Vondeling Philosophie 2015

Flower power.

Matthew Copeland of Vondeling in the Voor-Paardeberg is nothing if not meticulous in his approach to winemaking. The newest wine in the range is a top-end Cape Bordeaux Red Blend called Philosophie, the 2015 launched yesterday after the maiden vintage 2014 .

The wine consists of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 2% Malbec – the Cab Sauv component from a much-prized block planted in 1999. Cold soaking occurred for five days before spontaneous fermentation was allowed to take place. Maturation occurred in new 300-litre barrels, components kept separate for 14 months before being blended and returned to barrel for a further eight months.

The nose shows red and black fruit, some leafiness and attractive oak character. It’s full bodied but nicely balanced – good fruit concentration, fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and savoury. True to type, it shows that the versatility of the Voor-Paardeberg and surrounds, an area not exactly well known for producing high quality Cape Bordeaux. Total production is a mere five barrels and the wine costs R720 a bottle. Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report score: 90/100.

Also on show was the 2017 vintage of the property’s renowned Cape White Blend by the name of Babiana, this a blend of 64% Chenin Blanc, 19% Viognier plus equal parts Grenache and Roussanne (price: R190 a bottle). The nose shows a pronounced leesy/waxy note plus citrus and stone fruit while the palate is very flavourful with a greasy texture but equally vibrant acidity. Editor’s rating: 90/100.

Monsonia 2015, meanwhile, is a red blend from Rhône varieties, previously known as Erica. Consisting of 85% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan and 4% Grenache, this has a brooding nose of black fruit, fynbos, vanilla and a hint of reduction. The palate is big and bold with dense fruit and smooth tannins, the finish long and savoury (price: R215 a bottle). Signature Red Blend Report rating: 90/100.