Kanonkop Pinotage 2006 Bottle size: 750ml

'After tasting through a variety of rather poor new releases (no names, no pack drill), I lost patience and decided to open a bottle of Pinotage 2006 from Kanonkop in Stellenbosch, a wine which won Veritas double gold as well as placing among the Absa Top 10 in 2011. Despite an abv of 14.5% and maturation (termed “breeding” on the back label) lasting 16 months in 225-litre French oak, 80% new, it’s by no means a monster of a wine. On the nose, plums, red cherries, a little incense-like fragrance, earth and spice. The palate meanwhile was medium-bodied with pure fruit and fresh acidity, the tannins already quite soft and mellow. I’m sure it will go for yonks but equally I wasn’t too regretful about opening it now.' (Tasted in 2015) - Christian Eedes, winemag.co.za, 92/100

'The Kanonkop Pinotage does a beautiful job of maintaining the grape's unique indigenous character—on the nose you'll find trademark smoke, banana and plum, and on the palate, like flavors, with an added clove and leather touch. There's also an appealing cherry-mocha spin that gives the wine additional draw. Pair with smoky BBQ ribs, steak.' (Tasted in 2009) - Susan Kostrzewa, Wine Enthusiast, 87/100