Rust En Vrede Estate 2018
Winemaker Coenie Snyman
The Estate blend is the emblematic wine of Rust en Vrede. It has been selected four times by Wine Spectator as one of the top 100 wines in the world.
With a mediterranean climate, Rust en Vrede is a warmer microcosm in the Helderberg area. This is why we specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which lend themselves to full bodied wines with powerful structure.
2018 Estate Vintage
The vintage of 2018 was challenging as it was the fourth consecutive year of drought, with very dry conditions and 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 at the end of February meant longer hang time, allowing further flavour development. Despite irrigation challenges and a smaller crop, 2018 bodes very well for high quality wines.
61% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Syrah, 9% Merlot
Made only from Estate-grown grapes that are picked and sorted by hand. Each variety, harvest- parcel and individual clone is vinified separately. An average of 8 tons per hectare is harvested, 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 takes place in 100% French oak barrels (40% new, 40% 2nd fill, 20% 3rd fill), 30% in 500l & 70% in 300l barrels for 22 months.
Tasting Notes:
Rich cassis and mulberry with cedar and tobacco reveal Cabernet as the backbone to the blend, after which fresh red and black cherry with black pepper spice show the Syrah component. Intense fruit flavours are layered with mocha, Christmas cake, sandalwood and leather, bringing complexity to the wine. Fresh, fruity acidity balances the firm, coating tannins, culminating in a clean, dry finish that indicates good ageing potential.
Best Enjoyed: Beef, lamb, spicy food, mature and hard cheese, poultry and venison
Ageing Potential: 10 to 15 years
Accolades:
2017 - Platters 5 Stars, Wine Magazine Blend Report Top 10, Platters Red Blend Of The Year 2021.
2016 - 92 Points Tim Atkins, Platters 5 Stars, Platters Red Blend Of The Year 2020
2015 - 94 Points Tim Atkins, Platters 5 Stars, Wine Spectator 92 Points
2014 - 93 Points Tim Atkins, Platers 4.5 Stars, Wine Spectator 92 Points
