Rust en Vrede Merlot - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 , 2006

Grape Variety: 100% Merlot Vintage : 2004 Appellation: Stellenbosch Winemaker : Louis Strydom Chemical Analysis: Alcohol – 13,67 vol% pH – 3,45 Acidity– 5,8 g/l Res. sugar – 5,1 g/l

"No poem was ever written by a drinker of water. (Horace 65-8B.C.). More than 2000 years later this statement remains unchallenged." - J.E.

Background
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’s wines reflect the uniqueness of Stellenbosch terroir. Rust en Vrede is a remarkable three hundred years old wine tradition synonymous with wines produced by Stellenbosch’s private estates.

Climate
Mediterranean –rainfall ± 650mm per annum. Vineyards situated on north facing slopes and at the end of the valley - hence slightly warmer conditions that ensure a ripe fruity Merlot.

Soil
Deep red soils. A mixture of weathered granite and small percentage of clay, Clovelly and Hutton structure. No irrigation on most vineyards resulted in a fine and natural feed of water to the vines. The soils show excellent water retention and the vines’ well developed root system look after the rest.

Vinification/Maturing
The grapes were harvested in February 2004. WE 372 yeast was used with the fermentation temperature about 26°C. Fermentation on the skins took place over a period of 16-days. Malolactic fermentation followed in stainless steel tanks and was completed in the barrels. The wine was left to mature for 15 months in 2^nd and 3^rd fill French oak barriques, after which it received a light filtration prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes

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