Kanonkop – Kadette Pinotage 2023 (750ml)

About this Wine

Warmer periods during the start of the winter resulted in some un-even budding, flowering and fruit set. The moisture levels in the soils were satisfactory throughout the growing and ripening phase, and very little moisture stress was noticeable on the vines. The ripening conditions during January and February were excellent with a late start to the 2023 harvest. This vintage produced elegant wines with softer tannin structures that will make them accessible and drinkable from an earlier age.

Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.

This wine features the classic characteristics of South Africas famous home-grown grape variety. Autumnal, juicy dark fruit is complemented by an enticing savoury character with just a hint of underlying sweetness. Ageing in used French oak barrels produces a lean, muscular structure and supple tannins

Tasting Notes

Deep purple red colour. A bright, enticing nose of cherries, red and black plums, maraschino cherries, cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate is packed with ripe cherries, black plums, mulberries, orange zest, blackberries, liquorice, cedar and layers of baking spices. Medium bodied with juicy fruit, refreshing, balanced acidity, fine grained tannins and a long satisfying finish.

Scores & Reviews

91 pts WINEMAG.CO.ZA 6/19/25
Arguments against brand extensions are that it risks brand dilution, confuses consumers, and stretches resources, none of which appears to have fazed Stellenbosch powerhouse Kanonkop which now has a Pinotage Dry Ros, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cape Blend and a Pinotage under its second label, Kadette.

Nothing wrong with the Kadette Pinotage 2023, as it so happens. Matured for 12 months in second- and third-fill 225-litre barrels, total production amounted to a formidable 480 000 bottles. Red and black cherry, musk and just a little rubbery reduction on the nose precedes a palate that shows clean fruit, bright acidity and pleasantly grippy tannins, making for a dry finish. Entirely appealing and great bang for your buck.

Warmer periods during the start of the winter resulted in some un-even budding, flowering and fruit set. The moisture levels in the soils were satisfactory throughout the growing and ripening phase, and very little moisture stress was noticeable on the vines. The ripening conditions during January and February were excellent with a late start to the 2023 harvest. This vintage produced elegant wines with softer tannin structures that will make them accessible and drinkable from an earlier age.

Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.

This wine features the classic characteristics of South Africas famous home-grown grape variety. Autumnal, juicy dark fruit is complemented by an enticing savoury character with just a hint of underlying sweetness. Ageing in used French oak barrels produces a lean, muscular structure and supple tannins