2019 Kanonkop, Paul Sauer, Stellenbosch

This brilliant red blend - now part of the Cape's elite - comes from the same trio of vineyards each year. A triumph in a difficult vintage, it has the lowest alcohol since 1993 and artfully combines Cabernet Sauvignon with 14% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot, with ageing in new oak. Poised, structured, yet fresh, with cedarwood, red cherry and blackberry fruit, elegant tannins and a long, balanced finish. Classy stuff. (Tim Atkin MW)

Made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot, the 2019 Paul Sauer offers up aromas of oaky pencil lead, turned earth and dark red and black fruit essences on the nose before layers of oak spices and blackberry flowers appear. Medium-bodied, the wine is still youthful with a juicy and tannic edge, as succulent acidity and a pop of bright red fruit flavors beam across the mid-palate. There is a firm tannic edge on the finish that needs some time in the bottle to find its stride. Give it two more years, and drink over the next two decades.

The 2019 Paul Sauer is Kanonkop's flagship Bordeaux blend with slightly less Merlot than recent years, aged for 24 months entirely in new oak. It has a very focused, strict bouquet that gradually opens with aeration, a mélange of red and black fruit, undergrowth and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, fine acidity and good grip. More red fruit towards the finish, this is not as powerful as other vintages, but there is an approachability and elegance here that will appeal to a wide appreciative audience.