Description
Kleinood
de herder
Rhône Blend
2025
The Story
de herder = the shepherd, the one who patiently walks the hills and valleys in search of the best grazing for his flock.
Inspired by this sacred and ancient practice, we searched the rugged mountain folds of Stellenbosch for select parcels of vineyard to bring you, our flock, an expressive Rhône blend made on Kleinood Farm.
The Wine
2025 Blend
Syrah 76% (Stellenbosch)
Cinsaut 17% (Stellenbosch)
Mourvèdre 7% (Stellenbosch)
“Our focus here is not on the single-vineyard terroir, but on the art of blending – combining the power of Syrah, the aromatic lift of Cinsaut, and the savoury structure of Mourvèdre.”
In The Vineyards
Driven by a quiet vision of the perfect Rhône-style blend, de herder ventured into the rugged mountain folds of Stellenbosch, searching out the finest pockets of vines. He watches the fruit closely, waiting patiently for that exact moment of optimal ripeness. In early March of 2025, when the parameters are flawless, the call is made to hand-harvest.
In The Winery
Every precious cluster is brought to the Kleinood winery, where it undergoes rigorous hand-sorting and gentle de-stemming. From this moment on, the shepherd’s vigilance never wavers. As the whole berries fill the stainless steel tanks, he checks in daily, closely monitoring the steady rhythm of the 14-day fermentation. Keeping temperatures precise at 25–28°C, he coaxes out deep colour, rich aromas, and structural depth, guiding the juice as it transforms in constant contact with the skins.
Only after this crucial two-week maceration is the skins’ work done, and the wine is gently pressed. Knowing precisely what the final expression must be, the shepherd lays the wine to rest in French oak barrels. For 12 months, it matures under his watchful care in the quiet darkness of the cellar, gaining complexity and refinement before being bottled and safely secured under cork.
In The Bottle
Pouring a vibrant ruby colour with deep clarity, the 2025 vintage mirrors the vivid landscapes de herder walks. On the nose, his patience is rewarded with a beautiful concentration of sun-ripened raspberry and crushed pomegranate, seamlessly layered with delicate violet petals and a subtle touch of cracked peppercorn.
The palate opens with an energetic burst of concentrated red fruit, held aloft by a bright, refreshing acidity. While maintaining the characteristic elegance Kleinood Farm strives for, this vintage delivers a more structured, confident backbone. The tannins are firm and highly expressive, providing a sophisticated grip that carries the fruit beautifully through the mid-palate. As the journey concludes, subtle notes of toasted cedar and aromatic clove emerge from the well-knit oak, culminating in a long, savoury, and remarkably fruit-forward finish.
To fully unlock the layers of de herder, decant for 30 minutes prior to serving. True to its rustic, mountain-born origins, it pairs magnificently with lamb cooked over open coals. Also try this Rhône blend with slow roasted pheasant or succulent springbok pie.
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