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 this wine are grown on two small terraces of Pondokrug. These small parcels of grapes were specifically selected, harvested by hand and vinified separately. Fermentation was carried out by yeast which occur naturally on the grape skins and in the winery. Our 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. 1475 bottles and 50 Magnums were produced.

 

TASTING NOTE

The Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2019 is bright blood red in colour. The nose is a deep, complex and intriguing mix of bright red cherry fruit, cloves, and some typical bell pepper character. The palate explodes with ripe cherry and black current flavours with hints of dried herbs. The tight chalky tannins balance the big fruit palate hold the wine into a long, succulent and dry finish. Drink 2025-2036.

 

VINTAGE REPORT

The 2019 vintage was quite a challenging one at Keermont. The yields were very small, but the wines have turned out beautifully. Coming off the back of four very dry years in the Cape, the vines were taking a bit strain. Winter rainfall was just slightly below average. Winter temperatures were moderate and perhaps not cold enough for the vines to break dormancy properly as we experienced quite uneven budding in spring. Spring started off cool and wet so the vines grew well, although the disease pressure was quite high. From that point onwards, the vintage conditions were good with some summer rains and warm temperatures without any major heat spikes. Harvest started on 30 January, but was interrupted by 40mm of rain the following week. This pepped the vines up for the final ripening of the grapes. Grapes were harvested in a very healthy condition although sugar levels were generally lower and acidity varied.

 

ANALYSIS

Alc: 15.0 %
pH: 3.47
TA: 5.8 g/L
RS: 3.1 g/L
TSO2: 33 mg/L
VA: 0.85 g/L

ACCOLADES

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