70 YEARS AGO, who would have imagined what Roodeberg was to become… Dr Charles Niehaus was appointed as KWV’s chief wine scientist in 1941, during World War II, and he remained a central figure at South Africa’s leading co-operative winery until his retirement in 1971. To think that the KWV’s dry red wine portfolio back in the day comprised just two wines, one light-bodied and one more full-bodied, and it was Niehaus who came up with the name Roodeberg for what was to become a favourite brand among wine lovers on various export markets, notably in Canada, and made in a cellar less than a kilometre to the east of the looming Paarl Mountain.

Released domestically for the first time in 2004, the original Roodeberg blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut and Pontac evolved into a range of five wines: a Rosé, the ‘standard’ red blend with Cab and Shiraz leading the way, the Reserve from some of the finest barrels of Roodeberg, the commemorative 1949 blend sans Shiraz, and the top-tier ‘Super Roodeberg’ which celebrates the founder of the brand, with the Niehaus having slightly more Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon in a multi-variety blend, depending on the harvest.

The first vintage of Dr Charles was 2010, released in 2011. Since then a track record of consistent quality and interest value has been established, with the combo now included in the SA Wine Classification. Most recently, the 2017 vintage earned a double gold medal at the Veritas Awards (SA), while the 2018 was judged one of the Top 3 blends in the Shiraz SA Challenge. “The blend is all about selecting the best of the best from the vineyards, the individual bunches and the berries, down to the finest barrels,” says winemaker James Ochse. “Our goal is to produce the best super-premium blend that our vineyards can deliver.”

ROODEBERG DR CHARLES NIEHAUS 2018
WO Coastal Region. Blending Components: Shiraz (41%), Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Cabernet Franc (12%), Petite Sirah (12%) and Malbec (8%). Matured in new French oak barrels for 18 months.
Alc 14.7 | RS 3.0 | TA 6.2 | pH 3.4
Producer’s Tasting Notes: Prominent aromas of blackcurrant, mulberries and plum with notes of violets. The palate is rich and juicy with prominent fruit sweetness. The grippy tannin structure is well integrated and delivers an intense, lasting finish. Enjoyable on release, with maturation potential of five to eight years after vintage.
R280pb from KWV Emporium, Paarl