Oldenburg Vineyards Series Cabernet Franc 2018

Oldenburg Vineyards is situated in the Banghoek Valley between the Simonsberg and the Groot Drakenstein Mountains. A significantly cooler part of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. Cabernet Franc has found a home in the Banghoek Valley, where it grows exceptionally well at the foot of Rondekop, the little ferricrete soil hillock in the middle of the Estate.

Oldenburg Vineyards Series Cabernet Franc ripening on the vine

At Oldenburg Vineyards, the belief is that great wines can only come from the best quality grapes. Intervention in the vineyards is minimal, to reflect the full potential of the mountain terroir.

Nic van Aarde – Oldenburg Wine Estate Winemaker

Once in the cellar and carefully sorted, Nic van Aarde and his team, destem and crush the grapes which start a 3 day cold soak before fermentation. Pump overs took place three times a day during fermentation. After pressing the wines are taken to 300 litre French Oak Barrels of which 29% were new for 18 months maturation. Malolactic fermentation took place in the barrels. The barrels were then blended, and the wine prepared for bottling.

Oldenburg Barrel Cellar

Pour
From a Bordeaux shaped bottle, closed with natural cork. The label depicts the 8 Natural Elements that determine Oldenburg’s unique terroir. In the glass, the wine is bloodplum at the heat which pales out to a gembright ruby at the edges. The aromas are of ripe mulberries and then the expected spice and vanilla from the oak. The palate is alive with plums and sliced black cherries with a smoky undertow of oak. The harmony of fruit, the acid line and the tannins is a joy both to taste and to experience in the long and gently waning aftertaste. An impressive bottle of 100% Cabernet Franc, and one worth cool cellaring for a couple of years for greater reward.

Nina Timm’s New York Strip Sirloin

Pair
The Oldenburg Vineyards Series Cabernet Franc 2018 is an excellent sipping wine. With the right food it is a perfect partner. Nina Timm’s New York Strip Sirloin is a gem of a dish. Click HERE for her recipe.