In May 2024, we will proudly release the latest vintages of our Rondekop wines.
Rondekop Rhodium 2021 – Bordeaux Blend
The journey of Rhodium began over a decade ago, with its inaugural vintage in 2010. Initially the wine was centred around the richness of Merlot, however, under the guidance of Nic Van Aarde the composition changed to embrace the dominance of Cabernet Franc from the 2019 vintage onwards.
Central to the identity of Rhodium is the art of blending. Harvested exclusively from vines planted on Rondekop, only the finest grapes find their way into the final blend. This commitment to quality ensures that each bottle is a true reflection of Rondekop’s terroir.
The Rhodium 2021 will be priced at R850 per bottle and membership pricing of R810 per bottle.
“Since 2019, Rhodium has been Cabernet Franc-led, with support from 35% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s part of a welcome evolution at Oldenburg towards a fresher, more elegant style. Tangy, grassy, and intense, the 2021 release has notes of pomegranate, graphite and pink grapefruit and graceful, understated oak.”
– Tim Atkin MW – 95 Pts.
Rondekop Stone Axe 2022 – Reserve Syrah
The Stone Axe vineyard block is one of the most sunlight exposed slopes of the Estate, which leads to an exceptional development of both fruit and tannin characteristics. The wine itself is possibly the most aromatic of the three Rondekop wines and is often considered the most accessible in its youth. Crushing and destemming were intentionally omitted in the production of the Stone Axe to achieve a fresher and livelier style. Instead, 18% of the ferments utilised whole bunches to enhance tannin and aromatic complexity, while the remaining 82% of grapes underwent whole berry fermentation. The wine matured for 18 months, ageing in a blend of oak vessels, including a 2500L Austrian Foudre alongside French oak barrels of 300L and 500L capacities.
The Stone Axe 2022 will be priced at R720 and membership pricing of R690 per bottle.
“What I really like about the Stone Axe 2022 is the weight and intensity of the fruit. The fact that it is a riper style, yet it is still fresh, and for me that is really important. It is a very attractive Syrah! What you want is a wine that gives structure, texture, and enough spice to go with the red fruit, and this wine has got it all.”
– Michael Fridjhon
Rondekop Per Se 2021 – Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Our finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are selected from specific vine rows within the highest-altitude Cabernet block, situated approximately 350 meters above sea level. Barrels from a single vineyard were selected and blended prior to bottling. Wines were matured for 18 months in 225L French oak barrels in 35% new oak.
Nic’s approach allows for a much greater expression of terroir, emphasising diverse black fruit expression, and gentle tannins.
“Powerful nose; blackberries, blackcurrant aromas and spices – vegetal undercurrent. A structured palate with power and elegance, a velvety texture, and tasty tannins. Meaty, light smoky notes are followed by fine firm tannins. Well-made and definitely showing its sense of place.”
– World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2024
The Per Se 2022 will be priced at R850 per bottle and membership pricing of R810 per bottle.
