Description

The 2016 wonderful Oldenburg Syrah is a medium purple colour and whilst quite closed initially it opens up with delightful aromas of brambles, black wine gums and mulberries. A light, earthy hint of mushrooms as well as white pepper appears alongside a herbal edge and appealing hints of vanilla and liquorice. The tannins are fine but well structured and interact with the acidity to produce a slightly spicy finish.

Oldenburg is a modest estate located in the Banghoek Valley (pronounced “bun hook” and meaning “scary corner” due to leopards roaming around in times past) about 8 km from Stellenbosch. Adrian Vanderspuy was born on a neighbouring property, but left South Arica in 1967, returning only for brief visits. When the opportunity to buy the property came up in 2003, he leapt at the chance and began a full replanting of the vineyards with selected virus free clones and with the aim of producing small volumes of bespoke fine wines. The first wines were produced in 2007 and it was immediately clear that this was a special terroir. The influence of the Atlantic and Indian oceans leads to cooling breezes constantly blowing and this, along with the elevation in this hanging valley (300m to 410m) means it is considerably cooler than other parts of Stellenbosch, seen in the freshness of the wines, their purity of fruit and European style elegance.