Kanonkop Pinotage Stellenbosch 2015 – an iconic South African wine that embodies both the mastery of Kanonkop Estate and the country’s unique winemaking heritage. This wine stands among the finest examples of ‘Pinotage’ in the world, proving that the variety can yield wines of remarkable depth, complexity, and longevity.
‘Pinotage’ is South Africa’s signature grape – a cross between ‘Pinot Noir’ and ‘Cinsault’. The 2015 vintage is widely regarded as one of the best in recent decades, marked by ideal growing conditions that allowed the grapes to ripen evenly while preserving natural acidity and aromatic intensity.
In the glass, the wine shows a deep ruby color with violet reflections. The bouquet unfolds with layers of black cherry, blackberry, plum, vanilla, smoke, and a touch of licorice. As it opens, notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, tobacco leaf, and fine oak spice emerge, adding further depth and warmth.
On the palate, it is full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with the sweetness of ripe fruit balanced by velvety tannins and fresh acidity. The texture is harmonious and smooth, leading to a long, complex finish with subtle earthy and smoky nuances.
Fermentation takes place in open concrete fermenters, using the traditional punch-down method to extract color and tannin. The wine is then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, about 80% of which are new, lending it a refined structure and subtle toasty elegance.
Kanonkop Pinotage 2015 captures the heart of Stellenbosch winemaking — powerful yet graceful, deeply expressive yet perfectly balanced — a wine with exceptional aging potential and timeless character.
