Wine Archives - Vondeling Wines

Sauvignon Blanc 2024

R130.00

VINEYARDS

The grapes used to make this wine come from adjacent old vineyards planted in 1981 and 1984 respectively. For obvious reasons the one vineyard is called the Spice Block and the other the Long Block. Yields are rarely above 7t/ha and therefore naturally produce wines of structure and superior concentration. Our soils consist primarily of deep, well-weathered granite with moderate amounts of clay and iron. Such soils elevate the aromatics and promote finesse in the wine.

VINIFICATION
Grapes are picked in the cool, early hours of the morning then packed into a cold room for further cooling. Once the grapes are below 10°C they are gently destemmed, crushed and pressed speedily to tank. During this process, the sensitive Sauvignon Blanc juice is protected from oxidative degradation, through the judicious application of dry ice pellets. These pellets form an “insulation blanket” of carbon dioxide gas above the juice. The initial, free-run juice and press juice are managed separately, according to their character. The juice is cold settled for 48 hours before it is racked from its sediments and inoculated with pure yeast cultures. Cold fermentation at 12°C locks in freshness and ensures an intense tropical fruit bouquet. After fermentation, the wine is kept on the gross lees for 4 months. This practice adds weight and texture to the palate. TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING
The wine is crystal clear with a slight green edge. It displays an aromatic kaleidoscope, rich with perfumed peach, white pear, passion fruit and lime. These wonderful aromas prevail on the palate with added guava, pineapple, potpourri and nettle. The roundness of the palate is perfectly balanced by a steely mineral zest and enjoyable long finish. Enjoy chilled with fresh sourdough bread and soft cheeses or lime drizzled game fish.
Accolades 2020 Vintage: 2020 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge - Gold 2023 Vintage: 2023 Michelangelo- Double Gold 2023 Gold Wine Awards- Gold 2023 Vitis Vinifera- Gold Analysis pH 3.33 Total Acidity 5.8 g/l Residual Sugar 4.5 g/l Alcohol 12.78 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Petit Blanc Chenin Blanc 2024

R130.00

VINEYARDS Beautiful mature Chenin Blanc planted on south-facing slopes and composed exclusively of shy bearing, wellweathered granite soils. These vineyards produce a low average crop of only 9 tons per hectare, which ensures a tremendous concentration of fruit flavours on the palate. All the fruit is hand-picked on taste at optimum ripeness, ranging from 21-23ºB. VINIFICATION Our grapes are picked in the cool, early hours of the morning and processed immediately. The grapes are destemmed and chilled further before they are pressed. This short supply from vine to press ensures minimal degradation of the fruit aromas. The free-run juice and press juices are kept separate from each other and treated according to their individual character. The wines are cold fermented in small stainless-steel tanks and are 100% unwooded. This method locks in freshness and vigor, which elevates the natural aromatics. After fermentation, the wines are matured on the yeast lees to promote mouth feel and creaminess, before they are blended, stabilized, and bottled. TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING The wine has a striking, pale lime colour. The nose has pronounced tropical aromas of guava, passion fruit, and melon with an interesting floral, potpourri twist. On the palate, you can enjoy white peach, kiwi fruit, and pink lady apple, underpinned by a delightful flinty freshness and delicate citrus finish. Full and fresh, this wine will pair well with prawn risotto, lobster, soft cheeses, and sunshine. Accolades 2023 Vintage: 2023 Gold Wine Awards -Gold 2022 Vintage: 2022 Michelangelo - Double Gold 2022 Gilbert Gaillard - Gold (87 pts) 2021 Vintage: 2021 Michelangelo - Gold 2020 Vintage: 2020 Gold Wines Awards - Gold Analysis pH 3,40 Total Acidity 5.8 g/l Residual Sugar 2.7 g/l Alcohol 12.5 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Barrel Selection Chardonnay 2023

