Ormonde: A Chip – or two – Off The Old Block

First published in Sunday Independent, date unknown

The tasting room at Ormonde is in the town of Darling

Coming up with an innovative name such as Chip Off The Old Block for a range of single vineyard wines surely also means that Ormonde Private Cellar produces superior wines from particular vineyards harbouring the farm’s oldest vines. And indeed it is so.

In the cellar tasting room at Ormonde

Ormonde, situated in the hills of Darling on the West Coast, is justifiably proud of their high-quality Single Vineyard Chip Off The Old Block range consisting out of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon that are produced from defined and isolated areas of less than 6 hectares of mature vines.

The terroir of these vineyards are easier to identify and taste. More care and attention can be bestowed upon single locations by the viniculturist.

The expression ‘a chip off the old block’ is generally used of people who closely resemble their parents – more often their fathers – in looks or traits. Theo Basson, owner of Ormonde Private Cellar, says he traces his ancestors back to the French Huguenots, known for their experience in viticulture and oenology.

Theodore Eksteen, a Huguenot descendant, was born in 1909; he was an original garagiste who made port until his death in 1988.

Theo’s ‘old block’, Nico Basson, returned to Darling in 1970 when he bought the farms of Alexanderfontein, and, at a later stage, Ormonde. Nico Basson planted vineyards on his farm long before the area of Darling became known for its wines.

It has all paid off handsomely. Not to mention fittingly.

Directions: Wine tasting at Ormonde Private Cellar is at the end of Mount Pleasant Road, off Main Road, in the town of Darling.

www.ormonde.co.za