Oldenburg new releases

Nic van Aarde has been winemaker at Oldenburg in the Banhoek since November 2018, which means he’s just wrapped up his seventh harvest there. “Hopefully people will start acknowledging my work here rather than always referencing my time at Warwick,” he quips. He needn’t fret – the virus-free replants are starting to come into their own and the wines are looking more assured by the year.

Chardonnay 2023
Price: R480
From Helderberg, Polkadraai Hills and own grapes. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, 24% new. Lemon, biscuit and leesy aromas. Rich and forceful – viscous with well-integrated acidity. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Una V Chardonnay 2024
Price: R950
Whereas the spectacular maiden vintage 2023 was from a single site, this now incorporates a second vineyard, production now at 5,838 bottles. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, 32% new. Floral perfume, lemon, a trace of vanilla and some reduction on the nose. Excellent fruit purity and lively acidity before a gently savoury finish. Stylish with both lustre and depth. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Cabernet Franc 2022
Price: R680
Matured for 18 months in 225-litre barrels, 20% new. Red and black berries, violets, some leafiness, earth and a hint of oak-derived toast. Dense fruit, bright acidity and fine, chalky tannins. Lush on entry, the finish long and dry.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Per Se Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Price: R1,150
Matured for 18 months in 225-litre barrels, 52% new. The nose is complex with notes of red and black berries, floral perfume, herbs, oak and a touch of pencil shavings. The palate shows pristine fruit, a vivid line of acidity and fine, powdery tannins, the finish dry but not overly stern. Poised and beautifully defined, with upright structure and no excess weight. Shaping up as one of Stellenbosch’s very best renditions of the variety. Alc: 14.18%.

CE’s ratings: 96/100.

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