Oldenburg Vineyards Rondekop Series Rhodium 2018
Situated on the cooler side of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation, Oldenburg Vineyards is in the Banghoek Valley on the East side of the iconic Simonsberg. Nic van Aarde, the Estate’s Winemaker is slowly blending up the 2018 vintages and for the first time, the Estate’s Rhodium has a right bank leaning blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot.
Cabernet Franc, first time as a major grape in the blend
The Rondekop Series Wines represent a small selection of the best barrels – either single variety or a blend of grapes grown on the sides of the Rondekop Hill. Oldenburg Vineyards believes there are 8 Natural Elements which uniquely impact the vineyards, creating quintessential wine producing conditions. At the centre of it all is the perfectly round hill, Rondekop: the 8th natural element. The grapes were hand harvested in the mornings and were cooled overnight. After destemming and crushing, the grapes were hand sorted on a special sorting table. After a 3-day cold soak fermentation starts and pump overs took place up to 3 times a day. The wine then spent 18 months in 55% new 300 litre French Oak Barrels before being prepared for bottling.
In the Oldenburg Barrel Cellar
Pour
From a Bordeaux shaped bottle, closed with natural cork. The label is classic and simple. In the glass, the wine is a rich bloodplum in colour which pales out to ruby at the edges. The aromas are of the dominant Cabernet Franc. Good herbaceousness and a spice box of smells. And the expected red and black berries and cherries. Interesting palate where green peppers and scrunched up fynbos meld with the oak spices and vanilla. Sappy fruit acidity, perfect integration of the oak, and velvet tannins. Eminently drinkable now, though will handsomely reward with a year or two of cool cellaring.
Ina Paarman’s Spit Braai Orange Duck
Pair
The Oldenburg Vineyards Rondekop Series Rhodium 2018 is a fine wine and perfect with food. Ina Paarman’s Spit Braai Orange Duck is a perfect partner. Click HERE for her recipe.
Ina Paarman, Living National Treasure
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