Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Kanonkop is a long-established estate in Stellenbosch, in South Africa's Coastal Region, with a strong reputation for traditional, structured reds. This Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on the estate's decomposed granite soils at the foot of the Simonsberg, where good drainage and low fertility keep yields down and concentrate the fruit. The site sits within reach of the cooling air from False Bay, which slows ripening and helps the Cabernet hold its acidity and fine, firm tannin. Those are the building blocks of a wine made to age. Ageing lasts twenty-four months in 225 litre French oak barrels, where the higher proportion of wood to wine, and the slow ingress of oxygen, firm the tannins, add cedar and spice and set the structure for the long term. At 14.7 percent the wine is full and serious. It shows a deep red. The nose leads with blackcurrant and plum over cedar, tobacco, leather and a leafy, minty note. The palate is firm and structured, with grippy tannin, fresh acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant well ahead.