R240.00

VINEYARDS This tiny, tree-lined vineyard is tucked away in the upper valley of our farm, protected from harsh sunlight and extreme temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. These moderate temperatures help preserve the grape’s natural acidity and fresh citrus aromas. The yields are kept low to eliminate stress in the vine and ensure good uniform ripeness. The soil is made up entirely of wellweathered granite. VINIFICATION All grapes are picked at optimum ripeness in the early hours of the morning. They are then packed into a cold room to be chilled further for processing the following day. The grapes are whole bunch pressed, which reduces the absorption of coarse phenolics and helps retain more of the grape’s natural vibrancy. The juice is not settled but sent directly to three and 400-liter French oak barrels where spontaneous wild yeast fermentation takes place. No Sulphur is added, and the wine typically undergoes a high degree of malolactic fermentation. The wine is matured on its yeast lees for 7 months after which it is blended to tank, then returned to barrel for a further 4 months. The wine spends 11 months in barrel before finally being returned to tank for a gentle filtration and stabilization before bottling. TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING The wine has a bright hue and a vibrant golden colour. It has a striking nose of sliced pear and peach blossom interwoven with subtle lime and caramelised oats. A full-bodied wine but with excellent palate tension. Crisp apple and chalky citrus are infused with layers of Crème Brulé and roasted almonds. The flavours are refreshing, and the finish refined. Exceptionally well suited to grilled fish, creamy Alfredo pasta, and salads. The freshness of the wine also makes it ideal for mild, aromatic curries. Accolades 2019 Vintage: 2021 Platter’s Guide – 4 Stars 2020 South African Wine Index (SAWI) – Platinum Award 95+ 2021 South African Wine Index (SAWI) – Platinum Award 95+ 2020 Vintage: 2022 Platter's Guide - 4 Stars 2021 Vintage: 2022 Michelangelo-Double Gold 2023 Platter's Guide - 4 Stars (87 Pts) 2022 Vintage: 2023: Michelangelo- Double Gold 2023:Vitis Vinifera- Gold 2024: Platter’s Guide- 4 Stars(89Pts) Analysis pH 3.34 Total Acidity 6.1 g/l Residual Sugar 5.1 g/l Alcohol 13.64 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Babiana 2023

R310.00

(60% Chenin Blanc, 23% Viognier, 11% Grenache Blanc & 6% Roussanne) It is named in honour of Babiana Noctiflora, a rare species of fynbos found only on the Paardeberg Mountain. It has a delicate yellow flower that releases its scent in the evenings to attract a scarce moth for pollination. The Syngrapha Circumflexa of the Noctuidae moth family is also known as an Owlet moth. THE NAME BABIANA Babiana Noctiflora belongs to the Iris family. The name Babiana is derived from the Dutch ‘baviaantje’, meaning 'little baboon', because baboons were seen preferentially eating the corms of these plants. This species has lost its habitat to vineyards and fruit orchards in the past, but at Vondeling we conserve this endangered species VINEYARDS Made predominantly from Chenin blanc, picked from a single block of old vines (planted in 1987). Their age and low yield ensure consistent quality and concentration, which is why it form the backbone of our blend. The fullness of the Chenin is tempered by the verve and high aromatics of the Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Roussanne. VINIFICATION All grapes are hand-picked at optimum ripeness and refrigerated for 24hrs before being processed. The Chenin is whole bunch press and no Sulphur added to promote wild yeast development. The unsettled juice is then rapidly transferred to barrel for natural fermentation. Although a nerve-racking process, this method lends structure, complexity, and longevity to the wine. The Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Viognier are destemmed and cold fermented for 8 days on the skins before being basket pressed directly to barrel to complete fermentation. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation and is matured 12 months on the lees before being racked, blended, and bottled TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING The wine has a bright yellow colour. It has a smoky and toasty nose with hints of stone fruit. The palate is full and creamy, with well-integrated acidity followed by vanilla on the aftertaste. Well use of oak allows for some subtle toasty notes on the palate. This serious and complex wine pairs well with rabbit in white wine sauce and shallots or simple, aromatic Asian dishes and rich seafood. Drink through 2027 ACCOLADES 2020 Vintage: 2021 Tim Atkin 91 Points 2022 Platter’s Guide – 4.5 Stars (91pts) 2021 Vintage: 2022 Gilbard & Gaillard-Double Gold (92Pts) 2023 Platter's Guide-4.5 Stars (93 pts) Analysis pH 3.34 Total Acidity 5.8 g/l Residual Sugar 3.6 g/l Alcohol 13.28 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Petit Rouge Merlot 2022

