2021 Oldenburg Vineyards Rondekop 'Rhodium' Bordeaux Blend, Stellenbosch

Nestled high in the Banghoek Valley with a stunning view of the 'Rondekop' hill, Oldenburg Vineyards stands as one of South Africa's most picturesque farms, crafting beautifully elegant wines that capture the essence of their terroir. The valley, situated in Stellenbosch, benefits from a unique microclimate characterized by cool temperatures, thanks to its elevation, ocean breezes, and encircling mountains. 

Oldenburg's proprietor, Adrian Van der Spuy, named this wine "Rhodium" as a homage to his background in precious metals. Rhodium, one of the world’s most expensive metals, is largely mined in South Africa, fittingly reflecting the wine's quality.

Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are handpicked then fermented using wild yeast  After fermentation, the wine matured for 18 months in a mixture of new and old French  oak barrels.

The wine boasts both red and black fruit aromas, along with Cabernet Franc's signature notes of tea leaf and dried herbs. Baking spice and violet nuances add to its allure. Weighty and savory on the palate, with fine-grained tannins providing grip and a seemingly endless finish. 

This 2021 is very highly rated scoring 95 points and is a benchmark for Oldenburg's for the rich fruit, silky tannins and hidden power and centration.