Oldenburg Vineyards, Cabernet Franc 2021
Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.
Oldenburg aims to best reflect their remarkable terroir through the Oldenburg Vineyards (OV) range of wines – a range of single cultivar wines. There is minimal intervention in the vineyards and the wines are made in an uncompromising manner.
Cabernet Franc has really found its home on the cooler slopes of Oldenburg, which is reflected in winemaker, Nic van Aarde, having serious passion for the varietal. It has also become the backbone of their ultra premium Rondekop Rhodium Bordeaux Blend.
Grapes were hand sorted to ensure that only the best fruit was used. During fermentation pump overs, up to three times per day, were chosen over punchdowns in order to not over extract the fruit. Post fermentation malolactic conversion took place, followed by 18 months of maturation, in a combination of 225L and 300L French oak barrels (17% new).
The wine showcases as a gorgeous ruby colour in the glass and on the nose delectable notes of Guerlain rose, cranberries and subtle cherry tobacco. The palate has a gentle mouth-feel with an elegant chalky tannin, juicy acidity and a finish that carries. Additional flavours of smoked paprika, thyme and vanilla excite the palate. The focus on this wine is on restraint, yet beautiful delicacy and elegance in the delivery.
£41.45
Stellenbosch
Cabernet Franc
LightFull Bodied
Description
At Oldenburg Vineyards, we believe that great wines can only come from the best quality grapes. Our intervention in the vineyards is minimal, to reflect the full potential of our mountain terroir. The Oldenburg Vineyards Series is a true expression of terroir through our range of single cultivar wines. The confluence of the 8 Natural Elements that determine our unique terroir is explored through these wines and their real sense of place. The 8 elements are depicted on the intricate Oldenburg Vineyards Series label design. Wines made in an uncompromising manner, intending to showcase the finest characteristics of each cultivar.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Moderate weather throughout the 2021 growing season and harvest time resulted in slower ripening, with berries developing exceptional colour and flavour. Harvest started two weeks later than usual due to unusually cool weather conditions. Notably, water resources were also replenished following the recent drought, which contributed to fantastic vine growth, bunch numbers and exceptional berry sizes at Oldenburg Vineyards.
WINEMAKING / MATURATION
Grapes were harvested and sorted carefully by hand, and cold soaked for 5 days before fermentation was initiated. Pump overs were performed up to three times daily. Malolactic conversion was in barrel. The wine was matured in French oak barrels for 18 months. A combination of 225L and 300L barrels were used, with 17% being new French oak. The wine was bottled in December 2022.
TASTING NOTES
Cabernet Franc once again shows its natural prowess in the Banghoek Valley. It grows particularly well at the foot of Rondekop where these grapes are primarily sourced from. The wine showcases as a gorgeous ruby colour in the glass and on the nose delectable notes of Guerlain rose, cranberries and subtle cherry tobacco. The palate has a gentle mouth-feel with an elegant chalky tannin, juicy acidity and a finish that carries. Additional flavours of smoked paprika, thyme and vanilla excite the palate. The focus on this wine is on restraint, yet beautiful delicacy and elegance in the delivery.
ANALYSIS
COMPOSITION 100% Cabernet Franc
HARVEST: 24 March 2023 at 24.5° Balling
TECHNICAL DATA: ALC 14.69% | RS 2.5g/L | TA 5.3g/L | pH 3.68
MATURATION: 18 months in 225L & 300L French oak barrels (17% New)
PRODUCTION: 877 Cases of 6
Additional information
| Alcohol vol | 14.6% |
|---|---|
| Grape | Cabernet Franc |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Wine Farm |
A delicate game meat such as ostrich or deer served with a cranberry and thyme jus.
2 reviews for Oldenburg Vineyards, Cabernet Franc 2021
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“We’ve taken our foot off the peddle,” says Nic van Aarde of this Cabernet Franc, a variety with which he has a long-standing affinity. Alluringly floral and leafy, it has aromas of cut grass and rocket, succulent tannins, well-crafted oak and a core of bramble, raspberry and red pepper. 2024-30″
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“Estate making a name for itself with this variety, & 2021 doesn’t disappoint. Careful harvesting (lug boxes, hand sorting) followed by 18 months in barrel, 17% new, rounds any angles, polishes curves & adds cardamom spice to the berries, all supported with finest tannin.”
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