2022 Oldenburg Vineyards CL Red Blend

Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.

The CL range is the Lifestyle offering in the Oldenburg range. It draws its name from being cooler than Stellenbosch; playfully using a mathematical equation, the Stellenbosch number plate prefix (CL) and degrees celsius. The range consists of a red and a white, both are blends.

A ‘right bank’ Bordeaux style blend – Merlot (73%) dominant with Cabernet Franc (27%). All grapes were destemmed before fermentation, with both of the Cabernet grapes being crushed, the Merlot whole berry. Post fermentation the wine was pressed, using a basket press, and returned to tank for Malolactic fermentation before 18 months in French oak barrels (18% new).

This wine features a slightly dusty nose with aromas of passionfruit seed, redand green peppers, paprika, and graphite. On the palate, it offers dense black and red fruits like mulberry and bramble, complemented by generous spices such as thyme, rosemary, and tomato leaf. It has a lively mouthfeel with a generous acidity and tannins that are present but not overwhelming, promising to develop further with time. A delightful wine that is bound to be a conversation starter and should be a staple with food.