Kanonkop "Kadette" 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa

The Kanonkop “Kadette” 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon greets you with a sense of place—deep-set aromas of blackberry, cassis, and plum skin climb out of the glass, woven with singed herbs, tobacco leaf, and a soft whisper of oak spice. It’s plush, but edged with something more deliberate. 

On the palate, a more poised version of amplitude unfolds. Lush black fruit meets mid-palate lift in the form of orange peel brightness, while the finish tightens with chalky tannins and balanced acidity—a texture that feels layered, not showy. 

What sets this Kabinet apart is its geography. Rising on the lower slopes of Simonsberg, Kanonkop farms on decomposed granite and Hutton soils—rich with clay and structured enough to hold water even in dry years. 2020 offered steady heat and cool nights—a gift to Cab grapes, ripening with focus and composure. 

“Kadette” is no second thought. Though sourced beyond Kanonkop’s estate proper, it’s made with the same intention—aged 12 months in older French oak, fermented gently in concrete, and handled with artisan care. The wine shows essential Stellenbosch character, not a shortcut. 

This isn’t Cabernet shouting for attention—it asks for thought. Rustic in its shape, elegant in its balance. Pour it with ripe cheese, grilled lamb, or quiet company, and let it earn that second sip.

Kanonkop 2020 Kadette Cabernet Sauvignon—Stellenbosch clarity, without compromise.