Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend 2022 is a vibrant, fruit-forward red blend from Kanonkop Wine Estate, a fourth-generation, family-owned winery in the Simonsberg-Stellenbosch region of South Africa that’s widely regarded as one of the country’s benchmark producers of Pinotage and Bordeaux-style wines. Kanonkop’s Kadette range uses ripe, well-chosen fruit and careful winemaking to deliver approachable yet structured wines that punch above their price point. This 2022 vintage is a classic Cape Blend, made from roughly 33 % Pinotage, 32 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 31 % Merlot, with small portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. After fermentation in open-top concrete fermenters and malolactic conversion, the wine spent about 12 months in older French oak barrels, adding subtle complexity while keeping the fruit bright and lively. In the glass it shows a bright deep ruby colour with lifted aromatics of cassis, raspberries, cherries, black plums, cinnamon spice and a hint of chocolate. The palate is fresh and juicy, with succulent summer berry flavours supported by silky yet firm tannins and a long, savoury finish that balances fruit intensity with structure. This Cape Blend is versatile at the table: it pairs beautifully with barbecue, roast chicken, beef or lamb burgers, hearty stews, pizza or pasta with rich sauces, and also drinks well on its own. Why we love this wine? A Cape Blend is uniquely South African and the Pinotage in this blend adds to the luscious aromatic of this wine!
