cellar-worthy, offering a drinking window of 5 to 8 years.
This vintage has already garnered praise from critics, with Tim Atkin MW highlighting it as a standout among Pinotage offerings, noting its spicy texture and drinkability despite its large production scale of 450,000 bottles. The Kadette Pinotage continues Kanonkop’s legacy of producing premium South African wines that marry tradition with approachability, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and collectors alike.
750ml
