Stark-Condé new releases

By , 31 July 2024

The Stark-Condé origin story is somewhat complex. South African Hans Schroder and his Japanese wife Midori Maruyama bought Jonkershoek property Oude Nektar in 1989, their eldest daughter Marie and husband American José Conde also relocating to South Africa, Conde giving up a career as a graphic designer to become a winemaker, his particular focus being Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine label, meanwhile, recognises family – “Stark” a tribute to Hans’s mother Franziska Stark, “Condé” recognising José Conde’s father, a Cuban émigré to the United States.

1 September sees the release of the red wines from 2022, this being the first vintage that the farm was certified organic across all its wines. Tasting notes and ratings for these plus the 2023 whites (all made by Rudger van Wyk subsequently departed for Doolhof in Wellington) as follows:

The 2022 vintage was the first vintage that Jonkershoek property Oude

Round Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R280
Grapes from a block planted in 1991. Matured for nine months in barrel, 5% new. Peach, nectarine, green melon, elderflower and blackcurrant on the nose while the palate is rich and round with a gently savoury finish. A powerful wine – punchy acidity working well with concentrated fruit. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Field Blend Estate White 2023
Price: R280
42% Roussanne, 30% Chenin Blanc, 20% Verdelho and 9% Viognier. Matured for nine months in barrel, 10% new. Lemon, white peach and blossom on the nose. The palate is taut and dry to the point of austere – pure fruit and zesty acidity. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Monk Stone Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R365
Grapes predominantly from a bush-vine vineyard planted in 2018. Matured in neutral oak for nine months. Subtle aromatics of lemon, peach and some floral perfume. The palate is precise – great fruit concentration without being thick textured or heavy. On the contrary, this has great tension about it, the finish super-dry. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Lingen Red Blend 2022
Price: R365
53% Syrah, 47% Mourvèdre. Grapes from a 2ha site on the neighbouring property farmed under long-term contract. Matured for 20 months in barrel, 10% new. Very fragrant with notes of red and black berries, floral perfume, tea leaf and white pepper. The palate is poised and detailed – succulent fruit, bright acidity and powdery tannins, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Stellenbosch Syrah 2022
Price: R330
89% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Roussanne, 1% Viognier. 20% whole-bunch fermentation. Partially fermented in concrete. Matured for 12 months in barrel, of which 20% was new, before being transferred to concrete for a further six months. Expressive aromatics of red and black berries, floral perfume, earth and pepper. Luscious fruit, bright acidity and silky tannins – will appeal to those who don’t their Syrah too severe. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Three Pines Syrah 2022
Price: R625
Fermented in concrete, 20% whole-bunch. Matured for 12 months in 500-litre barrels, of which 35% were new before a further six months in concrete. Red berries, violets, fynbos and white pepper on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and powdery tannins. Good flavour intensity, the finish long and dry. Shows that much more elegance and restraint that this wine has done previously. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Petite Sirah 2022
Price: R365
86% Petite Sirah, 8% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre. Matured for 20 months in barrel, 20% new. Red and black berries, fynbos and potpourri on the nose. Good depth of fruit, punchy acidity and firm but not coarse tannins. Possesses more charm and refreshment value than is often the case with this variety. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Price: R365
87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 20 months in barrel, 30% new. The nose is most attractive with notes of violets, red and black berries, crushed leaves and pencil shavings. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish super-dry. Classically styled in the sense of not being too opulent. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Price: R625
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Matured for 20 months in barrel, 40% new. Pretty aromatics of cherry, cassis, rose and crushed herbs. Medium bodied, elegant and energetic with pure fruit, fresh acidity and a dry finish.  Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Oude Nektar 2022
Price: R1 050
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec. Matured for 22 months in barrel, 50% new. Cassis, violets, tea leaf, bouquet garni and earth on the nose. Excellent fruit concentration, bright acidity and super-fine tannins, the finish long and ultra-dry. A wine that impresses in terms both its depth of flavour and overall harmony. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.   

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