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

Grapes were hand-picked, de-stemmed and pressed into stainless steel tanks for fermentation where the juice was inoculated with a cultured active dry wine yeast.

Green credentials

Accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate.

Vintage conditions

This vintage was impacted by the fourth year of the ongoing drought in the region. The 2017 winter was cold and dry, followed by a dry spring and summer, with bouts of unusual weather. A number of thunderstorms resulted in a late onset of additional vigour in the vineyards. Unsettled weather and wind during flowering, along with a freak hail storm and low levels of soil moisture decreased yields by 20% to 50%. The harvest began closer to its average start date and the smaller berries and bunches yielded lower juice volumes per ton. The lower yields resulted in the wines showing excellent concentration and body, producing rich, robust reds and fruit forward, expressive whites and rosés.

Vinification details

Grapes were hand-picked, de-stemmed and pressed into stainless steel tanks for fermentation where the juice was inoculated with a cultured active dry wine yeast.

Green credentials

Accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate.

Vintage conditions

The cold wet winter of 2014 started early and ended late, which is ideal for the vineyards’ dormancy; however an unseasonably cool spring resulted in the vines going into summer with 10 to 40% less crop than usual. The remainder of the season was warm and dry resulting in one of the earliest harvests on record. Zero disease pressure and small crops of fantastic ripe fruit combined with high natural acids make this potentially the vintage of the decade.

Vinification details

Hand-picked, de-stemmed and pressed into stainless steel tanks for fermentation where the juice was inoculated with a cultured active dry wine yeast. Fined with isinglass and bentonite before bottling.

Awards

IWSC 2015: Silver Outstanding
Michelangelo Awards 2015: Gold

Green credentials

Accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate.