News> HARVEST REPORT 2006

HARVEST

The harvest at Rust en Vrede in 2006 was one of the best we have ever had on the estate in recent history. Although we had rather high temperatures for a large pat of January and February, we experienced high winds during that time which assisted in cooling the vineyards down to ensure that we did not have early ripening of our grapes.

Conditions during budbreak, flowering and set were also close to ideal, with only minimal wind damage to our Merlot grapes. Thus, all climatic factors considered it was a very good season with a good long ripening period resulting in well, even coloured bunches.

Tannins were very ripe at harvest time, resulting in wines with great structure and balance. Wines of this vintage will definitely have a fantastic ability to age.

CELLAR

In the cellar it was fun working with an entirely new set up due to the renovations and extensions done in the winter and off season. The new flow through the cellar is practical and our entire production process has been upgraded to cope with our demands. Our new barrel maturation cellar, malolactic fermentation cellar as well as the bin store are proving to be invaluable for our operation and are in full use now.

OUR WINES

Our Merlot is showing very well with strawberry and red berries on the nose and very well supplemented by supple tannins on the palate.
Our Shiraz is full with mulberry and chocolate flavours.
The Cabernet Sauvignon is having one of the best vintages with very small berries and very little juice per bunch resulting in a dark and concentrated wine with heaps of cassis, ripe plum and dark berry flavours backed by great dry tannins. We are looking forward to the blending of our Estate 2006.

All in all 2006 delivered wines of great concentration, awesome tannins and flavourful fruit. We believe that in time, this vintage will develop into one of the modern day classics.