The Kanonkop Paul Sauer needs no introduction and the 2017 is one of the most-anticipated releases of 2020. To our minds, this is definitely one of the finest to date; rivalling the quality of the heralded 2009 and much-lauded 2015 vintages.

Kanonkop was recently voted one of 'The World’s 50 Most Admired Wine Brands' by Drinks International Magazine and one cannot but applaud the consistent quality and vintage expression of their fine wines. The track record of the iconic Paul Sauer is second to none and excellent vintages are guaranteed to mature for decades.

Unfortunately, the huge demand for this wine and its limited availability requires us to limit it to 12 bottles per person.

2017 was an excellent vintage for Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon which forms the base of this classic blend, together with 17% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. The traditional winemaking, 24 months in new French oak and low yields are Bordeaux-inspired, yet, the 2017 has an unmistakable New-World identity.

This is a superb wine – classy and classic. The nose has the approachable, dark-fruited cassis and Stellenbosch graphite notes that are typical of young Paul Sauer and it is surprisingly open before following on to a defined palate. However, there is a greater sense of purpose to this 2017 release. Its regal and powdery tannins act as a firm counter to the perfectly ripe cassis and new oak cloak. This is a quintessential Paul Sauer and one of the finest to be released to date – an elegant classic!

Please note, shipping is from 1 July.

Kanonkop, Paul Sauer 2017
The 2017 Paul Sauer is a classic blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot from vines grown on prime Stellenbosch decomposed granite, Hutton and Clovelly soils with an average age of 30 years old. The vintage yielded a moderately low 4.5 tons per hectare or 2,750 litres per hectare, and was aged 24 months in new 225 litre French oak Nevers barrels. In my 2015 preamble, I stated that the perfect Paul Sauer blend seeks the comfort of the perfect balance between power and concentration, structure and freshness.

This 2017 is undoubtedly elegance and seamless finesse personified. Possessing a deep garnet-purple colour, the aromatics are initially slightly restrained, unfurling cautiously to reveal a fabulous cornucopia of red and black summer berry fruits, black cherries, tart blue berries supported by complexing notes of crushed gravel and a vampish graphite vein. Like any truly great wine, every time you revisit your glass, yet more intricate notes assault the senses. Violets and lilac perfume, cherries immersed in black chocolate, blood and iron, freshly tilled earth and the most seductive kiss of promise from the premium French oak vanillins. The palate is exquisitely framed by fine talcum-like tannins and an invigorating acid freshness that resonates across the tongue. Once again the joyful poise and elegance of the weightless 2017 concentration and intensity confounds the senses, unfurling layer upon layer of black cherry kirsch liquor, crème de cassis and a tart, saline sea breeze freshness on the long exhilarating finish. For a wine like this, Grand Cru Classe Bordeaux is and always will be the road map region by which winemakers navigate their path to greatness.

This 2017 Paul Sauer has all the subtlety and finesse, elegance and seamless balance to rival the greatest Bordeaux blends of France, while retaining its own unique South African signature imprint. Drink this wine on release to banish your curiosity but then cellar some of the rest for up to 30+ years. Undoubtedly another must have icon for collectors and drinkers alike. – Greg Sherwood MW, 98/100