Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2023
OVERVIEW
Discover the Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2023, an ultra-premium single-vineyard Pinotage from the iconic Simonsberg region of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Crafted by renowned winemaker Abrie Beeslaar from exceptional 70-year-old dryland bush vines, this wine represents the pinnacle of Pinotage expression and one of South Africa’s most celebrated luxury wines.
Powerful yet refined, Black Label Pinotage combines remarkable concentration, elegance, and complexity with extraordinary ageing potential.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Perfect for collectors and lovers of world-class, cellar-worthy red wines.
Ideal for:
- Fine dining and luxury wine experiences
- Serious Pinotage enthusiasts and collectors
- Investors seeking iconic South African wines
A rare and prestigious Pinotage crafted for those who appreciate depth, structure, and refinement.
TASTING NOTES
Appearance:
Deep, dark, and intensely concentrated in colour.
Aromas:
Dark cherry, ripe plum, floral notes, liquorice, dark chocolate, and vanilla spice.
Palate:
Elegant layers of black fruit, umami complexity, lavender, sweet liquorice, and refined oak integration.
Texture:
Soft, chalky tannins seamlessly balanced with freshness and concentration.
Finish:
Long, refined, and lingering with exceptional purity and vibrancy.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs beautifully with:
- Aromatic curries
- Barbecued venison and beef
- Grilled game fish such as tuna or snoek
- Roast duck with berry sauce
- Crispy pork belly
Serve at 16–18°C in a large Bordeaux-style glass. Decanting for at least one hour before serving is recommended to fully unlock the wine’s complexity and depth.
SERVING TIPS & DETAILS
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Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
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Ideal Drinking Window: 15–20 years from vintage
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Glass Type: Bordeaux-style red wine glass
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Alcohol: 14%
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Residual Sugar: 3.2 g/l
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Total Acidity: 5.5 g/l
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pH: 4.02
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Origin: Simonsberg, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Grape Variety: 100% Pinotage
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Vine Age: 70-year-old bush vines
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Irrigation: None – dryland vineyards
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Soil Type: Decomposed granite and Hutton soils
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Yield: 2.8 tons per hectare
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Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
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Vinification: Fermented in open-top concrete fermenters with hand punch-downs every two hours during fermentation
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Maturation: Matured for 18 months in 100% new 225L French Nevers oak barrels
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Production Volume: 1,400 cases (6 x 750ml)
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Storage: Store horizontally in a cool, dark place
ACCOLADES AND REVIEWS
⭐ CE’s rating: 96/100
"Black Label Pinotage from Kanonkop is an Überwine in the Nietzschean sense, unapologetically itself, unapologetically grand. From a 1953 vineyard, the newly released 2023 spent 18 months in 100% new Burgundian oak. The nose starts with chocolate, toast and spice before opening to reveal plum, cherry, a hint of banana and subtle florals. The palate is juicy and round on entry but finishes long and emphatically dry, great fruit definition, plenty of verve, chalky tannins and a slight bite to the finish for added authority."
The 2023 vintage followed a relatively dry winter with cool spring conditions and healthy vineyard growth, producing concentrated fruit with softer tannins and exceptional balance.
Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s benchmark Pinotages, Black Label Pinotage is celebrated for its intensity, elegance, luxurious texture, and remarkable ageing potential.
FAQ's
Is it oaked?
Yes. The wine matured for 18 months in 100% new French Nevers oak barrels.
Is it dry or sweet?
It is a dry, full-bodied red wine with concentrated fruit and refined tannins.
Can it age?
Absolutely. It has exceptional ageing potential of 15–20 years from vintage.
What makes it unique?
Its 70-year-old dryland bush vines, extremely limited production, and luxurious oak maturation create one of the most prestigious Pinotages in South Africa.
What foods pair best with it?
Venison, duck, aromatic curries, pork belly, and grilled game fish pair exceptionally well.
Is it suitable for gifting?
Yes. Its rarity, prestige, collectability, and iconic South African status make it an extraordinary gift for serious wine collectors and enthusiasts.
