As the red grape harvest concludes at Oldenburg Vineyards, early indications suggest that the 2025 vintage could be among the finest in recent history. With near-perfect conditions reminiscent of the legendary 2015 harvest, this year’s crop has shown exceptional promise.
Ideal Weather Conditions Drive Quality
The season’s success is largely attributed to favourable weather patterns. Since late October, the vineyards have experienced an unusually dry period with minimal rainfall, allowing for uniform grape ripening. Warm days, balanced by cool evenings, created optimal conditions for vine stress, resulting in concentrated berries with superior phenolic ripeness and flavour development. The preservation of acidity has further enhanced freshness and balance in the grapes.
However, challenges arose due to strong easterly winds earlier in the season, which caused damage to select blocks of Grenache, Merlot, and Syrah. These winds led to ‘raisining’—dehydration of some berries—necessitating rigorous sorting during harvest. As a result, yields have declined significantly, with Grenache production dropping to 1,600 bottles from 2,300 in 2024 and 3,200 in 2023. Similarly, Syrah and Merlot yields have also suffered, contributing to an overall 20% reduction compared to forecasts.
Precision and Innovation in Winemaking
The vineyard team, led by Nic and Christo, employed meticulous block delineation and berry selection to ensure only the best fruit was harvested. Their strategy involved tasting grapes row by row and carefully managing micro-harvests based on optimal ripeness levels. The winery has also introduced new small fermentation vessels, including amphorae, concrete eggs, and large aged barrels, fostering diverse winemaking techniques. This year, traditional foot-stomping was even reintroduced for Grenache and Syrah.
An exciting development for the 2025 vintage is the maiden harvest of young Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blocks. Despite their youth, these vines have produced high-quality, small berries with concentrated flavours. The dry conditions have further reduced vine vigour, resulting in thicker skins and a lower juice-to-skin ratio, enhancing colour, tannin structure, and phenolic maturity. Early assessments suggest that the Cabernet Sauvignon from this vintage could rival the outstanding 2015 vintage in both structure and complexity.
2023 Chenin Blanc: A Wine for the Season
As the seasons transition, Oldenburg Vineyards highlights its 2023 Chenin Blanc as a perfect choice for an Easter gathering. Featuring bright aromas of lemon zest, jasmine, ginger, and chamomile, the wine presents a palate with vibrant acidity, flinty minerality, and subtle salinity. This Chenin Blanc is structured yet elegant, offering both immediate enjoyment and long-term ageing potential.
Spotlight: Delaille Raubenheimer Joins Oldenburg Vineyards
This month, Oldenburg Vineyards welcomes Delaille Raubenheimer as its new Private Client Manager. With a background spanning winemaking, sommelier expertise, and marketing, Delaille brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
Raised in the Western Cape, her passion for wine began unexpectedly at the Franschhoek Bastille Festival, sparking a shift from medical studies to a degree in Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University. Her career has taken her across Argentina, California, New Zealand, Portugal, and South Africa, providing a global perspective on winemaking.
Notably, Delaille worked as a sommelier at Singita Private Game Lodges, introducing international guests to South Africa’s finest wines. Her expertise in marketing and communications later led her to a UK-based wine consultancy, where she managed award-winning campaigns. Now at Oldenburg Vineyards, she is excited to foster relationships with private clients and contribute to the estate’s commitment to excellence.
Exclusive Tastings in April 2025
Wine enthusiasts can look forward to exclusive tastings at Oldenburg Vineyards in April:
Vertical Tasting: Rondekop Stone Axe Syrah – An exploration of this exceptional Syrah across the 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 vintages, highlighting the influence of terroir and climate. (Cost: R800 per person)
Library Tasting: The 2015 Legacy Vintage – Celebrating a decade of one of South Africa’s finest vintages, this tasting features Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Grenache Noir from the renowned 2015 harvest. (Cost: R750 per person)
With the 2025 vintage shaping up to be a standout year, Oldenburg Vineyards continues to push boundaries in viticulture and winemaking. Stay tuned as these promising grapes evolve into extraordinary wines.
You Might Be Interested In:
