Oldenburg Vineyards Per Se Cabernet Sauvignon

Oldenburg Vineyards Rondekop Series Per Se Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Oldenburg Vineyards is in the Banghoek Valley, the cooler part of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. In the Rondekop Series, the best barrels of a single calendar or a blend of varieties are chosen to bear the label. The cooler climate allows for a longer hang time on the vine, which means greater flavour. The hand harvested grapes are delivered to Nic van Wyk, the Oldenburg Winemaker early in the morning and he cools them overnight before being destemmed and crushed and the berries hand sorted. The three-day cold soak before fermentation slowly gets the process going. Pump overs take place up to three times a day. After fermentation the wine went for 19 months to 300 litre French Oak Barrels of which 78% were new. The wine was then prepared for bottling.

Nic van Aarde, Oldenburg Estate’s Wine Maker – photo by John Ford

Pour
From a Bordeaux shaped bottle closed with natural cork. The label is elegant and simple with an enchanting etching of the estate. In the glass, the wine is a deep bloodplum in colour which pales out at the edges.. The primary aromas are of purple flowers, blackcurrants and plums followed by pencil shavings. From entry the palate is full and rich and generous. Blackcurrants reign supreme with undertows of desiccated fig, country lane berries, oak and its concomitant spice and vanilla. Sappy wine with firm tannins and a good acidity, all in harmony in the long lasting ending. Very impressive glass with the wine gliding beautifully over your tongue, and eminently drinkable now. It will reward you in a couple of years after cool cellaring.

My Tomato Bredie, photo by Mike Robinson

Pair
The Oldenburg Vineyards Rondekop Series Per Se Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 could be the special bottle you drink by the fire after dinner. It is made for food and would go really well with a fine dish of My Tomato Bredie. You will find my recipe – CLICK HERE.