Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend 2021

A blend of 39% Pinotage, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, it was matured for 12 months in second- and third-fill barrels (as opposed to Paul Sauer’s 24 months in 100% new oak). On the nose, Kadette shows plum, cherry and cassis plus hints of vanilla, cigar box, spice and earth. The palate is medium bodied with excellent fruit expression and plenty of verve (alcohol is 14.26%). Pure and fresh with crunchy tannins, the finish slightly salty. Remarkably youthful and yet the relationship of parts already so aesthetically consistent, it offers enormous pleasure. Score – 93. (Christian Eedes, winemag.co.za, June 27, 2024)