Vondeling Philosophie 2015

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6%Merlot, 2% Malbec

Each year a rare Paardeberg flower is selected and illustrated by an artist of our choice to create a unique label. In this, our maiden vintage, we’ve selected Haemanthus sanguineus to be our flag bearer. Appropriately, this delicate bloom was the first to emerge after the devastating veld fire of 2011 and for whom we cry, Per Ignem Vitae… from fire, life!e.

A cool fermentation temperature slows the rate of fermentation and affords the winemaker adequate time to assess and manipulate the character of the wine, thus unlocking its full potential. The method of extraction is by regular manual punch down and the wine is basket pressed after two weeks of maceration on the skins. From the press the wine moves directly to new 300L French Oak barrels for malo-lactic fermentation. This slow bacterial degradation of the wine’s harsher acidity has the welcome side effect of meshing the oak and natural fruit flavours together in a seamless package. The wine remains on its yeast and malo-lactic lees for 14 months before the best 10 barrels are selected, blended and returned for an additional 8 months of maturation. Of these 10 barrels only 5 are selected for the final blend. The wine is bottled after 4 months in tank and further matured for one year before it is released.

Rich, svelte and sensuous, the smooth, textured tannins are bold but rounded. There is both dark and red berry fruit with an underlying black olive savouriness. The acidity adds verve and balance, while lending length and poise.