Overview: Rondekop's Cabernet Sauvignon Story
For those who have followed this journey with us – some of you from the very first planting – you'll know it's much more than an accolade. It is a culmination of years of hard work, belief, regeneration, and, above all else, a passion for our remarkable piece of earth: Rondekop.
The original premise of starting Oldenburg Vineyards was to make some of the best wines in South Africa, with the knowledge that Cabernet Sauvignon, first planted on Rondekop in the 1960s, thrived on the ancient, deep granitic soils. Consultants advised on where the best blocks should be and what sites should be for other cultivars. In 2003, our mission began, and we replanted the entire farm.
Our original idea was to practice precision viticulture, importing the best ideas that had forged a well-trodden path in California, Australia and New Zealand. The first wines we produced immediately caught the eye of those in the know, with our first Platter 5 Star wine coming from the 2011 vintage, despite being made from relatively young vines.
Over the years, we found that managing our vineyard blocks exactly as we knew how became difficult, and our execution fell short of what was needed to achieve consistent excellence. In 2015, we witnessed the first signs of red leaves that announced the onset of leaf-roll virus. As the years rolled by, despite uprooting more and more of the farm to rid ourselves of the virus, the problem continued to plague us. By 2022, we had finally won the battle, but by then, we had replanted 70% of our vineyards.
We called this replanting Generation 3, and whilst it was a challenging time for building our credentials as a premier producer, it also allowed us to get every detail right and learn from the past.
A significant positive was that Rondekop Block 5 was protected and only sustained relatively minor issues, which we could remedy with in-row replantings. Rondekop 5 is, by our estimations, one of, if not the oldest, virus-free block of Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa, and whilst relatively young, it will celebrate its 21st year next year. We intend to ensure, through viticultural excellence, that it lasts for many decades to come.
With Nic van Aarde's arrival as winemaker in 2018, our winemaking began a rapid quality improvement. Our new cellar, opened for the 2019 harvest, enabled Nic to implement many of the essential practices needed to produce the extraordinary quality we believed was inherent in Rondekop. His 2019 vintage soon won the Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy and the Trophy Wine Show, an essential first step, and the 2020 and 2021 vintages both received significant positive endorsement from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. The stage was set.
With Christo Crous's arrival in 2021, our precision viticulture dreams were realised. The (literally) hundreds of vineyard interventions necessary to crystallise the land's inherent quality were executed to perfection by him and his team. Over the past three and a half years, as an observer, I have seen and understood what goes into vine canopy management and the results that come with getting it right. Smaller, homogenous, concentrated berries - literally perfection defined. That is really what it takes.
The details behind achieving this are too numerous to mention, but three stand out. Our regenerative push, focusing on working closely with nature to improve soil, vine and vineyard health, is not some voodoo practice; it is science. Our philosophy of treating each vine as a unique element drives quality. However, most importantly, it is about how you empower and motivate the team to strive and execute at the highest level, where I am constantly amazed - in short, motivated people with passion and purpose. It makes me very proud.
Our results in Platter were not a one-off; they are a testament to a Place, its People and their Practices. We were also awarded three other 5 Star awards: The Rondekop Una V Chardonnay 2024, The Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2023, and the yet-to-be-released Oldenburg Vineyards The 8th Element Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
It's been a journey to this point, and we are super excited about what the future holds. We have found many keys to unlock the secrets of Rondekop. Still, one thing I am certain of when looking at the several recent vintages sitting in the cellar - Oldenburg Vineyards has arrived. That is the 2025 story; the story for the coming years will get more exciting, and that is a promise.
This is our last "Views" for the year. I am thankful to our many customers around the globe who have matched our patience with their loyalty - Thanks from the entire team.
To the team: you are not just individual superstars, you are a star team. Thanks to everyone's dedication to our mission – let's continue to show the world what we are all about!
For those who have followed this journey with us – some of you from the very first planting – you'll know it's much more than an accolade. It is a culmination of years of hard work, belief, regeneration, and, above all else, a passion for our remarkable piece of earth: Rondekop.
The original premise of starting Oldenburg Vineyards was to make some of the best wines in South Africa, with the knowledge that Cabernet Sauvignon, first planted on Rondekop in the 1960s, thrived on the ancient, deep granitic soils. Consultants advised on where the best blocks should be and what sites should be for other cultivars. In 2003, our mission began, and we replanted the entire farm.
Our original idea was to practice precision viticulture, importing the best ideas that had forged a well-trodden path in California, Australia and New Zealand. The first wines we produced immediately caught the eye of those in the know, with our first Platter 5 Star wine coming from the 2011 vintage, despite being made from relatively young vines.
