Canon Copt Paul Sauer

The Paul Sauer is Kanonkop's flagship wine – a Bordeaux blend from the heart of the Simonsberg-Stellenbosch region, which has been among the best red wines in South Africa for decades.

The Kanonkop winery lies at the foot of the Simonsberg hill and has been run by the Krige family since the 1930s. The soils, composed of weathered granite and slate, give the wine its mineral depth. The Paul Sauer is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot – the proportions vary depending on the vintage. It is aged for 18 to 25 months in new French oak barrels , which imparts its characteristic structure and spice.

In the glass, it displays dark blackberry, cassis, and dried plum, underpinned by cedar, graphite, and a hint of leather spice. The palate is dense and complex: velvety tannins, supportive acidity, and a long, warm, and spicy finish. It opens up considerably with aeration.

• Dishes: Leg of lamb with rosemary, beef fillet, mature hard cheese
• Temperature: 17–18 °C, ideally decant for 30 minutes
• Drinking window: now until 2030+