R170.00

(100% Merlot) VINEYARDS The Merlot vineyard used in this wine is planted in a combination of well-weathered granite soils and beautiful “koffie klip” (shale) slopes. They are South-West facing slopes, which helps keep temperatures moderate. Optimum ripeness was at 24°B, with vibrant flavours of ripe, red fruits. Handpicking, under the watchful eye of the winemaker, ensures that only the finest fruit is delivered to the cellar. VINIFICATION The grapes are destemmed, but not crushed and whole berry fermentation at cool temperatures is practiced, to ensure a broad spectrum of bright fruit and spiciness without heavy tannin extraction. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to old 300Lt French oak barrels and the skins are pressed. Malolactic fermentation takes place in the barrel after which the wines are racked, the batches are blended, and the wine prepared to be bottled. TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING The wine displays a bright ruby red colour. It shows a vibrant, fruitfilled aroma of sleek cherries, subtle raspberry, and soft, black pepper. The nose carries through beautifully to the palate and is nicely supported by refined tannins with a smooth finish. A dynamic wine, which can be enjoyed at many levels, but is exceptionally well pared with a traditional South African braai. Alternatively, a Sunday roast is a must. We hope you enjoy it. Accolades 2019 Vintage: 2020 Gold Wine Awards – Gold 2020 Vintage: 2021 Vitis Vinifera (Gold) 2019 Vinatge: 2020 Gold Wine Awards - Gold 2020 Vitis Vinifera Awards - Gold 2023 Platter's Guide -85 Points (Good Value) “Worth twice the price” - Michael Fridjhon Analysis pH 3.61 Total Acidity 5.7 g/l Residual Sugar 4.0 g/l Alcohol 13.72 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Baldrick Shiraz 2022

R175.00

VINEYARDS For this delicious wine, we select the sites and clones which promote greater aromatics and a more accessible palate. The vineyards are planted on ancient, granite-derived soils on the south and southeast-facing slopes. In total six clones of Shiraz are used, and each clone enriches the complexity of the final wine. VINIFICATION All grapes are hand-selected and chilled overnight before being partially destemmed and placed as whole berries in open-top fermenters. The berry mash is cold-soaked for 48hrs, before fermenting spontaneously. Fermentation takes place at a cool 22°C. All fermentation is done by wild yeasts. During fermentation, the wine is mixed by hand and not by pump. This method facilitates greater control and expression of the wine. Once fermentation is complete the skins are pressed in a traditional basket press and the wine is transferred to 500L second and third fill French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurs in the barrel and helps to soften and enhance the natural wine flavours. The wine will spend more than a year in the barrel to improved maturity and expose more flavours. TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING The wine has a deep purple colour with flashes of scarlet. The ripe plum and mulberry aromas are uplifted with cherry blossom and violets, while infused with subtle cinnamon and aromatic white pepper. The palate is gentle and the tannins fresh but rounded. The aromatics continue into the palate with added blueberry, a hint of roasted black olives, and soft-spoken sweet spice. A versatile, vibrant medium-bodied wine, the Baldrick Shiraz will enhance many a dish and occasion. We recommend it with slow-cooked lamb, freshly seared steak, and mashed potato with caramelized onion gravy. You could even have it with turnip…?! Accolades 2019 Vintage: 2021 Gold Wine Awards - Gold 2020: Vintage 2022 Platter’s Guide – 4 Stars 2021:Vintage 2023 Platter's Guide- 4 Stars Analysis pH 3.56 Total Acidity 5.5 g/l Residual Sugar 4.0 g/l Alcohol 13.71 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Barrel Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

R280.00

(100% Cabernet Sauvignon) VINEYARDS The grapes used for this very special wine originate from the same vineyard used to make the highly acclaimed Bowwood blend, previously produced by Julian Johnsen and Bruce Jack. This Southwestfacing slope is located on one of Vondeling’s highest and most temperate slopes. The roots burrow deep into nutrient-poor, wellweathered granite soils. This offers great consistency of concentration and aroma. The grapes are harvested at 25°balling. Hand-picking ensures that only the very best fruit enters the cellar. VINIFICATION Upon arrival at the cellar, the grapes are pre-chilled before processing. Once chilled they are gently destemmed, and the berries cold-soaked for two days before natural fermentation is allowed to occur. A combination of whole and crushed berries allows for a slow extraction of tannins and an intense fruit-driven profile. Fermentation takes place in open-top fermenters and extraction is encouraged by hand plunging. After fermentation, extended maceration on the skins is allowed for one week. Extended maceration allows the components to mesh and achieve greater harmony. The wine is then drained to 300Lt Hungarian oak barrels and the skins are pressed in a traditional wooden basket press. 100% malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel after which the wine is racked and returned to barrel for at least one full year. After a total time of 18 months in barrel, the wine is bottled and laid to rest for another year before finally being released. TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING The wine displays a dark ruby red colour. Shows a beautiful aroma of white musk, cinnamon, red cherries, cigar box and sultry vanilla. It has a broad, succulent and silky palate with plenty of red fruit, smoky cigar box, roasted almonds, and maraschino cherries. Fine, textured tannins on the finish. Wine can be paired with hearty, slow-cooked red meat dishes or a simple sirloin or fillet with a green peppercorn or truffle and mushroom sauce. Accolades 2020 Vintage: 2023: Platter’s Guide-4.5 Stars(91 Pts Good Value) 2021 Vintage: 2023: Winemag-90 Points 2024: Platter’s Guide- 4 Stars (89 Pts) Analysis pH 3.70 Total Acidity 5.9 g/l Residual Sugar 1.6 g/l Alcohol 14.25 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Monsonia 2019

R310.00

(Shiraz 60%, Mourvédre 23%, Carignan 10% & Grenache Noir 7%) Vondeling Monsonia is named after Monsonia Speciosa, a very rare species of fynbos (vegetation type occurring in the Western Cape region of South Africa) found in the Paardeberg mountain, the home of Vondeling wines. THE NAME MONSONIA The flower was named after Lady Anne Monson, the great-grandchild of King Charles II. Controversially, her first marriage was dissolved, due to the birth of an illegitimate child but she soon remarried Colonel George Monson of the Indian Military. She was known as a “remarkable lady botanist” and was instrumental in translating Linnaeus’s famous “Philosophia Botanica”. On her way to Calcutta, she visited the Cape of Good Hope and accompanied seasoned collector of South African plants, Carl Peter Thunberg, on several expeditions around the Cape. In 1774, he named the Monsonia species of plants after her. VINEYARDS The Shiraz vines grow in ancient, well-weathered granite soils on southeast-facing slopes – ideal for our warm South African climate. In total, six clones of Shiraz can be found on the farm and only the best performing clones go into the final blend. Typically, each clone contributes different characteristics to the wine and the different blocks are picked at varying degrees of ripeness, best suited to their character. The Mourvedre, Carignan, and Grenache are best adapted to hot sun and are grown as bush vines on North East-facing slopes. Highly selective hand-picking guarantees that only the best fruit arrives at the winery. VINIFICATION After being chilled overnight, bunches are partially destemmed, but not crushed, and whole berry fermentation takes place in open-top fermentation tanks. An initial two-day period of cold soaking is applied before wild yeast fermentation is allowed to commence. During fermentation, hand plunging, commonly known as "punch downs" is the method of mixing and extraction. After fermentation, the wine is pressed in a traditional boutique-size basket press. All wine is then transferred directly to barrel where malolactic fermentation takes place. Only large format French oak barrels are used, with about one-third new and the rest 2nd and 3rd fill. The wine is allowed to mature for 16 months before a final barrel selection, blending and bottling takes place TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING Vibrant and clear charcoal red with beautifully viscous legs clinging to the glass. Each grape component vies for attention in this kaleidoscopic bouquet. Sweet Lillies and rose-petal Turkish delight from the Grenache. Plush black currant and blueberries from the Carignan. All wrapped in a velvety blanket of red berries and soft spice from the Shiraz. A smooth, velvety palate devoid of harsh or grippy tannin. Red cherry candy and sweet plumb at the fore with a soft plush center and subtle spice with roasted coconut at the end. Well paired with a mature steak, barbequed over a hotbed of coals and served with sauteed baby mushrooms, or try a hearty, slow-cooked pork belly with root vegetables and tomatoes. Accolades 2016 Vinatge:
2020 Platter’s Guide – 4.5 Stars 2019 Michelangelo – Gold 2019 Winemag - 93pts
2018 Vintage:
2021 Platter’s Guide – 4.5 Stars / 94 Points 2020 Michelangelo - Gold 2022 Tim Atkin 90 Pts 2022 Michelangelo Awards - Gold 2023 Platter’s Guide 4,5 Stars (92 Pts)
2019 Vintage: 2024 Platter’s Guide 4.5 Stars (92 Pts) Analysis pH 3.50 Total Acidity 5.3 g/l Residual Sugar 3.3 g/l Alcohol 13.72 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Rosé 2024

