- Red Still
- 75CL
- 14.5%
- Pinotage
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Kanonkop remains South Africa's most celebrated Pinotage producer, crafting wines from the variety's spiritual home in Stellenbosch since the 1970s. This 2022 vintage exemplifies their masterful approach to the grape, balancing Pinotage's inherent fruit richness with structural integrity and terroir expression. The wine displays characteristic plum and berry fruit supported by warm spice and mineral undertones, with supple tannins that make it approachable now whilst retaining cellar potential.
The Krige family's dedication to Pinotage has elevated this uniquely South African crossing from curiosity to world-class wine. Their old-vine plantings and traditional winemaking techniques produce a Pinotage of depth and elegance, suitable for drinking from 2026 until 2034. This vintage represents excellent value from a producer whose reputation for Pinotage remains unmatched globally.
This 2022 Pinotage is drinking well now, with primary fruit flavours well-integrated and tannins already supple. Over the next 2-3 years, expect the oak and fruit to marry further whilst maintaining the wine's vibrant character. The wine should reach full maturity around 2028-2030, when secondary complexity will emerge alongside the core fruit. Beyond 2032, the wine will gradually lose some fruit intensity but should retain its structural integrity until 2034, making this an ideal medium-term cellaring proposition.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby red with purple highlights, showing good concentration and clarity.
NoseRich aromas of ripe dark plum and blackberry fruit dominate initially. Underlying spices emerge with aeration - cinnamon, clove and subtle smoky oak. A mineral earthiness adds complexity alongside dried herb nuances.
PalateMedium to full-bodied with supple entry leading to concentrated dark fruit flavours. The tannin structure is well-integrated, providing backbone without overwhelming the fruit. Spiced plum and bramble fruit combine with earthy minerality and a touch of vanilla from oak maturation.
FinishLong and satisfying with lingering fruit and spice, supported by fine-grained tannins.
Overall impressionA refined expression of Pinotage that balances varietal character with elegance and structure.
Food Pairings
In the Western Cape, Pinotage traditionally accompanies the region's distinctive braai culture, pairing excellently with grilled boerewors, lamb sosaties and venison steaks cooked over wood fires. The wine's fruit richness and moderate tannins complement Cape Malay curries, particularly lamb and beef dishes spiced with cinnamon and cloves. Traditional potjiekos - slow-cooked stews featuring game meats or oxtail - match beautifully with Pinotage's earthy undertones. The wine also suits bobotie, South Africa's national dish of spiced minced meat with egg custard topping, where the wine's fruit sweetness balances the dish's aromatic spicing.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the fruit and spice characteristics to express fully. Decanting for 30-45 minutes will help integrate the tannins and reveal the wine's complexity, though this is not essential for immediate drinking. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to concentrate the aromatics whilst providing sufficient surface area for the wine to breathe. The wine benefits from being opened an hour before service if not decanted.
Kanonkop's vineyards benefit from Stellenbosch's diverse soils, ranging from decomposed granite on the slopes to clay-rich areas in the valley floor. The estate sits at elevations between 120-350 metres, with south-facing slopes that moderate the warm Mediterranean climate. The combination of well-draining soils and cooling maritime influences from False Bay creates ideal conditions for Pinotage, allowing the variety to develop complexity whilst retaining natural acidity and structured tannins.
Stellenbosch represents the heart of South African fine wine production, with a Mediterranean climate moderated by mountain ranges and ocean influences. The region's diverse soils and varied elevations create numerous microclimates suited to different grape varieties, though it has become particularly renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage. Stellenbosch wines typically display more structure and ageing potential than those from warmer inland regions, with the area's wine estates maintaining some of South Africa's oldest vineyard plantings and most traditional winemaking practices.
The 2022 growing season in Stellenbosch unfolded with characteristic variability, demanding careful vineyard management from producers. Winter rainfall proved adequate, replenishing soil moisture after several challenging dry years, though spring brought the usual concerns about wind damage in exposed sites. The summer months required judicious irrigation management, with temperatures remaining largely within optimal ranges. Harvest timing became crucial as producers balanced phenolic ripeness with natural acidity, particularly for the region's flagship Cabernet Sauvignon plantings on the mountain slopes and valley floors.
The vintage has produced wines of solid quality rather than exceptional character, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot showing good concentration and structure. Chenin Blanc performed reliably across different elevations, maintaining the bright acidity that defines Stellenbosch expressions of this variety. While 2022 may not achieve the acclaim of standout years, the wines display honest varietal character and proper balance. Most reds will benefit from three to five years of cellaring to integrate their tannins fully, whilst the whites are drinking well now with potential to develop complexity over the next two to three years.
FAQs
What makes Kanonkop's Pinotage special?
Kanonkop has been perfecting Pinotage since the 1970s and owns some of the variety's oldest vines in Stellenbosch. Their traditional approach and prime terroir consistently produce Pinotage wines of exceptional depth and elegance, earning them recognition as the world's premier Pinotage specialist.
How does this 2022 compare to previous vintages?
The 2022 shows excellent balance typical of recent Kanonkop vintages, with ripe fruit character supported by integrated oak and structured tannins. It maintains the estate's signature style whilst reflecting the specific characteristics of a warm but well-managed growing season.
Is this wine ready to drink now or should I cellar it?
This Pinotage is approachable now with supple tannins and integrated fruit, making it enjoyable for immediate consumption. However, it will develop additional complexity over the next 4-6 years, reaching peak maturity around 2028-2030.
What food pairings work best with this Pinotage?
The wine's fruit richness and moderate tannins make it excellent with grilled red meats, game dishes, and spiced cuisine. Traditional braai fare, lamb preparations, and dishes with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves all pair beautifully with this style of Pinotage.
How should I store this wine?
Store bottles on their side in a cool, dark place at 12-15°C with consistent temperature. The wine will develop well over the next 6-8 years if stored properly, though it's equally enjoyable now with proper serving temperature and brief aeration.
What makes Stellenbosch ideal for Pinotage?
Stellenbosch's diverse soils, varied elevations, and Mediterranean climate moderated by maritime influences create perfect conditions for Pinotage. The region allows the variety to develop complexity whilst retaining natural acidity and structured tannins essential for age-worthy wines.
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