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
A subtle perfume of sandalwood is followed by pronounced aromas of
black currant, cherry and graphite. Bold and robust on the palate with
fresh acidity balancing out fine grained and grippy tannins. Intense
flavours of black currant combine with sour cherry, spicy plum, and
espresso. A structured wine with a long savoury finish that speaks of
good aging potential.
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
Made from Estate-grown grapes that are picked and sorted by hand. Harvest parcels and clones are vinified separately. Harvested grapes are destemmed, crushed and pumped into open-top fermentation tanks where they undergo a 21-day maceration period involving a 7-day fermentation with pump-overs and manual punch-downs 2-4 times daily. Barrel maturation in 100% French 300l oak barrels (20% new oak), for 18 months
AWARDS
Wine Spectator: 92 pts;
Platter: 92 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
Expressive black fruit jumps out of the glass. Juicy black cherry and cassis combine with blueberries, liquorice and sandalwood. Full bodied and intense on the palate. Fine grained, grippy tannins balance well with a fresh, black-fruit acidity. Tobacco, nutmeg and savoury spice bring complex layers to mulberry and bramble fruit that round out the palate. A typically well-structured Cabernet with excellent length.
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 but we had to rush to finish ahead of the Covid lockdown.
Vinification details
Made only from Estate-grown grapes that are picked and sorted by hand. Harvest parcels and clones are vinified separately. Harvested grapes are destemmed, crushed and pumped into open-top fermentation tanks where they undergo a 21-day maceration period involving a 7-day fermentation with pump-overs and manual punch-downs 2-4 times daily. Barrel maturation in 100% French oak barrels (20% new, 20% 2nd fill, 20% 3rd fill, 40% 4th fill), in 300l barrels for 18 months.
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
Deep crimson with well-defined red and black cherry prominent on the nose. Dark chocolate, cedar and pencil shavings bring complexity and typicity to this Helderberg Cabernet. The palate is structured with fresh acidity and bold tannins that will balance each other well over time. Cherry notes carry through on the palate, growing in intensity and complexity with layered cassis, blackberry, liquorice and a pinch of black pepper.
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
Made only from estate-grown grapes that were picked and sorted by hand. Each harvest-parcel and individual clones were vinified separately. Harvested grapes were destemmed, crushed and pumped into open top fermentation tanks where they underwent a 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 300L barrels (20% new, 20% 2nd fill, 20% 3rd fill, 40% 4th fill) for 18 months.
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
Opaque in colour with prominent aromas of cassis, blackberry, bramble and mulberry. The dark fruit is layered with savoury notes of cured meat and dried herbs. Rich fruit follows on the palate, sustained by fresh acidity and fine, mouth-coating tannins. Flavours of sandalwood, all spice, worn leather and pencil shavings add complexity and depth.
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 only from estate-grown grapes that were picked and sorted by hand. Each harvest parcel and individual clones were vinified separately. Harvested grapes were destemmed, crushed and pumped into open top fermentation tanks where they underwent a 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 300L barrels (20% new, 20% 2nd fill, 20% 3rd fill, 40% 4th fill) for 18 months.
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
Crimson red, there’s a certain sweetness to the aromas packed with ripe, wild strawberry, red and black cherries, mulberries and blackcurrant. This is a stylish wine with added earthy, savoury notes on both the nose and the palate.
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
After primary fermentation, the wine underwent 21 days’ maceration. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels (100% 300L French oak barrels – 20% new, 20% second fill, 20% third fill, 40% fourth fill – with a medium toast) after which the wine was left to mature for 18 months.