Technical Analysis
1694 reflects the founding of Rust en Vrede, and honours the previous custodians of the estate. Produced from the estate's highest quality, designated single vineyards. (shipped by request)
Tasting note
Intense blackcurrant with lead pencil blanketed in a soft perfume of violets. On the palate, well defined fruit flavours of cassis, red currant, and bramble dominate underscored with sandalwood and liquorice. Spicy notes of freshly ground black pepper with cinnamon and clove bring depth. Structured with robust tannins and a textured finish of blackcurrant with nutmeg. Opulence meets restraint.
Vintage conditions
The vintage of 2018 was challenging because it was the fourth consecutive year of drought, bringing dry conditions with water restrictions. Careful water management was essential, but the benefit of the dry weather meant very healthy vines. The dry conditions also resulted in smaller berries, which in turn provide excellent colour and flavour intensity. Cooler nights towards the end of February meant a longer hang time, allowing for further flavour development. Despite the irrigation challenges and a smaller crop, 2018 bodes very well for high-quality wines
Vinification details
Made from two designated Single Vineyards (Block 4 & 7), these Estate-grown grapes are picked and sorted by hand. Each harvest- parcel and individual clones are vinified separately. Clusters are destemmed, crushed and pumped into open top fermentation tanks where they undergo a 14-21- day maceration period involving a 7-day fermentation with pump-overs and manual punch-downs 2-4 times daily. Barrel maturation is in 100% French oak barrels (50% new, 50% 2nd fill), in 300l barrels for 18 months.
Technical Analysis
1694 reflects the founding of Rust en Vrede, and honours the previous custodians of the estate. Produced from the estate's highest quality, designated single vineyards. (shipped by request)
Tasting note
Pronounced red and black cherry on the nose. Flavours of cassis, cedar, cumin, and ground coriander combine with fine, ripe tannins that coat the palate. Defined cherry and blackberry notes lend a dark fruit backbone to balanced cedar spice, vanilla pudding, and liquorice that create a harmonious complexity on the palate. Well- structured and concentrated without being overbearing.
Vintage conditions
2017 saw the drought of the previous few years continuing. Very dry conditions with rainfall well below average, along with cool spring conditions resulting in smaller berries. Careful irrigation in the summer months was supplemented by rain just after véraison. Cool summer nights dropped consistently below 20°C allowing grapes to ripen slowly, retaining acidity and encouraging excellent formation of colour. Harvest at Rust en Vrede started on the 20th of February 2017. The cooler vintage is bold, structured and intense with the various components in the wines creating beautiful harmony.
Vinification details
Made from two designated Single Vineyards (Block 4 & 7), these Estate-grown grapes are picked and sorted by hand. Each harvest- parcel and individual clones are vinified separately. Clusters are destemmed, crushed and pumped into open top fermentation tanks where they undergo a 14-21- day maceration period involving a 7-day fermentation with pump-overs and manual punch-downs 2-4 times daily. Barrel maturation is in 100% French oak barrels (50% new, 50% 2nd fill), in 300l barrels for 18 months.
Technical Analysis
1694 reflects the founding of Rust en Vrede, and honours the previous custodians of the estate. Produced from the estate's highest quality, designated single vineyards. (shipped by request)
Tasting note
Aromas of violets, black pepper and black cherries with leather, black olives and liquorice in the background. The palate is equally intense and layered, more dark fruit and oak spice with rooibos tea, cured meat and dried herbs. A blend of 61% Syrah, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vintage conditions
Extreme dry and warm conditions in the summer months resulted in drip irrigation being used, with a maximum winter rainfall of 469mm much lower than the average 712mm. It was a vintage that was monitored extremely closely in the vineyard. The heat and dry conditions resulted in reduced berry size and earlier ripening. Harvest started on 3rd February, a week earlier than in 2015.
Vinification details
Made from a designated single vineyard (Block 4) these estate-grown grapes were picked and sorted by hand. Each harvest-parcel and individual clones were vinified separately – destemmed, crushed and pumped into open top fermentation tanks where they underwent a 14-21-day maceration period involving a 7-day fermentation with pump-overs and manual punch-downs 2-4 times daily. Barrel maturation took place in 100% French oak barrels (50% new, 50% 2nd fill), 65% in 500L and 35% in 300L barrels for 22 months.