R130.00

VINEYARDS Made primarily from cold-pressed Merlot, the anchor vineyard for this delicious wine is over 20yrs old. Located on a granite spur in the foothills of the Paardeberg Mountain, the berries are well exposed to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight is essential to eliminate green flavours from the fruit. The soil has a high clay percentage, and this lends softness and volume to the wine. Great care is taken to ensure that the vines do not bear too great a crop or suffer from drought. This is done through green cropping of the vines and micro-irrigation. Both practices help to preserve the natural acidity, freshness and vibrancy of the grape aromas. VINIFICATION Grapes are picked at optimum ripeness in the early hours of the morning before being destemmed and chilled before pressing. This short route, from vine to press, ensures minimal degradation of the fruit aromas and a very moderate extraction of colour. All free-run juice is kept separate from the colour fraction to ensure a deliciously subtle salmon colour. The juice is cold settled to remove any coarseness and fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks. The wine is 100% unoaked. A six-month period of maturation on the yeast lees promotes richness and complexity. TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING The wine has a delightfully delicate, salmon pink colour. It displays a bright bouquet of Turkish delight, raspberry coulis, passion fruit, and taught grapefruit. The palate is well rounded but refreshingly vibrant, packed with red berry flavours, seductive floral undertones, and a pleasant citrus twist. Pair with spicy Thai prawns, grilled Portuguese sardines, or a fresh tomato, feta and pomegranate salad. Accolades 2023 Platter’s Guide-3.5 stars (85Pts) 2023 Vintage: 2023 Gold Wine Awards-Gold 2023 Vitis Vinifera - Gold 2022 Vintage: 2022 Michelangelo - Gold 2022 Gilbert Gaillard -Gold 2021 Vintage: 2021 Michelangelo - Gold 2021 Vitis Vinifera - Gold 2021 Rose Rocks - Gold 2020 Vintage: 2020 Rose Rocks - Gold 2020 Vitis Vinifera Awards - Gold Analysis pH 3.47 Total Acidity 5.5 g/l Residual Sugar 3.6 g/l Alcohol 12.57 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Rurale 2023

