Pondokrug – a ridge (rug) deriving its name from a shepherds hut (Pondok).
High up on the West facing slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain, this is a 1.8Ha parcel of Cabernet Franc planted in 2006. At an elevation of 380m above sea level and surrounded by mountain ‘fynbos’ vegetation, this block is exposed to many natural elements resulting in very low yields. The soil on Pondokrug is red granitic loam with a high clay content which sustains the vines during the summer months. These factors allow us to produce an intense wine with unique flavours and a solid tannin structure.
All grapes used in producing our wines are grown on Keermont Vineyards. Small parcels of grapes are specifically selected according to ripeness, harvested by hand and vinified separately. Fermentation is carried
out by yeast which occurs naturally on the grape skins and in the winery. Red wines spend three to four weeks
fermenting and macerating on the skins in small open top tanks with one or two gentle ‘punch-downs’ performed per day. This wine spent 20 months maturing in seasoned 225 litre French oak barrels before being bottled by hand without filtration. 2865 bottles and 47 Magnums were produced.
TASTING NOTE
The Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2016 is bright blood red in colour. The nose is a deep, complex and intriguing
mix of bright red cherry fruit, cloves, and some typical pyrazine character. The palate is firm and structured
with subtle cherry and black current flavours with hints of herbal mountain vegetation (fynbos). The dusty, chalky tannins hold the fruit flavours into a long, succulent and dry finish. Drink 2020-2035.
VINTAGE REPORT
2016 was a challenging one. Moderate winter temperatures and below average rainfall turned into an
early spring with warm and dry conditions. We had to start irrigation earlier than usual. The weather continued to warm up towards Christmas and we experienced higher than normal average temperatures. Fortunately, we had some rain during December which pepped the vines up leading into the critical ‘veraison’ period. This is when the berries change colour and begin to ripen and go into high-water demand. The hot, dry weather meant the grapes ripened quickly and we started picking earlier than ever before on 19 January. Within a crazy month, we processed 78 tons of grapes including 11 different varieties. Harvest ended as quickly as it had begun and by 19 February all Keermont grapes were picked. Pondokrug yield 2016: 4.0 ton/Ha.
ACCOLADES
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 19: 89 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 19: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 19: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 90 pts WINE SPECTATOR
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 94 pts WINE MAGAZINE
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 96 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 4 ½ star PLATTER GUIDE
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE
