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’, 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 26 months maturing in seasoned 225 litre French oak barrels before being bottled by hand without filtration. 2229 bottles and 60 Magnums were produced.

TASTING NOTE

The Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2017 is bright red in colour. The nose is a deep, complex and intriguing mix of bright raspberry fruit, cloves, and some typical herbal pyrazine characters. The palate has a gentle entry, but is firm and structured with ripe cherry and blackcurrant flavours with hints of bell pepper. The tight, grainy tannins hold the fruit flavours into a long, succulent and fresh finish. Drink 2022-2035.

VINTAGE REPORT

2017 was an excellent growing season on Keermont. Despite a drier than usual Winter, we had strong growth in the vineyards during the Spring time. This led to the formation of a good healthy crop which ripened evenly during the warm, dry Summer. Harvest started fairly early, but was put on hold after a heavy rainfall in late January. This rejuvenated the vines and allowed for extended ripening which definitely raised the general quality of the fruit. We recorded one of our largest and healthiest crops yet and grapes came in with great analysis and concentration. Pondokrug yield 2017: 6.2 ton/Ha

ANALYSIS

Alc: 15.0 %
pH: 3.42
TA: 6.4 g/L
RS: 1.6 g/L
TSO2: 36 mg/L
VA: 1.0 g/L

ACCOLADES

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