Saturday, 11 September 2010

Kanonkop Kadette

The South Africans are known for their blends (and some really crazy ones too) and their love of the Pinotage grape.  Tonight I have a bit of both, a Pinotage heavy blend from a good maker.










Name        Kanonkop Kadette

Vintage      2008
Country      South Africa
Region       Stellenbosch
Grape         Pinotage (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (29%), Merlot (17%), Cabernet Franc (9%)
% Alc        14%   
Price         £7.95
Source       The Wine Society
The nose doesn't do much - plummy fruit, and maybe a bit of a mint twang - you'd say it was a claret I think.

Surprisingly, in the mouth, first impressions are of a southern rhone blend. The texture however, is what is really of note - really silky, not at all chewy as you might expect from this grape mix and locations. The wine ripens in the mouth, not really disclosing its provenance as S.African, except for a small tyre note, if you look for it.  Warmth and spiced fruit (heading into xmas cake territory) make it really drinkable. Enjoyed with our virgin attempt at home made lamb mince Koftas, this was a surprising, and rewarding drink. Good length, and compelling.

VFM? Yes, I would say so. A weekend price, and a weekend performance, with texture the star turn here. Burnley's success, stealing victory from the jaws of defeat this afternoon, serves to sweeten the deal.


No comments:

Post a Comment