R365.00

(100% Chardonnay) VINEYARDS Vondeling Rurale is comprised of 100% Chardonnay . The Chardonnay grapes originate from a single block, located on a south-west facing slope on the decomposed granite soils of the Paardeberg Mountain. Unlike Mèthode Cap Classique, Mèthode Ancestrale grapes are harvested with a potential alcohol of 12% (rather than 9%). This promotes a fuller, more rounded pallet with superior fruit expression without compromising on natural vibrancy and freshness. VINIFICATION Natural fermentation begins in a stainless-steel tank and when only a small, but critical amount of sugar remains, the fermenting wine is bottled and capped. Bottling must be done at the precise moment when there is enough remaining sugar to create a healthy, vibrant mousse, but not so much as to cause the bottles to explode. This single, continuous fermentation, using fruit which is approximately three weeks riper than the base wine used to make Mèthode Cap Classique, is what makes Mèthode Ancestrale unique. The wine is matured on its lees for 3 years before riddling and disgorging. Autolysis of the yeast cells increases richness, palate weight and creaminess to the wine. After being hand riddled over a one-month period, it is disgorged and topped using our flagship white blend, Babiana from the 2013 vintage, as an alternative to liqueur d’expedition. The name Rurale is the original name for what was later recognized by the French A.O.C as Mèthode Ancestrale. We love the implication that this is an uncomplicated, yet pure expression of both the grape and its origins. Rurale was the first recognized Mèthode Ancestrale to be produced in South Africa and remains the leader in this category. Vondeling was instrumental in drafting the technical description, which allowed this new category to be recognized in 2014. It is a highly labour-intensive way to produce sparkling wine, and for this reason, only 2750 bottles were produced. All grapes are grown and vinified on Vondeling Farm and Cellar. TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING The wine displays a pale straw colour typical of bubbly that has enjoyed the benefits of extended lees maturation. Tiny, pearl-string bubbles and fine mousse abound. Beautiful aromas of lavender honey, lime, crisp apple with freshly baked pastry and toasted almonds on the nose. The palate is bright and zippy with vibrant acidity and a soft, creamy mouthfeel. Fresh apple appears again along with pears, confected lemon and a long, rich, lingering after taste. Rurale can be paired with smoked salmon, fennel roasted trout or fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon, salt, and pepper. Accolades: 2018 Vintage: 2021 SA Sparkling Wine Championships – Double Gold 2021 Michelangelo- Gold 2022 Platter Wine Guide 2020 – 4,5 stars (93pts) Analysis: pH 3.42 Total Acidity 7.2 g/l Residual Sugar 1.4 g/l Alcohol 11.36 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Bowwood Pinotage 2021

R495.00

(100% Pinotage) VINEYARDS Bowwood Pinotage is made from a small, single vineyard, planted in clay-rich gravel soils in 1998. The vineyard is shy bearing with poor vigour, which ensures tiny berries with hugely concentrated flavour. A North-South row orientation exposes the grapes to plenty of gentle morning and late afternoon sunshine, perfect for intense colour and aromatic development. VINIFICATION The grapes are hand-picked in early February with a ripeness of 25 Balling. Each bunch is pre-chilled before being destemmed and berry sorted. The berries are not crushed but are fermented whole. This allows for a gradual extraction of tannins and colour, which promotes finesse, balance and longevity. The berries are fermented in open-top fermenters, which provide easy access for the winemaker to assess and manipulate the fermentation. The wine is punched down regularly for 8 days and then basket pressed directly to new and second fill, 300L American oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in the barrel, which promotes harmony and seamless integration of the oak flavours. The wine is further matured on the yeast and malolactic lees for 18 months. At this point, the finest 12 barrels are selected, blended and returned to barrel for an additional 6 months. Finally, the wine is kept for 4 months in a stainless-steel tank to promote stability and clarification, before it is bottled and laid to rest for a full year before it is released. FURTHER REMARKS Bowwood Pinotage is made to rival the best wines in the world and will benefit greatly from additional cellaring. This is only the six vintage. TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING Opaque in colour with dark hues of purple and red, it delivers an intense black cherry and plum bouquet interlaced with sweet cloves and vanillarich oak. Bold fruit and pungent spice aromatics persist on the palate with undertones of roasted almonds and cigar smoke. The palate is broad and rich with soft acidity and abundant, fine tannin. A luxurious, full-flavored, and modern wine. Accolades 2020 Vintage: 2023 Michelangelo- Double Gold 2023 Veritas-Double Gold 2024 Platter’s Guide- 4.5 Stars (91 Pts) 2019 Vintage: 2022 ABSA TOP 10 Winner 2022 Veritas- Double Gold Vintage 2018: 2021 Michelangelo – Double Gold 2021 Veritas – Gold 2022 Platter’s Guide – 4.5 Stars (94pts) 2022 Gilbert & Gaillard -Double Gold (92pts) Analysis pH 3.52 Total Acidity 5.8 g/l Residual Sugar 3.5 g/l Alcohol 14.48 % Download Tasting Sheet

