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Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2023
About this Wine
Warmer periods during the start of the winter resulted in some un-even budding, flowering and fruit set. The moisture levels in the soils were satisfactory throughout the growing and ripening phase, and very little moisture stress was noticeable on the vines. The ripening conditions during January and February were excellent with a late start to the 2023 harvest. This vintage produced elegant wines with softer tannin structures that will make them accessible and drinkable from an earlier age.
Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.
This wine features the classic characteristics of South Africa’s famous home-grown grape variety. Autumnal, juicy dark fruit is complemented by an enticing savoury character with just a hint of underlying sweetness. Ageing in used French oak barrels produces a lean, muscular structure and supple tannins
Tasting Notes
Deep purple red colour. A bright, enticing nose of cherries, red and black plums, maraschino cherries, cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate is packed with ripe cherries, black plums, mulberries, orange zest, blackberries, liquorice, cedar and layers of baking spices. Medium bodied with juicy fruit, refreshing, balanced acidity, fine grained tannins and a long satisfying finish.
Scores & Reviews
92 pts James Suckling Nov 2025
Plums, cherries and chocolate orange on the nose of this juicy red. It’s full-bodied with ripe tannins. Nicely balanced. Drink now.
92 pts Tim Atkin Mw 2025
The kind of thing that should be poured for anyone who claim they don’t like Pinotage, this displays all the variety’s best features at a very appealing price. Succulent, scented and sweetly fruited, with raspberry and wild strawberry fruit and a kiss of oak sweetness. 2025-30
91 pts WINEMAG.CO.ZA 6/19/25
Arguments against brand extensions are that it risks brand dilution, confuses consumers, and stretches resources, none of which appears to have fazed Stellenbosch powerhouse Kanonkop which now has a Pinotage Dry Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cape Blend and a Pinotage under its second label, Kadette.
Nothing wrong with the Kadette Pinotage 2023, as it so happens. Matured for 12 months in second- and third-fill 225-litre barrels, total production amounted to a formidable 480 000 bottles. Red and black cherry, musk and just a little rubbery reduction on the nose precedes a palate that shows clean fruit, bright acidity and pleasantly grippy tannins, making for a dry finish. Entirely appealing and great bang for your buck.
4 ½ Stars 2026 John Platter’s South African Wine Guide
Impressive 23 (90 pts) a showcase of estate’s mastery of the grape. Fine tannins deftly support sappy-savoury red berry, plum, red currant & fresh, juicy cherry. Improves on 22 (88 pts).
90 pts Wine Advocate Feb 2026
The Kanonkop 2023 Stellenbosch Pinotage Kadette sources fruit from selected premium blocks and is matured for 12 months in second- and third-fill barrique, giving more concentration and muscle than the Cape Blend. Dark cherry and black fruit dominate, supported by fresh acidity and gentle wood influence. Even in this more approachable expression, Kanonkop’s heritage of hands-on fermentation and long familiarity with Pinotage shapes a confident, easy-drinking wine. 2026-2029
Warmer periods during the start of the winter resulted in some un-even budding, flowering and fruit set. The moisture levels in the soils were satisfactory throughout the growing and ripening phase, and very little moisture stress was noticeable on the vines. The ripening conditions during January and February were excellent with a late start to the 2023 harvest. This vintage produced elegant wines with softer tannin structures that will make them accessible and drinkable from an earlier age.
Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.
This wine features the classic characteristics of South Africa’s famous home-grown grape variety. Autumnal, juicy dark fruit is complemented by an enticing savoury character with just a hint of underlying sweetness. Ageing in used French oak barrels produces a lean, muscular structure and supple tannins
$23.99
Out of stock
