Kanonkop Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Will Stanley

My first bottle of the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (100%) from Kanonkop. My prior experience from this estate is limited, but memorable, having enjoyed the 2015 of the same wine a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. What of the 2017, then? This wine is pungent from the get-go, with very Stellenbosch-like aromas of incredibly pure fruit; a medley of kirsch, cassis, blackberry compote, strawberry and melted chocolate. There are pleasing notes of vanilla and sandalwood but no overbearing presence of oak (50% new, 50% 2nd fill). The palate is rich, pure, precise and an exemplary display of Cape Cabernet, with cool black and blue fruit and probably much more that didn’t make it to this tasting note which seems to have cut off here..! A sign of enjoyment, I’m sure. Delighted to have a case of this.