Oldenburg Vineyards
The Wines of Oldenburg Vineyards, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Oldenburg Vineyards is located in the Banghoek Valley (pronounced Bunhook and meaning ‘scary corner’ due to leopards roaming around in times past) about 8km from Stellenbosch. The family of the current owners first came to the valley in the 1950s soon after arriving from India. At the time the main body of Oldenburg was called Rondekop, named due to the very distinctive ‘round hill’ that forms the centre piece to the vineyards today.
The farm was originally a fruit farm with vineyards being planted in the 1960s, which were among the first in Banghoek. In 2004, following a change of ownership to Adrian Vanderspuy, a latter generation of the family after the estate had been in trust for some time, the decision was taken to completely replant the vineyards. This also created the opportunity to leverage the terroir by adopting modern viticulural practices.
The initial plantings were Syrah and Cabernet Franc and in 2005 the first plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were seen. By the end of 2007 the remaining vineyards were complete with large parcels of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc as well as a variety of smaller parcels of blending components including Viognier, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Grenache and Mourvedre. The shape of Rondekop, combined with the soil type variations facilitates the use of the changing microclimates to successfully grow both Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.
The maiden vintages were produced in 2007. Oldenburg Vineyards produces smaller quantities of handcrafted wines. Simon Thompson, the viticulturalist and estate manager, ensures low bunch loading on the vines through stringent crop thinning procedures – only the very best grapes make it to the winery. The maturation and the final blending of the wine is an intricate and closely monitored process with the ultimate aim of creating uniquely Oldenburg Wines, which are characteristic of their grape and cultivar and the soils which bore them, true to their terrior and sense of place.
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The Wines
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Oldenburg Chenin Blanc 2010
A blend of 86% Chenin Blanc and 14% Chardonnay. The Chenin Blanc promotes wonderful aromatic fruit elements, lively citrus and jasmine. The Chardonnay brings a hint of ripe tropical fruit notes and an intricate fullness to the palate. Together the Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay create a seamless bond and produce a wine that has a perfect floral character, laced with honeysuckle and tropical melons, elegance and lingering minerality, infused with subtle oak tones. Best enjoyed slightly chilled. IWC 2011 Gold Medal Winner.
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Oldenburg Chardonnay 2010
The Chardonnay has a brilliant golden straw colour. Upfront notes of ripe tropical fruits such as melon, pineapple and orange citrus fruit are evident on the nose with hints of fresh baked bread and lightly toasted almonds. The wine enters the mouth with full rich flavours of ripe fruit mirrored from the nose with a creamy mid palate and fresh citrus flavours giving a lingering finish. The acidity is perfectly balanced by sweet fruit and a touch of toasty oak. Drink now or enjoy for a further 5 years.
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Oldenburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium intense, ripe cherry colour. On the nose; blackcurrant, peach, cigar box and herbs. The palate is muscular and mineral with a fruit theme ending in tannins. The mouth is filled with crunchy fruit. Top 100 SA Wines 2011
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Oldenburg Cabernet Franc 2008
An inky, crimson colour with plenty of life. The nose brings forth ripe cherries, blackcurrants and freshly picked herbs. Plush mocha and coffee flavours help create a rich and complex palate. Acidity and tannin are well balanced with no rough edges. The wine can be enjoyed with a variety of meats but its spiciness and intensity could be well suited to game dishes. Top 100 SA Wines 2011, IWC 2011 Silver Medal Winner
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Oldenburg Syrah 2008
The 2008 Oldenburg Syrah has a deep, intense and concentrated colour showing hues of ripe mulberry. On the nose the youth is obvious with plenty of red cherry fruit and notes of vanilla and white pepper. The palate is stuffed with herbs and is rich and enduring all the way through the finish. A lively acidity keeps the youthful tannins in check and all the flavour aspects are in equilibrium. Top 100 SA Wines 2011, Syrah du Monde 2011 GOLD Medal Winner
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