Kanonkop Wine Estate : Black Label Pinotage 2019

The 2019 Black Label Pinotage is more generous than most, with a fresh, juicy aroma and a hint of reduction. Aged in 100% new French oak, the full-bodied Pinotage shows lush oak flavours with a tight, gripping, tannic edge. You’ll notice notes of juicy plum reduction, blackberry purée, potpourri and red peppercorn flavours as you drink it. The wine finishes gracefully and lingers on the palate with a firm tannic edge and a mineral-laced conclusion. The wine aged for a year and a half in new French oak. Only 6,000 bottles were produced.

This vintage won't be released until later in 2022, but snap it up when it does. A real floral note to the red cherry and blueberry fruit aromas – so pure, with an enticing stalky freshness. The lengthy palate is equally juicy and vibrant, packed with dusky damsons and crunchy plums, along with sappy tannins, creamy vanilla oak tones and a focused seam of cleansing acidity. Elegant, nimble and youthful.

The 2019 Pinotage Black Label has a very different aromatic profile compared to the previous two vintages, maybe partly due to the new cooperages used at the estate. Red fruit rather than black, very smooth, I can't help feeling that there is something a bit more "Gallic" than "Cape". The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, fleshy and sappy, layers of red fruit infused with black pepper and clove. Very harmonious on the finish that lingers in the mouth. This will need time.