Kanonkop 2023 "Kadette" Pinotage, Stellenbosch, South Africa

The Kanonkop 2023 “Kadette” Pinotage opens with confident clarity. Deep plum and ripe cherry aromas rise first, threaded through with maraschino sweetness, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg spice. It’s approachable without being one-dimensional—warm and inviting, but clearly grounded in structure.

On the palate, the wine’s brightness holds steady. Ripe cherries and black plums merge with mulberry and zesty orange peel notes, layered with cedary spice and licorice nuance. The body sits squarely in the medium range, carried by fluid acidity and fine tannins that tether fruit without constricting it—structured, not heavy.

“Kadette” is not an afterthought; it’s Kanonkop’s younger sibling, designed to mirror the estate’s quality without demanding the full weight of prestige. Though the grapes come from outside estate blocks, the attention in the cellar remains meticulous—every lot treated with the same care as the flagship wines.

Stellenbosch gives this wine its breath. Decomposed granite and Hutton soils bring refined minerality and structural poise, while the vintage—marked by steady moisture, uneven budding, and slow ripening—resulted in softer tannins and earlier accessibility. The wine reflects vineyard expressive elegance over raw power.

This Pinotage doesn’t aim to showcase fireworks. It rides in quietly but leaves an impression—not through volume, but through vitality and definition. It’s born of South Africa, but reaches beyond cliché. Enjoy it alongside grilled meats, mushroom ragout, or late-night conversation—you’ll find its balance resonant and steady.

Kanonkop 2023 Kadette Pinotage—South African identity balanced in clarity, not opulence.