Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2023

Kanonkop is a fourth-generation family estate on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg mountain in Stellenbosch, long regarded as one of South Africa's benchmark producers and a reference point for Pinotage. The Black Label is a single-variety Pinotage from the oldest bush vines on the property, dry-farmed without trellising so the canopy shades the fruit and yields stay naturally low. The decomposed-granite soils of Simonsberg drain freely and stress the old vines, concentrating sugar, colour and tannin, while the warm Coastal Region climate ripens this early-budding crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut fully. Fermentation is traditional, and the wine is matured in French oak, where slow oxygen ingress firms the tannin and folds the oak into the fruit rather than over it. The colour is dense, opaque purple. The nose shows dark plum and black cherry with woodsmoke, clove and cocoa, and the savoury, almost meaty character that marks serious Pinotage. The palate is full bodied and powerful, with ripe but firm tannin and a long, spiced finish. Decant ahead and serve at 17 to 18 degrees. Made for grilled and roasted meat.