Mature, complex, classic.
The top tier range of Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione first made its appearance less than a decade ago.
This one, with seven years of maturity is nicely woven with tertiary aromas and flavours. The nose on the 2013 is more evolved than the 2012 was at this point; prunes, dried strawberries and bruised rose petal aromas are layered with, cedar, cocoa and tobacco. The palate remains wonderfully fresh however: lifted red fruit, spice and tobacco flavours dominate the palate, classic chalky tannins line your mouth. Overall, a complex and classic wine with structure and balance all in check.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 27th, 2020

Fresh, drinkable, supple.
Made from stainless steel aged Sangiovese and Merlot, the il Volano delivers muddled red berries and cherries mingle with vague tobacco, licorice, balsamic and vanilla aromas. The palate is an echo of the nose; it is fresh with supple fruit flavours layered with cocoa and fine spice. Overall, good balance and structure and very drinkable with no discernible bitterness.
Nice poured with a slight chill, it's a tasty everyday red for pizza, pasta, burgers...
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 1st, 2020

Salted bread dough, dried strawberries, tealeaf and vanilla aromas roll into a palate that is dry and earthy has spice and leather flavours. A leaner palate with dropped fruit has a medium-length cocoa finish.
Pair: red sauces, salami, pizza and soft cheeses.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 30th, 2019

Classic, mature, rustic.
Strawberry fruit leather, wet cedar and dried rose petals, smoke, fine spice and tealeaf aromas lead to a classic palate that is earthy and restrained, fresh and rustic. Flavours of dried fruits, tealeaf, leather and tart red fruit show an ageing wine with secondary and tertiary tones. Good length, drink now.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 9th, 2019

Spicy, savoury, tangy
Kanonkop cannon hill refers to the cannons fired when Dutch trade ships would approach the Cape Town harbour.
A blend of primarily Pinotage, which is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut created at Stellenbosch University in 1925. Some of the oldest vines come from Kanonkop pioneers of Pinotage, where they were planted in 1941. Kanonkop has become synonymous with Pinotage and is highly respected for its work with the variety.
The remainder of this blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was aged 12-14 months in French oak barrels.
The Kadette range grapes, which this wine is one of, no longer come from the Kanonkop estate, the first Pinotage under this junior label was produced in 2012.
Notes of small red berries and leather, tobacco, toasted spice, charred red bell pepper, dark chocolate, dried wild herbs and cocoa nibs lead to a slickly smooth palate. Tangy red berries, apple peel, dark cocoa and spice flavours dominate. Nice balance here and a tart finish make this a perfect food wine for game, grilled eggplant and mushroom dishes as well as hearty pastas and soups.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 21st, 2021