Critics Ratings

Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2010 (2 x 750ml)
‘Thrilling return to form for iconic Bordeaux blend cab (68%) & equal merlot, cab franc. 2010 red & black fruit, incense on the nose, plenty of reined-in power on the palate. Great fruit definition, bright acidity, firm but fine tannins. 100% new oak, 26 months. Promises to give much pleasure in the future.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 4.5* (2014)

‘A direct beam of blackberry and black currant fruit is intertwined with savory, sanguine and lightly singed cedar notes. Shows good focus through the finish, where a perfumy rooibos tea accent lingers. Sneakily long and should unfold more in the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Apr 2015)

Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2011 (2 x 750ml)
‘Always close to the top of the red Bordeaux style pile in South Africa, Paul Sauer is one of a handful of wines that is collectible, partly because of its track record, but also because it ages so well. This blend of Cabernet with 18% Cabernet Franc and 12% Merlot is aged entirely in new oak, but you’d never know it, such is its grace and poise. Subtle, leafy, spicy and very fine. Drink: 2015-30.’- Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 95/100

‘Sense of place in this iconic flagship; richly vinous more than fruity, with supple muscularity. 2011 touch more aromatic in youth, with hint oak (new French); but firm underbelly, austere conclusion from its 70% cab portends well for future. Cab franc & merlot complete blend.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 4.5* (2015)

Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2012 (3 x 750ml)
'This brilliant Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc is always sourced from the same 40-year-old block on the farm. Leafy, floral and subtle, with notes of spice and cigar box, it carries its tannins lightly. A stunning Paul Sauer release. Drink: 2016-30' - Tim Atkin SA Wine Report 2016, 96/100

'Cab-based flagship, with cab franc, merlot. 2012 with usual richly vinous, muscular build; penetrating ripe fruit to balance concluding austerity. Beautifully composed, complemented by new oak, a long, fine future assured.'- Platter's SA Wine Guide 2016, 4.5*

'Bright red-ruby. Aromas of cassis and licorice are lifted by herbs and black pepper. Dense but light on its feet; in a distinctly old-school Bordeaux style, conveying a strong peppery tobacco leaf quality to its flavors of currant, dark raspberry and woodsmoke. I find this penetrating, vibrant, utterly seamless wine less opulent than 2011 but it will need several years of aging to blossom. Lovely suave and floral lift on the end.' - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 92+/100 (Feb 2017)

Provenance

Private Client