2017 Kanonkop, Black Label Pinotage, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Single plot of 65-year-old, dry-farmed bush vines, on decomposed granite and Hutton soils, harvested at 2.8 t/ha. Fermentation in open concrete fermenters at 28 °C, with manual punch-downs every two hours. Juice drawn off skins after three and a half days. 18 months in new, 225-litre French Nevers oak, mainly from Vicard. TA 5.4 g/l, pH 3.62, RS 2.6 g/l, VA 0.82 g/l, total SO2 85 mg/l, free SO2 41 mg/l.Deep black-ruby. Cooked raspberry, fresh earth, vanilla and clove spice. Compact, dense fruit on the entry, with powerful, but fine-grained tannins. Lots of density and weight. Needs time, but this has the core of quality to potentially equal the 2015. Drink 2026 - 2040Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson.com (January 2023)

Immediately impressive upfront, the nose of the 2017 Black Label Pinotage is open and expressive. The opaque core has deep purple edges, and the fruit is concentrated with the oak. The dense and chewy fruit expresses the full array of blue, black and dark red tones—dark plum, blackberry, and black cherry with hints of blueberry filling the nose of the glass. On the palate, the fruit has a depth and breadth that is complex and gives pleasure. This is an impressive Pinotage bottling. The mid-palate is rich, full-bodied and highly complex, while the finish is still youthful and has a firm tannic grip that will ensure this wine lasts for decades. Wow! This full-bodied wine ends with a long and highly complex finish with notes of dark chocolate. It is an impressive wine that will captivate your attention.Drink 2020 - 2045Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate (October 2019)

The 2017 Pinotage Black Label is very perfumed and more floral on the nose compared to the 2016, very pure with black plum, wild mint, fennel and a hint of liquorice. There is just a touch of Earl Grey that emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine grip, beautiful arching structure with a judicious dash of pepperiness coming through on the finish. Superb.Drink 2025 - 2050Neil Martin, Vinous.com.com (August 2022)

Gorgeously perfumed, leaping out of the glass in demonstrative style: red plums, brambles, floral lift, cinnamon and bonfire toffee. The complexity continues on the intense, full-bodied palate, which is decadent and opulent in its blackforest-gateau-like richness but kept from heaviness by brisk acidity. Super grip from the firm, chewy tannins and a long, perfumed finish. Should age impressively.Drink 2024 - 2039Tina Gellie, Decanter.com (May 20220)