Chenin & Pinotage
Timed Online Auction, 4 - 11 September 2023
Chenin & Pinotage
About this Item
Often described as the South African equivalent of a Grand Cru or First Growth, Kanonkop Estate is situated on the Simonsberg mountain slopes on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. Owned by the fourth generation Krige family,
The Black Label was introduced as a limited-edition bottling with the 2006 vintage, cementing the team’s confidence in South Africa’s own red variety. Black Label is made from one of the oldest Pinotage vineyards in South Africa, one planted in 1953 on a site that has over the years proved to produce fruit of specific excellence and deemed special enough to be bottled under an own label.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Yields were miniscule in 2015 at only 2.5 tons per hectare, giving this ambitious Pinotage more than enough concentration and stuffing to soak up the 100% new wood. Dense and plush, with flavours of mint, dark chocolate, liquorice and sweet black fruits, it’s a stunning expression of the variety. 2019-28’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 96/100
‘Deep ruby-garnet. Subtle nose with some perfumed hints, clove spice, dusty mineral notes, savoury cherry fruit and some dried tobacco. That svelte, subtle elegance carries through onto the palate, with a silky, harmonious entry and, though the firm tannins build through to the finish, they’re notably fine-grained and deliver the finish with a flourish. I know the 2015 Cabernets from Simonsberg have shown excellence and I suspect that’s true for the Pinotages too. One of the best Pinotages I have tasted.’ - Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (May 2022)
‘The 2015 Pinotage Black Label has a very harmonious and well-defined bouquet with blackberries, camphor, fennel and light liquorice aromas that blossom in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins. The most refined Black Label to date, sensual and complex on the finish that lingers temptingly. This is an outstanding Black Label that is just beginning to show what it can do.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 94/100 (May 2022)
‘Paterfamilias of estate’s pinotages, from 62 year old vines. Sophisticated 2015 has hallmark reverberating tannins & ethereal freshness, less opulence than 2014 thanks to slightly cooler summer. 100% new oak part of structure that promises decade-plus cellaring.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (92/100)
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