A bottle of 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon had not lasted quite as well: undergrowth, bay leaf and mint on the nose, yet the medium-bodied palate was a little dry and lacked fruit intensity. Drink now. Kanonkop is named after the hillock from which a cannon was fired in the 17th century. This Stellenbosch estate is one of the region’s grandees, specializing in red varieties including a highly respected Pinotage, crowned by their flagship “Paul Sauer” and “Black Label” labels. Winemaker Abrie Beeslaar has been at the helm since 2002.Importer: Cape Classics, New York, NY; tel. (212) 686-1300

Mature, with leather and game notes, this still has plenty of guts, with black currant and coffee flavors, and a firm, chewy finish. On the savage side, but has concentration and balance. Drink now through 2005. 3,500 cases made, 150 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Stellenbosch Select to Add