Stark-Condé
Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon
2021
About this winery
Self-taught cellarmaster Jose Conde’s first attempt at winemaking was in 2000, and he chose to experiment with his favorite grape, Cabernet Sauvignon. As luck would have it, his father-in-law Hans Schroder farmed arguably the best Cabernet grapes in the region. Jonkershoek Valley is a pristine valley uniquely situated for farming organically. With its high elevation terrain, ample winter rainfalls, and the cleansing Southeaster breeze that blows through the valley, this area has perfect...
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Product notes
Fruit source: Oude Nektar farm in Jonkershoek & Helderberg, Stellenbosch. Age of vines: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc 20-30 years and Petit Verdot 17 years. Vineyard elevation: 200-310m. Southeast and Northwest slope. Since this wine is from several different blocks, the soil textures vary, but the soil type is the decomposed granite iron-rich red soils typical of Stellenbosch Mountain vineyards. The soil textures vary quite a lot and that, together with the differences in elevations and clones, gives a variety of different flavour profiles to the grapes.
Production notes
The grapes were harvested in mid-March. After being cold soaked for a couple of days the juice underwent fermentation with the natural yeasts for about 10 days on the skins. The fermentations were hand punched-down every 4 hours for the first half of fermentation and every 6-8 hours. the wine was pressed and racked to barrel for malo-lactic fermentation and barrel maturation. French oak was used, of which about 30% were new. Bottled with no fining and without filtration after 20 months barrel maturation.
Tasting notes
Blackberry fruit aromas with tealeaf and cedar notes. The palate is rich and polished with dark fruit and mocha flavours and a finely balanced acidity. Long-finish with fine tannins.