Stark-Condé new releases

Rudger van Wyk is proving himself as an exciting talent since taking up office as winemaker at Jonkershoek Valley cellar Stark-Condé in 2017, the portfolio of wines generally accomplished, but Oude Nektar Cabernet Sauvignon specifically starting to emerge as one of the very best in class, the 2019 another triumph after the profoundly good 2017 (see here).

Stark-Condé Round Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Price: R265
Grapes from a block approximately 30 years old. Fermented and matured for eight months in barrel, 2% new.  Expressive aromatics of citrus, blackcurrant and jasmine while the palate is full but balanced – great fruit density matched by driving acidity. Alcohol is 13.5% and there’s no denying that this is a wine of substance.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Stark-Condé Field Blend 2022
Price: R265
58% Roussanne, 19% Chenin Blanc, 16% Viognier and 7% Verdelho. Co-fermented and matured for eight months in a variety of vessels – barrel, amphorae and concrete egg. Subtle notes of pear, peach, citrus, hay, honeysuckle and some earthiness while the palate is restrained with well-integrated acidity and a gently tannic texture.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Stark-Condé Monk Stone Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R350
Matured for eight months, 55% in amphorae and 45% in second-fill barrels. Citrus and white peach on the nose while the palate has great purity and a smart line of acidity – big volume and a pithy finish. A wine that impresses in terms of both precision and harmony. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Stark-Condé Three Pines Syrah 2019
Price: R590
98% Syrah, 1% Roussanne and 1% Viognier. 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 20 months in 300-litre barrels, 30% new. A floral top note before red and black berries on the nose. The palate is juicy, rich and round – luscious fruit, bright acidity and supple tannins.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Stark-Condé Oude Nektar Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Price: R950
85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. The Cab from a vineyard at 500m above sea level, the highest elevation on the farm – it burned down in 2009 and was replanted. Matured for 20 months in 300-litre barrels, 65% new. Red currant and cassis, subtle notes of flowers and herbs, pencil shavings and oak spice on the nose before an extremely elegant palate – pure fruit, urgent acidity and fine tannins. Terrific detail, plenty of refreshment and an extraordinarily long finish. Alcohol is a relatively modest 13.5% but the wine is not insubstantial – just wonderfully focused and precise.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

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