Rust en Vrede

Specialising in the production of red wine only, Rust en Vrede has established itself as one of South Africa’s premium red wine estates. Full-bodied and complex, Rust en Vrede wines reflect the uniqueness of the Stellenbosch terroir. Rust en Vrede is proud to be part of a remarkable three hundred year old wine tradition and continues to pursue the excellence synonymous with wines produced by Stellenbosch’s private estates.

Mediterranean rainfall +- 650mm per annum. The vineyards are situated on north facing slopes at the upper end of the valley, hence the slightly warmer and more moderate climatic conditions, resulting in optimum grape berry ripeness. Situated in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, cool sea breezes help reduce the vineyard temperatures during the summer months, extending the ripening period and thus allowing for big well-structured wines to develop.

The soil is a mixture of weathered granite and a small percentage of clay, Clovelly and Hutton structure.  Deep and red in colour, the soil shows good water retention, allowing for only moderate vine stress during dry years. Soil moisture is carefully monitored and supplemented by drip irrigation in very dry years only.

The grapes were harvested in February 2008.  Fermentation on the skins took place over a period of 16-days.  Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels. The wine was left to mature for14 months in French oak, after which it received a light filtration prior to bottling.

2007

Colour :	Ruby red.
Aroma :	Rich chocolate and Mocha aromas combine well with darker berries and subtle hints of spice.
Palate :	Soft juicy tannins, backed up with hints of vanilla and blueberries.

2006

Colour :	Ruby red.
Aroma :	Rich plum and chocolate aromas infused with a soft spiciness and hints of blueberries.
Palate :	The initial impression gives rise to fresh berry flavours, this is backed up by rich plush tannins on the mid palate.

2005

Colour :	Opaque
Aroma :	Hints of liquorice, ripe plum and butterscotch.
Palate :	Chocolate, ripe tannin, and black berries, with a dry delicate finish.

2004

Colour :	Bright cherry red.
Aroma :	Mulberries, ripe plums, white chocolate and macadamia nuts, notes of cinnamon with a pervasive aroma of rose petals balanced with subtle oak flavours.
Palate :	Bouquet carries well through to the palate. Elegant, well-balanced with an underlying refreshing herbaceous quality. Good sweet/sour balance. This wine will complement a variety of seafood and lighter meat dishes. Enjoy this great food wine now through 2010.

2003

Colour :	Crimson garnet.
Aroma :	Red berries, fruitcake, floral notes and perfume balanced with subtle oak.
Palate :	Rich, concentrated red berry flavours. Vanilla, prune and fruitcake add further personality to this wine made for seafood and lighter meat dishes. Velvety, the finish lingers with loads of spice. A ccessible now, this wine shows legs that require ageing in the bottle. Enjoy this great food wine now through 2010.

2002

Colour :	Concentrated ruby.
Aroma :	Upfront and balanced blend of ripe fruit flavours with subtle oak.
Palate :	Rich, concentrated currant, raspberry, prune with a good chunk of fruitcake adding further personality to this wine. Crisp, ripe tannins firms up on a long finish with vanilla and herbaceous notes lingering. A very juicy and complex Merlot accessible now with great potential to mature. Enjoy now through to 2010.

2001

Colour :	Ruby red.
Aroma :	Pleasant aroma of violets and jasmine with a pervading herbal undertone.
Palate :	Succulent cherry and raspberry flavours with a touch of peppermint and honey. Well structured with a firm tannin finish.