Technical Analysis
A relatively young project, with grapes sourced from 4 different bush vine blocks, ageing between 20-35 years old, this is the Rustenberg take on a varietal synonymous with South Africa.
Tasting note
Tropical fruits, with underlying tones of pineapple and passion fruit on a fresh, crisp and palate with prodigious length.
Vinification details
The grapes are hand picked, crushed, de-stemmed and pressed into stainless steel tanks. Using a combination of cultured yeast and wild fermentation, the wine is left on the lees for 2 months.
AWARDS
James Suckling.com: 92 pts
Technical Analysis
A relatively young project, with grapes sourced from 4 different bush vine blocks, ageing between 20-35 years old, this is the Rustenberg take on a varietal synonymous with South Africa.
Tasting note
Aromas of pineapple and yellow pear follow through to a crisp, textured palate complemented by characters of citrus.
Vintage conditions
The 2021 vintage was produced with the challenges of COVID-19 ever present. The winter of 2020 started late after a warm autumn and was cold with plenty of rain. The cool and wet conditions extended well into spring, through summer and much of the harvest season. The result of these conditions was slow, steady, stress free vineyard growth and fruit development. White grape yields were lower than average due to the impact of the weather during critical stages in fruit development. The white wines from the vintage ripened two weeks later than in 2020 and achieved full ripeness at lower sugar levels; producing wines with lower alcohols, excellent acidity and brilliant flavour development. These well-structured wines with moderate alcohols and good acidity should show plenty of potential to age.
Vinification details
The grapes are hand picked, crushed, de-stemmed and pressed into stainless steel tanks. Using a combination of cultured yeast and wild fermentation, the wine is left on the lees for 2 months.
Technical Analysis
A relatively young project, with grapes sourced from 4 different bush vine blocks, ageing between 20-35 years old, this is the Rustenberg take on a varietal synonymous with South Africa.
Tasting note
Aromas of pineapple and yellow pear follow through to a crisp, textured palate complemented by characters of citrus.
Vintage conditions
The 2019 vintage was a challenging one for the Rustenberg team. While the winter of 2018 was a welcome break from the previous four winters of drought, most vineyards had not fully recovered and produced below average yields. A warm snap in June and a wet Spring, coupled with a wetter than average Summer harvesting season made 2019 a challenge, with some late harvest thinning or multiple harvests of the same vineyard required to achieve uniformity. Early and mid-season ripening varieties performed well, all achieving flavour ripeness at lower alcohol levels, while late ripening varieties required patience and extended time on the vines, again achieving lower alcohols overall, but creating ripe, structured wines.
Vinification details
The grapes are hand picked, crushed, de-stemmed and pressed into stainless steel tanks. Using a combination of cultured yeast and wild fermentation, the wine is left on the lees for 2 months.
