Oldenburg Chenin Blanc 2015

Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch

Winemaker: Philip Costandius

Background: Oldenburg Vineyards in the Banghoek Valley near Stellenbosch was purchased by Adrian Vanderspuy in 2003, and is the neighbouring farm to the farm he was born on so his life took on a full circle! Despite spending most of his childhood overseas his parents brought him back regularly where they spent holidays on the family farm.  With the wonderful memories of the times he spent on the farm he returned in 2000 and recognizing the potential at the time in South Africa he bought Oldenburg a few years later.  The farm at the time was run down and Adrian and his team set about replanting the vineyards and later renovating the grand Homestead. The wines from Oldenburg are only made from grapes grown on the estate, and were first released in 2007. Their current range offers a selection of eight wines, both white and red, however this week saw the addition of another wine with their 2014 Grenache Noir, a delicious light, yet spicy, savoury red perfect for Autumn evenings.  The Grenache Noir is the first made in the Banghoek valley and was made by well-known winemaker Philip Costandius who joined the team in 2014.

However now with Philip heading up the winemaking he has made a few interesting and revitalising changes to the already excellent wines of Oldenburg, the most remarkable being the Chenin Blanc 2015. I have always enjoyed the Chenin from this estate and in previous vintages the wine was full bodied with substantial flavour and pronounced use of wood. Not a problem as it was meant to be a serious wine made to accompany a rich meal. The 2015 vintage, however, has taken a somewhat new direction and has become a wine that is far more approachable with its subtle yet elegant balance between fruit and oak…..a wine that can be enjoyed with or without food. The 2015 was fermented both in stainless steel tank (69%) and barrel (31%) and later matured for eight months in 300litre French Oak barrels of which 50% were first fill.

Result: The wine offers subtle aromas of green apple and hints of lemon meringue. The palate is crisp with creamy tropical fruit and delicate hints of vanilla on the long finish

When to drink: Now – 2018

Drink with what: Lightly poached Norwegian Salmon.

Expect to pay: R135.00