Technical Analysis
Since 1977 Rust en Vrede has specialised in the exclusive production of red wine from estate vines, with the focus on Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Tasting note
Expressive nose of creamy cherry puree, and blackberries with a floral perfume of violet, and notes of spicy ginger and cloves. Fine, elegant tannins with an undertone of savoury grip are balanced by fresh acidity. Concentrated black fruit on the palate, with bramble, blackberry, mulberry and a hint of black pepper. A finely balanced, elegant Syrah.
Vintage conditions
Cool, wet conditions during the winter of 2020 replenished water reserves and provided sufficient water to saturate soils and return water levels to pre-drought levels. This resulted in very vigorous growth in the vineyards, meaning careful vineyard management was required, especially to curb vigorous growth during spring. Flowering and fruit set conditions were ideal, with an average crop set, followed by a moderate growing season. There followed a cool ripening season in 2021, with late ripening and minimal precipitation during the harvest period. Ideal conditions that allowed grapes to ripen slowly, retaining good acidity while developing phenolics.
Vinification details
Estate grown grapes are hand-harvested and partially destemmed, with 15% of the grapes kept as whole bunches. Fermentation takes place in open-top fermenters with manual punch-downs and pump-overs performed 2 to 4 times daily. Maceration continues for 14 to 21 days. Parcels and clones are vinified separately. Wine is matured in 500L French oak barrels for 18 months using a combination of 16% new and 84% seasoned oak.
AWARDS
Platter: 94 pts
Technical Analysis
Since 1977 Rust en Vrede has specialised in the exclusive production of red wine from estate vines, with the focus on Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Tasting note
Rich black fruit with a floral perfume of musk. Blackberry compote, blueberries and ripe damson plum combine with spicy paprika, sweet red pepper and sandalwood. Round, juicy black fruit follows on the palate, with intense black cherry, crème de cassis and chilli chocolate. Layers of complex flavours are revealed as the wine opens. Refined tannins are well integrated with the intense fruit, balanced by zesty acidity. Full bodied and structured with a long finish of blueberry and black pepper.
Vintage conditions
The vintage of 2020 had good, cool growing conditions with a wet October that luckily did not affect flowering. Very little rain and wind in November was ideal for berry set. Cool and dry conditions during ripening allowed tannins to develop without the accumulation of sugar, resulting in smooth, ripe tannins. Optimal conditions meant that harvesting took place as expected, albeit rushed to finish ahead of the Covid lockdown.
Vinification details
Estate grown grapes are hand-harvested and partially destemmed, with 15% of the grapes kept as whole bunches. Fermentation takes place in open-top fermenters with manual punch-downs and pump-overs performed 2 to 4 times daily. Maceration continues for 14 to 21 days. Parcels and clones are vinified separately. Wine is matured in 500L French oak barrels for 18 months using a combination of 16% new and 84% seasoned oak.
AWARDS
Platter: 94 pts
Wine Spectator: 91 pts
Technical Analysis
Since 1977 Rust en Vrede has specialised in the exclusive production of red wine from estate vines, with the focus on Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Tasting note
Floral perfume of jasmine with black cherry and tobacco. Full bodied with bold fruit, showing red cherry, blueberry and black forest gateau. Subtle pink peppercorn and cumin compliment savoury notes of smoky meat. Balanced acidity, fine spicy tannins and a juicy finish.
Vintage conditions
Unusually warm late-winter and early-spring temperatures resulted in a smaller crop for the 2019 vintage. Cooler days and nights allowed slower sugar accumulation while phenolics kept developing. Picking times were strongly influenced by fruit development, and the continuing cool summer resulted in a waiting game for the fruit. The late harvest coincided with a cold and rainy autumn, making it a challenging vintage in both the vineyard and cellar.
Vinification details
Estate grown grapes are hand-harvested and partially destemmed, with 15% of the grapes kept as whole bunches. Fermentation takes place in open-top fermenters with manual punch-downs and pump-overs performed 2 to 4 times daily. Maceration continues for 14 to 21 days. Parcels and clones are vinified separately. Wine is matured in 500L French oak barrels for 18 months using a combination of 16% new and 84% seasoned oak.
Technical Analysis
Since 1977 Rust en Vrede has specialised in the exclusive production of red wine from estate vines, with the focus on Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Tasting note
Fragrant blueberry, red cherry, and a hint of floral perfume open up to reveal fresh plum with layered sweet and savoury spices. The complex fruit flavours follow on the palate with fine but grippy tannins and a fresh fruity acidity. Typical spiciness is layered and complex cardamom, fennel, black pepper, nutmeg and clove, with the delicate use of oak complementing the spiciness. Refined yet powerful with a lingering fruity finish.
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
Estate grown grapes were hand-harvested and partially destemmed, with 15% of the grapes kept as whole bunches. Fermentation took place in open-top fermenters with manual punch-downs and pump-overs performed 2 to 4 times daily. Maceration continued for 14 to 21 days. Parcels and clones were vinified separately, and the wine was then matured in 500L French oak barrels for 18 months using a combination of 20% new and 80% seasoned oak.
Technical Analysis
Since 1977 Rust en Vrede has specialised in the exclusive production of red wine from estate vines, with the focus on Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Tasting note
Complex aromas of violets and white blossoms combine with concentrated blueberry, vanilla and dark chocolate. The wine has a bold, full palate as rich as the nose promises - intense blackberry and blueberry layered with dark chocolate, tobacco leaf and toast. Partial whole-bunch fermentation adds a savoury spiciness, and lively acidity balances the robust tannins, giving power and structure to the wine. Bold blueberry and toast flavours on the finish promise a good aging potential in this wine.
Vintage conditions
Picking began on 28th February 2017. The winter of 2016 was extremely dry, with a maximum rainfall of 579mm, much lower than the average 712mm. The cool months after winter triggered a good bud break followed immediately by dry weather. These conditions resulted in a high number of bunches, producing smaller berries (20% smaller than usual), which balanced the effects of the dry conditions and allowed for a normal and healthy production.
Vinification details
Estate grown grapes were hand-harvested and partially destemmed, with 25% of the grapes kept as whole bunches. Fermentation took place in open-top fermenters with manual punch-downs and pump-overs performed 2 to 4 times daily. Maceration continued for 14 to 21 days with parcels and clones vinified separately. The wine was then matured in 500L French oak barrels for 16 months using a combination of 20% new and 80% seasoned oak.
Technical Analysis
Since 1977 Rust en Vrede has specialised in the exclusive production of red wine from estate vines, with the focus on Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Tasting note
The Estate Vineyards Syrah is elegant in 2016. Medium-bodied with a purple rim. Notes of olive tapenade, red berries, vanilla and milk chocolate show its fine complexity and depth. The palate is darker, with a wild streak and mineral core.
Vintage conditions
Picking began on 12th February 2016. The winter of 2015 was extremely dry, with a maximum rainfall of 469mm, much lower than the average 712mm. The cool months after winter triggered a good bud break followed immediately by dry weather. These conditions resulted in a high number of bunches, producing smaller berries which balanced the effects of the dry conditions and allowed for a normal and healthy production.
Vinification details
Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels after which the wine was left to mature for 18 months in 100% French oak (20% new) with a medium toast. A combination of 300 litre (50%) and 500 litre (50%) barrels were used.
