Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2020 Bottle size: 750ml

‘"A good quality vintage, if an early one", is how Abrie Beeslaar describes 2020. This might not be a great Paul Sauer, but it's certainly an impressive one, pairing Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 14% Merlot. Still youthful, it has subtle reduction, well-integrated new French oak, chocolate, cassis, blueberry and bramble flavours and sinewy, age-worthy tannins. 2024-40’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2023, 97/100

‘Launched in the 50th anniversary of the estate, it was an absolute pleasure to first taste the new release 2020 Paul Sauer in London with both winemaker Abrie Beeslaar and uber critical owner, Johan Krige. Together, these are two individuals who both have very high expectations for every new Paul Sauer release, but not only that, they are both people who will find a way for the new wine to express the new vintage blend in the most succinct and honest way. In 2020, the Paul Sauer is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 14% Merlot from Simonsberg vines grown on decomposed granite at an average of 30+ years old. The aromatics are delicate yet sophisticated, whispering a rich complexity of saline cassis, sweet violets, dried sage, crunchy black berry, iodine and salty oyster shell nuances with a hint of melted candles and incense complexity. Fabulously pure, focused, weightless and intense, there is a notable ambition and intent on the palate, that bristles with a maritime salinity, deep layers of crème de cassis, blue berry, cedar spice and a tart red berry extravagance. This is simply like no other 2020 I have tasted from Stellenbosch. The wine possesses its own class, elegance and swagger, but with an incredible refinement and precision. You would expect nothing less from one of South Africa’s first growth producers!’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 97/100

‘Clocking in with 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and splashes of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Paul Sauer begins with aromas of dusty red fruit, blackberry compote, cedar and juicy tobacco with plenty of attractive oak. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the palate is firm, fresh and layered with turned earth, pencil lead and oak spices before displaying a balanced structure with firm gripping tannins that will need another year or two in the bottle to settle. Just over 40,000 bottles were produced after the wine rested in 100% new French oak for about two years. 2025-2042’ – Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 94+/100

‘The 2020 Paul Sauer is fermented in open-top fermenters at 29° Celsius and matured for 24 months in 100% new French Nevers barrels. The fragrant bouquet has blackberry, blueberry, inkwell and mint, generous and well-defined. You cannot tell that it is matured entirely in new wood. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and fine acidity. It’s quite a "juicy" Paul Sauer that belies the structure behind it. There’s fine grip and a touch of black pepper toward the finish. Plus, at 13.2° alcohol, it is a little sleeker than recent vintages. Excellent. 2028-2045’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 94/100

‘This classic wine with a saturated ruby colour, is complemented by a dense and interwoven complexity of tilled earth, bouquet garni, with red- and black currant and cedar. The wine is refined, with an elegant structure, precise tannins, and together with the clever use of new oak, creates the perfect backdrop to host the complex fruit spectrum. A long, and youthful finish.’ – Winemaker