Oldenburg Vineyards is considered by most South African critics as the star boutique winery of Stellenbosch, which is the wine capital of the country. The region is blessed with cooler mountain slopes on granite (sandstone) and breezes off False Bay which moderate summer temperatures.
Oldenburg Vineyards lies in an elevated valley of outstanding beauty. It is 8km from Stellenbosch going towards Franschhoek. It has 26ha vines at up to 410m altitude. At the heart of the farm lies Rondekop – a spectacular round hill which influences the vineyards on and around it, creating an extraordinary terroir. The owners, Adrian and Vanessa Vanderspuy, believe in working in harmony with nature and practice regenerative farming techniques.
Adrian Vanderspuy will fly to London to tutor our event. The estate originally belonged to his grandmother. Oldenburg Vineyards aims to produce exceptional wines with balance and elegance. We should not be disappointed!
The tasting starts with a white wine not available in the UK: Oldenburg Vineyards CL White 2022 which is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Chenin Blanc (a variety formerly called Steen in South Africa). The wine is 63% matured for nine months in mostly older oak and the balance on fine lees, resulting in “softness on the palate and some yeasty complexity to counter/complement zesty, tangy stonefruit,” according to the authoritative Platter’s South African Wine Guide.
Three wines from their Premium Tier will follow, made by top winemaker Nic van Aarde. Chardonnay 2022 has 11 months in barrel of which a third is new. Expect a wonderful freshness but creamy texture, subtle hints of toasted almond and spice with white peach and pear characteristics. Chenin Blanc 2022 follows with ripe peach and melon notes and a fresh, dry finish.
Cabernet Franc 2019 comes from the same variety that yields top St Emilion/Pomerol and lovely Loire reds; it is one of Oldenburg Vineyards’ most distinctive grapes, yielding wines with tomato leaf aromas and a delicious blackcurrant fruit taste.
Rondekp
Three wines will be shown from their “Super Premium tier”, starting with Rondekop Stone Axe Syrah 2020 which has been matured for 16 months in 46% new French oak. It shows lively red fruits with a peppery finish. Rondekop Per Se 2020 is Oldenburg Vineyards’ top Cabernet Sauvignon. Expect a voluptuous mouthfeel which reflects a long period ageing in French oak.
Finally, members will be treated to Rondekop Rhodium 2020 which is an exceptional Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ripe plums and toasty oak ensure a lovely red which can rival leading St Emilion!
The PR side of Oldenburg Vineyards advise:
Our delightful venue is the Concert Artistes’ Association in the heart of theatre-land at 20 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9HP. The Association was founded in 1897 for actors and other professional entertainers.
As usual, doors open at 6.30pm. Please do NOT arrive earlier (as the Committee needs time to set up). There are many wine bars available locally pre-6:30pm. The tasting will conclude by 8.30pm!
For admission, please either print off your ticket or have it available on a mobile telephone.
Pouring is difficult if you are late; if arriving after 6.40pm, please text 07754 108662
Date: Wednesday 20th March 2024
Time: 6:30
Venue: Concert Artistes' Association, 20 Bedford Street, WC2E 9HP
Dress: Jacket and tie for men (please advise your guests)
TASTING COSTS
Member: | ........................................... | £ 45 | ||
Young Member: | (max age: 35 years) .......... | £ 32 | ||
Guest: | (max ONE per member) .... | £ 65 |
The Club regrets there is no concession for young guests
HOW TO BOOK
Options:
Enquiries can be made by telephone on 020 8947 5082 or by e-mail to tastings@redherringwineclub.co.uk but bookings will only be allocated when funds have been received.
HOW TO PAY
By on-line banking only (details below)
Bank: | Barclays Bank plc |
Sort Code: | 20-17-35 |
Account Number: | 23429539 |
Your reference should be as follows:
T | for one tasting ticket for the next event (TT for two, TTT for three) |
G | for guest ticket (GG for two guest tickets) |
C | for concessionary younger member rate (under 35 years) |
M | for one membership (MM for two memberships) |
Bn | for a book (Bn is the book code) |
Bookings will only be allocated when funds have been received.
Unfortunately the Club is only able to reimburse if advised at least seven days before an event
If using this method to pay your membership subscription(s), please advise membership@redherringwineclub.co.uk.
Please remember to advise the Club (membership@redherringwineclub.co.uk) of any home or e-mail address changes
Tasting Application
Diary Dates:
Wednesday 20th March 2024 | Oldenburg Wines from South Africa tutored by Adrian Vanderspuy |
Friday 19th April 2024 | Annual Dinner at Savile Club, Mayfair |
Wednesday 29th May 2024 | Greece tutored by Sophia Perpera from the Greek Wine Federation |
Thursday 27th Jume 2024 | Wines of Moldova tutored by Remus Turcan |
Monday 22nd July 2024
|
Chateau Suduiraut, Premier Cru Classe, Sauternes - a vertical tasting of both dry and sweet wines |
Monday 16th September | Champagne - Lanson at a stunning gallery |
Thursday 17th October 2024 | New Zealand tutored by Ryan Morgan of Craggy Range |
Wednesday 13th November 2024 | Santa Rita wines tutored by Sebastian Labbé at the Chilean Embassy |