Kanonkop – Pinotage, Paul Sauer and Cabernet Sauvignon on the Simonsberg

From the Hill with the Cannon to a Family Estate

The name Kanonkop goes back to a hill on the Simonsberg. In the 17th and 18th centuries a cannon was fired from there to announce the arrival of ships in Table Bay.^[1] Farmers in the area used the signal to get their goods to the harbour in time.

Paul Sauer acquired the farm in 1929 and built the cellar in 1942, which remains the basis of winemaking today.^[2] After his death in 1976, his daughter Mary inherited the estate. Today his grandsons Johann and Paul Krige run it, now in the fourth generation.^[1][2]

1973: The First Own Vintage

As early as 1968, Jan "Boland" Coetzee joined the estate as its first winemaker and planted new vineyards.^[3] In 1973 the first wines appeared under the Kanonkop name, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Pinotage. The idea of an own label came from Jannie Krige, Sauer's son-in-law, and Paul Sauer agreed.^[3]

Under Beyers Truter, who took over the cellar in 1980, the first vintage of Paul Sauer, named after the estate's founder, was made in 1981.^[2] Abrie Beeslaar was responsible for the wines from 2003. Since November 2024, Francois van Zyl has been head winemaker.^[2]

Site, Soils and Grape Varieties

The vines grow on around 136 hectares at elevations between 180 and 365 metres at the foot of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch.^[2] The soils are mainly weathered granite, with Oakleaf and Tukulu on the slopes and Kroonstad on the lower ground.

The largest variety is Pinotage at 37 percent, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon at 34 percent. Merlot makes up 17, Cabernet Franc 10 and Petit Verdot 2 percent.^[2] Pinotage has been grown here since 1941.

The Wines: Pinotage, Paul Sauer and Cabernet

Kanonkop Pinotage matures for 18 months in French oak, 80 percent of it new.^[2] It is one of the wines that have shaped the reputation of the variety at the Cape: dark-fruited, spicy and structured for bottle ageing.

Paul Sauer is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, matured for 24 months in new French oak.^[2] Cabernet Sauvignon has been part of the estate's programme since 1973. The Kadette range is made from grapes supplied by contract growers and is the estate's earlier-drinking, more approachable line.^[2]

Awards

In 2018, Paul Sauer 2015 received 100 points from Tim Atkin MW, the first perfect score for a South African wine.^[3] The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon was named Classic Red Wine of the Year by Decanter in 2023.^[2]

To mark the 50th anniversary of the first own vintage, Paul Sauer 2020 was released in 2023 in just 3,000 bottles.^[3] Abrie Beeslaar has been named Winemaker of the Year by the IWSC several times.^[3]