Over the years, we found that managing our vineyard blocks exactly as we knew how became difficult, and our execution fell short of what was needed to achieve consistent excellence. In 2015, we witnessed the first signs of red leaves that announced the onset of leaf-roll virus. As the years rolled by, despite uprooting more and more of the farm to rid ourselves of the virus, the problem continued to plague us. By 2022, we had finally won the battle, but by then, we had replanted 70% of our vineyards.
We called this replanting Generation 3, and whilst it was a challenging time for building our credentials as a premier producer, it also allowed us to get every detail right and learn from the past.
A significant positive was that Rondekop Block 5 was protected and only sustained relatively minor issues, which we could remedy with in-row replantings. Rondekop 5 is, by our estimations, one of, if not the oldest, virus-free block of Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa, and whilst relatively young, it will celebrate its 21st year next year. We intend to ensure, through viticultural excellence, that it lasts for many decades to come.
With Nic van Aarde's arrival as winemaker in 2018, our winemaking began a rapid quality improvement. Our new cellar, opened for the 2019 harvest, enabled Nic to implement many of the essential practices needed to produce the extraordinary quality we believed was inherent in Rondekop. His 2019 vintage soon won the Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy and the Trophy Wine Show, an essential first step, and the 2020 and 2021 vintages both received significant positive endorsement from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. The stage was set.
With Christo Crous's arrival in 2021, our precision viticulture dreams were realised. The (literally) hundreds of vineyard interventions necessary to crystallise the land's inherent quality were executed to perfection by him and his team. Over the past three and a half years, as an observer, I have seen and understood what goes into vine canopy management and the results that come with getting it right. Smaller, homogenous, concentrated berries - literally perfection defined. That is really what it takes.
The details behind achieving this are too numerous to mention, but three stand out. Our regenerative push, focusing on working closely with nature to improve soil, vine and vineyard health, is not some voodoo practice; it is science. Our philosophy of treating each vine as a unique element drives quality. However, most importantly, it is about how you empower and motivate the team to strive and execute at the highest level, where I am constantly amazed - in short, motivated people with passion and purpose. It makes me very proud.
Our results in Platter were not a one-off; they are a testament to a Place, its People and their Practices. We were also awarded three other 5 Star awards: The Rondekop Una V Chardonnay 2024, The Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2023, and the yet-to-be-released Oldenburg Vineyards The 8th Element Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
It's been a journey to this point, and we are super excited about what the future holds. We have found many keys to unlock the secrets of Rondekop. Still, one thing I am certain of when looking at the several recent vintages sitting in the cellar - Oldenburg Vineyards has arrived. That is the 2025 story; the story for the coming years will get more exciting, and that is a promise.
This is our last 'Views' for the year. I am thankful to our many customers around the globe who have matched our patience with their loyalty - Thanks from the entire team.
To the team - you are not just individual superstars, you are a star team. Thanks to everyone's dedication to our mission - let's continue to show the world what we are all about!
Review: Rondekop Per Se 2022
From the oldest vineyard block on the farm, Per Se 2022 is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that speaks with quiet authority.
Recently named Best Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa by the Platter’s by Diners Club 2026 Guide, this wine continues a lineage of excellence, following in the footsteps of past vintages recognised by The Wine Advocate and Trophy Wine Show.
The nose opens with blackcurrant, dark cherries, cedarwood and pencil shavings, while the palate delivers juicy concentration, firm tannins and layered complexity. Savoury hints of rosemary and black olive tapenade round out a wine built for longevity.
Powerful yet poised - this is a wine that rewards patience, but already hints at greatness.
Only available to Rondekop Wine Club members, with an allocation of 12 bottles per member.
For more information, contact Private Client Manager Delaille Raubenheimer.
Birds Eye View: Library and vertical tastings in December 2025
Library Tasting: Rondekop’s Bordeaux Cultivars
An exclusive vertical tasting revealing a decade of Rondekop’s Bordeaux-style cultivars. From structured youth to refined maturity, each vintage reflects the evolving craft of our vineyard and cellar, and the expression of our distinctive terroir.
Cabernet Franc 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 | Merlot 2016 | Rhodium 2014
R650 per person
Vertical Tasting: Oldenburg Vineyards Chenin Blanc
This Chenin Blanc vertical offers a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of our estate over time. Available in extremely limited quantities, each bottle is drawn from the Oldenburg Vineyards Library Collection.
Vintages 2014 | 2016 | 2019 | 2023
R600 per person
All Library and vertical tastings are strictly by appointment only. Tastings include our complimentary snack platter of olives, cheese, and olive oil crackers. Email us at thetastingroom@oldenburgvineyards.com to book.
Cheers!
Adrian Vanderspuy, proprietor