97 points Tim Atkin, MW: "(13.48%). 'A good quality vintage, if an early one', is how Abrie Beeslaar describes 2020. This might not be a great Paul Sauer, but it's certainly an impressive one, pairing Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 14% Merlot. Still youthful, it has subtle reduction, well-integrated new French oak, chocolate, cassis, blueberry and bramble flavours and sinewy, age-worthy tannins. 2024-2040."
94+ points Anthony Mueller (Wine Advocate): "Clocking in with 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and splashes of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Paul Sauer begins with aromas of dusty red fruit, blackberry compote, cedar and juicy tobacco with plenty of attractive oak. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the palate is firm, fresh and layered with turned earth, pencil lead and oak spices before displaying a balanced structure with firm gripping tannins that will need another year or two in the bottle to settle. Just over 40,000 bottles were produced after the wine rested in 100% new French oak for about two years. Drink: 2025-2042. (12/29/23)"
94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2020 Paul Sauer is fermented in open-top fermenters at 29° Celsius and matured for 24 months in 100% new French Nevers barrels. The fragrant bouquet has blackberry, blueberry, inkwell and mint, generous and well-defined. You cannot tell that it is matured entirely in new wood. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and fine acidity. It’s quite a "juicy" Paul Sauer that belies the structure behind it. There’s fine grip and a touch of black pepper toward the finish. Plus, at 13.2° alcohol, it is a little sleeker than recent vintages. Excellent. Drink: 2028-2045. (Nov 2023)"
94 points James Suckling: "A well-built red blend of 69% cabernet sauvignon, 17% cabernet franc and 14% merlot. Red berries, plums, cedar and oak spices dominate on the nose following through to a medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. Well-crafted, poised and layered. Focused and in control at all time with a precise developing finish. Drink or hold. (12/10/23)"
94+ points Anthony Mueller (Wine Advocate): "Clocking in with 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and splashes of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Paul Sauer begins with aromas of dusty red fruit, blackberry compote, cedar and juicy tobacco with plenty of attractive oak. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the palate is firm, fresh and layered with turned earth, pencil lead and oak spices before displaying a balanced structure with firm gripping tannins that will need another year or two in the bottle to settle. Just over 40,000 bottles were produced after the wine rested in 100% new French oak for about two years. Drink: 2025-2042. (12/29/23)"
94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2020 Paul Sauer is fermented in open-top fermenters at 29° Celsius and matured for 24 months in 100% new French Nevers barrels. The fragrant bouquet has blackberry, blueberry, inkwell and mint, generous and well-defined. You cannot tell that it is matured entirely in new wood. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and fine acidity. It’s quite a "juicy" Paul Sauer that belies the structure behind it. There’s fine grip and a touch of black pepper toward the finish. Plus, at 13.2° alcohol, it is a little sleeker than recent vintages. Excellent. Drink: 2028-2045. (Nov 2023)"
94 points James Suckling: "A well-built red blend of 69% cabernet sauvignon, 17% cabernet franc and 14% merlot. Red berries, plums, cedar and oak spices dominate on the nose following through to a medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. Well-crafted, poised and layered. Focused and in control at all time with a precise developing finish. Drink or hold. (12/10/23)"
| Product SKU | 350419 |
| Producer | Kanonkop |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Western Cape |
| SubRegion | Stellenbosch |
| Varietal | Cabernet/Bordeaux Blends |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot |
| ABV | 13.5% |
| Ships To |
