A majestic wine, this Rust en Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes come from the beautiful Stellenbosch wine region, where the sun always shines and only 479 mm of rainfall falls annually. Therefore, it is essential that these Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from old, deeply rooted vines. The climate in which Cabernet Sauvignon grows is perfect, with just the right amount of sun because the vineyard faces north. A light breeze and low nighttime temperatures ensure a balanced growing season. Drip irrigation gently provides the vines with moisture, essential for the Cabernet Sauvignon to mature perfectly. The soil in which this wine is grown is primarily sandstone and granite, something this red grape absolutely loves. It therefore develops like no other, and a top-notch wine can be produced.
When the Cabernet Sauvignon is perfectly ripe and mature, it is hand-harvested under the supervision of winemaker Coenie Snyman. Rust en Vrede is known for selecting only the finest bunches, and this is evident in this red wine. Harvesting begins in Stellenbosch early in the morning. Individually, they are inspected and placed in small crates to prevent damage to the bunches. Upon arrival, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are crushed and fermented in wooden barrels. After this period, the entire wine is aged for at least eighteen months in French oak barrels in the Rust en Vrede cellars. Twenty percent of the barrels are new, with the remainder being used, giving this red wine even more depth.
The aroma of this Rust en Vrede is overwhelming, full and ripe with hints of black fruit, plums, tobacco, oak, vanilla, and a hint of leather. The richness is partly due to the wine's long oak aging. The palate is complex, rich, and full-bodied with an incredible amount of flavor. Beautiful aromas of black fruit, such as blackberries and berries, with lovely, full flavors of numerous herbs, cigar box, and plums.
