Kanonkop Estate Simonsberg Stellenbosch Paul Sauer 2008 93+ Points

www.kanonkop.co.za

Clear, day bright ruby red with purple rim, medium plus concentration and medium plus viscosity.

Clean, high intensity, 2008 is a complex blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot, layered ripe blackcurrant, cassis, blueberries, spicy red berry, stony, almost gravelly, generously oaked, 24 months in 100% new 225 liters French Nevers, medium toasted lending fragrant cedary, lead pencil, graphite, pencil shavings, light dark chocolate.
Medoc like in aromatics, more Pauillac than St Estephe, delicately ripe, excellent purity of fruit.

Dry with medium plus acidity, crisp, concentrated (4.5 tons/ha - 2900 liters/ha) yet fresh, elegant profile, well structured and delicately juicy, medium plus ripe tannins, lending a crunchy profile, plush, subtle extraction, spicy texture, moderate plus alcohol (13.5%), tangy and savoury red fruits, hints of black olives, high complexity and long persistent lenght.

A bargain by world standards (under R 400 retail in specialist wine shop) considering the stratospheric prices Medoc and high end Bordeaux is reaching this has always been a prime candidates for any well respected wine lists, at a great price, that overdelivers.

A classic South African Bordeaux style blends, amongst the very first 30 years ago to show the world class potential and indeed the very high quality South African wines can reached, when hard work in the vineyard couples with meticulous wine making.

Considering how challenging 2008 as a vintage was across South Africa, with it's higher than average rainfall during the growing season, this is damn fine effort and example indeed, drinking well now, yet have the stamina to last up to 2028+ if cellared properly.

Average age of vineyards is 20 years old.