Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 75 cl.

The cold weather arrived late, with below average rainfall resulting in low soil moisture and dam levels .The budburst period was very dry, placing a lot of strain on the vines and causing a reduction in the amount of berries per bunch and the resulting crop size. Very warm and dry during the harvest period, with minimal wind damage and disease.
WINEMAKING / MATURATION
Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 290C. The floating skins were punched down by hand, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 5 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 24 months in 50% new and 50% second fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
A classic Simonsberg Cabernet, exuding a sense of coolness, despite the warm vintage conditions. A perfumed nose filled with notes of blackcurrants, fennel, cigar box, tea leaf and “fynbos” shrub. The palate is delicate and fresh, with an austere old-world charm about it. Grainy tannins compliment the earthy profile, with subtle hints of liquorice on the lengthy finish.

INFORMATION ABOUT DOMAIN KANONKOP

Found in Stellenbosch, a region of fine red wine, Kanonkop is reputed for the quality of its Pinotage, which is an emblematic South African grape. The name of this family estate is a reference to the canon used in the 17th and 18th centuries to alert residents to the arrival of a merchant ship. Today, the estate is run by brothers Paul and Johann Krige.
Kanonkop’s 100 hectares of vineyards are planted with Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, between 180 and 365 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand then sorted meticulously, before undergoing a vinification that involves punching down every two hours for maximum extraction of the fruit. The wine is matured in oak barrels for 12 to 24 months depending on the cuvée.
Kanonkop has two ranges of wine: Kadette, using grapes bought from other growers and matured for 12 months, and Estate, a range of wines made from grapes grown at the domain itself and aged for up to twice as long.
An unmissable South African estate that has made a more than significant contribution to the country’s excellent reputation for wine.