South African Bordeaux blends occupy a dynamic position in the global market, celebrated for offering a compelling mix of Old World structure and New World fruit intensity at exceptional value. Stark-Condé Cabernet Sauvignon Oude Nektar is a standout example, crafted with precision from high-elevation vineyards in the Jonkershoek Valley. This is a sophisticated wine that captures both place and purity.
The 2020 Stark-Condé Cabernet Sauvignon Oude Nektar is made in the Jonkershoek Valley, an area known for its decomposed granite soils, clay subsoil, and high iron content, as well as higher rainfall than the general Stellenbosch region. The grapes come from one of the highest vineyards on the estate, at about 550-590 meters elevation. The vineyard benefits from abundant afternoon sunlight and cooling breezes which contribute to balanced acidity and aromatic intensity.
It is produced by Stark-Condé, a family-run winery in Stellenbosch. It was established in 1998 by Cuban-American José Stark and his South African-Japanese wife Marie. José Condé grew his knowledge of wine after relocating and began making wines that quickly won high national and international awards. Today Stark-Condé is particularly renowned for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon wines, which reflect the unique terroir of Jonkershoek Valley.
Winemaking involves hand-picking grapes, cooling them overnight, natural yeast fermentation in small open tanks with cold-soaking before fermentation, frequent punchdowns, and 22 months aging in French oak barrels (around 50-70% new). The wine is unfined and unfiltered for purity and richness.
This Bordeaux-style blend is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (~90%) with small percentages of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. It has intense cassis and black cherry aromas with distinctive orange zest and pencil shavings. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, showing sappy black fruits, black pepper, and subtle wild herbs, underpinned by fine-grained silky tannins and a touch of charcoal. The wine expresses a fresh herbal lift and granitic minerality reflective of the Jonkershoek terroir
