The 2017 vintage Kanonkop iconic Paul Sauer red blend was officially released on the 1st of July and we will have the inside scoop on the wine when we catch up with Kanonkop winemaker Abrie Beeslaar on the 22nd of July at 8 pm Sydney time / 12 Midday South African time!
Paul Oliver Sauer (1891-1976) was the grandfather of current Kanonkop owners Johann and Paul Krige. He was also a passionate farmer, grape grower, winemaker, and a wine imbiber.
In 1929 Paul was elected to Parliament in the same year that he became the first owner of Kanonkop, where he developed 85 hectares of virgin land, with no infrastructure or agriculture, into one of the most famous South African wine estates. Paul Sauer died on 11 January 1976, just as the fourth Kanonkop Estate harvest was about to get underway and before having the opportunity to witness the profound legacy he had left.
It was under the watch of legendary winemaker Beyers Truter that Kanonkop’s iconic wine, the Paul Sauer Bordeaux-style blend, was introduced, a wine generally regarded as South Africa’s finest red wine. The first vintage was 1981 a red blend that largely relied on Cabernet Sauvignon, with components of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
The vineyards are a combination of dry-land and supplemental irrigation, with an average age of close to 30 years. The blending of the three different components takes place prior to barrel maturation to facilitate greater coherence between the parts.
The depth of flavour, structure and complexity offered by these three grape varieties is accentuated by 24 months’ ageing in new French oak. Blackcurrant notes combine with aromas of bouquet garni and cigar box to offer a regal wine recognised as one of the best South Africa has to offer.
The 2017 vintage is widely regarded as being on par with the stellar Paul Sauer 2015 vintage.
What is even more exciting is that we will be receiving the 2016 and 2017 Paul Sauer in our next shipment!!!!
Greg Sherwood MW rated the 2017 Paul Sauer at an astounding 98/100 points!!
We will be putting together an outstanding vertical tasting pack of the 100 pointer 2015 vintage together with the 2016 and 2017!
For more information on the Paul Sauer 2017 click here.
This is a once in a lifetime offer!
Pre Orders / pre-allocation for 2016 and 2017 Paul Sauer are open (maximum limit of 3 bottles per vintage per customer) now as these wines are regarded as South Africa’s finest red wine!
Hurry up and register your interest via bnw.wine/PS2017Tasting
The ultimate food pairing with the Paul Sauer for the cooler wintery days is a Beef Bourguignon
While the Paul Sauer is a great accompaniment to meat casseroles, steak, roasts, and a selection of well-matured cheeses, we find it an exceptional pairing with classic Beef Bourguignon.
The richness and texture of the dish is a sublime complement to the layers and structure of the wine.
Test your culinary skills and impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe:
Paul-Sauer-2017 Recipe-Beef-Bourguignon-Paul-Sauer
