Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2015

At Oldenburg Vineyards, we believe that great wines can only come from the best quality grapes. Our intervention in the vineyards is minimal, to reflect the full potential of our mountain terroir. The Oldenburg Vineyards Series is a true expression of terroir through our range of single cultivar wines. The confluence of the 8 Natural Elements that determine our unique terroir is explored through these wines and their real sense of place. The 8 elements are depicted on the intricate Oldenburg Vineyards Series label design. Wines made in an uncompromising manner, intending to showcase the finest characteristics of each cultivar.

The 2015 vintage is widely considered the best ever for South African wines. Cooler conditions throughout February allowed for slow, even ripening early in the season, contributing towards colour and flavour development - especially in red cultivars. Warm and dry conditions before harvest accelerated ripening, producing grapes of the highest quality. Judicious irrigation and soils with good water holding capacity ensured wines avoided water stress.

19 February 2015 at 26.0° Balling.

Bunches and berries were sorted carefully by hand, with crushing and destemming delicately handled. Grapes were cold-soaked for three days prior to fermentation. Wines were matured for 19 months in 300l French oak barrels. Wood regime: 25% new oak, 38% 3rd fill barrels, 20% 4th fill barrels and 17% 5th fill barrels.