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Philosophie 2017

R1,175.00

LIMITED RELEASE Philosophie is a brave endeavour in which we attempt to marry the mind, the heart and the soil as we celebrate the diversity of Vondeling. THE STORY BEHIND THE LABEL Each year a celebrated artist is recruited to illustrate a rare Paardeberg flower in the medium of their choice. This unique rendition is placed on a numbered selection of Vondeling’s finest bottles to create a series of collectable and rare wines. Drosera cistiflora is a perennial, carnivorous flower uniquely occurring in its red form in our region. Beautifully rendered in oil on canvas by the inspirational talent of Makiwa Mutomba, adding a sense of place and delight to this endearing wine. VINEYARDS In a handful of specific vineyards, we explore the absolute limits of quality with no consideration to cost. 2017 is a unique vintage with Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape. Each vineyard is carefully assessed at the end of the growing season and attentively pruned during the winter. At bud burst, any shoots which develop poorly are immediately removed. This ensures that the remaining shoots have plenty of energy to grow sturdy, fertile flowers and facilitate a uniform berry set. As the grapes develop only one bunch per cane is selected and the rest are dropped to the ground. This lowers the load on the vine, removing any plant stress and allowing perfect flavour and tannin development. It also diminishes any need for irrigation and helps preserve the grape’s natural acidity. VINIFICATION Once deemed to have reached optimal ripeness the grapes are hand-picked and refrigerated for 24hrs. The bunches are carefully destemmed, but not crushed and the berries are individually sorted to remove any green material. The berries are not pumped, but ferried, via conveyor to open-top fermenters. Cold soaking is done at 6 degrees Celsius for a period of 5 days. Cold soaking is a process that allows only partial degradation of the grape cell wall, to gently extract the fruit flavours and aromatics situated below the surface of the skin. Subtle tannin extraction protects these delicate flavours and promotes colour stability. As the berries slowly come to room temperature, ambient yeasts commence with spontaneous fermentation. This natural fermentation by multiple yeast strains, is preferable, as it will ensure that the wine has complexity and character. A cool fermentation temperature slows the rate of fermentation and affords the winemaker adequate time to assess and manipulate the character of the wine, thus unlocking its full potential. Full extraction is ensured by regular punch downs after three weeks of maceration the skins are gently pressed in a traditional basket press. From the press, the wine moves directly to 300L French Oak barrels for malolactic fermentation. This slow bacterial degradation of the wine’s harsher acidity has the welcome side effect of meshing the oak and natural fruit flavours into a seamless package. Two-thirds of the barrels are new. The wine remains on its yeast and malolactic lees for 14 months before the best 10 barrels are selected, blended and returned for an additional 8 months of maturation. Of these 10 barrels, only 5 are selected for the final blend. The wine is bottled after 3 months in tank and bottle matured for at least two years before release. TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING A deep but vibrant, scarlet red colour. A wonderfully expressive and enthusiastic nose. Bursting with bright red cherry and high floral notes. Beautifully laced with sweet vanilla and subtle wood shavings. The palate is precise and bold with delightful tension. Ripe raspberry and cinnamon lead with underlying layers of trimmed cigar and fine tannin. Pairs well with steak, especially richer steak dishes such as tournedos Rossini, posh burgers and Roast duck. Accolades 2017 Vintage: 2021 Tim Atkin - 89 Points 2016 Vintage: 2022 Platter's Guide - 4.5 Stars (94pts) 2015 Vintage: 2018 Platter’s Guide – 4.5 Stars 2020 Platter’s Guide – 4.5 Stars 2020 Tim Atkin 93 Points 2020 Winemag – 92 points 2020 Veritas – Silver Outstanding 2021 Platter’s Guide – 4.5 stars (94 pts) Analysis pH 3.6 Total Acidity 6.4 g/l Residual Sugar 3.4 g/l Alcohol 14.3 % Download Tasting Sheet

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