Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Bottle size: 750ml

'Matured for 24 months in French oak, 50% new. A classic nose showing a hint of reduction before cassis, violets, leafiness, and some tilled earth while the palate possesses extraordinary depth and structure – massive fruit concentration but no shortage of verve while the finish is super-long. It has also absorbed its time in oak well and the tannins are wonderfully supple. Tightly wound and yet no hardness, full but not weighty, just about complete.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100

'This certainly is a deep, broody exotic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that is more reminiscent of a cool vintage Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon than anything from Bordeaux or the Cape. Opened and tasted over 4 to 5 hours, the wine hits its stride surprisingly quickly with plenty of perfumed purple flowers, violets, bruleed black berries, baked blueberry crumble, crème de cassis and a pleasing note of mocha and vanilla pod spice. Initial notes of kelp and maritime seashore salinity quickly give way to a more weighty, sensual melange of black berry compote nuances and hints of cherry kirsch liquor. While this wine certainly shows all the deft elegance and finesse we associate with the 2017 vintage, it also displays a certain extra gravitas, power and weight of fruit concentration combined with great poise, density and a seamlessly textured mineral graphite finish. This is a dark horse that will drink well on release and age deceptively well for 20+ years.' – Greg Sherwood MW, 96/100

'The quality of the 2015 Paul Sauer alerted us to the fact that this was a special vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon on the farm and this wine supplies further proof. Sourced from six parcels, it has elegant 50% new wood, violet, liquorice and fynbos aromas, svelte tannins, graphite and blackcurrant leaf flavours and a volatile lift 2024-32.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 95/100