Single Vineyard Shiraz 2018

VINTAGE
The vintage of 2018 was challenging because it was the fourth consecutive year of drought, bringing dry conditions with 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 towards the end of February meant a longer hang time, allowing for further flavour development. Despite the irrigation challenges and a smaller crop, 2018 bodes very well for high-quality wines.

VINIFICATION
Made from a designated Single Vineyard (Block 7), these Estate-grown grapes are picked and sorted by hand. Each harvest parcel is vinified separately. 10% of the fruit is retained as whole clusters, 30% is destemmed but left as whole berries, and the remainder is destemmed and crushed before fermentation. Fermentation takes place in open-top
fermentation tanks, involving a 14-21-day maceration period with pump-overs and manual punch-downs 2-4 times daily. Barrel maturation in 100% French oak barrels (50% new, 50% 2nd fill), in 500l barrels for 16 months.

TASTING NOTES
Expressive red and black fruit combine seamlessly on the nose. Spicy red cherries, mulberry and blueberries. Dark chocolate and smoked paprika add layers. Elegant and accessible on the palate, with fine, ripe, and velvety tannins. Red-fruit acidity balances the bold black fruit flavours, with toasty oak, tobacco and a hint of cured meat adding complexity to the wine. Date tasted: 30 September 2022.

W.O. STELLENBOSCH
Established in 1694, Rust en Vrede is proud to be part of a remarkable three-hundred-year-old wine tradition. Since 1977 the Engelbrecht family has specialized in the exclusive production of red wine, with the focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Rust en Vrede was officially granted by the Governor of the Cape on March 12th, 1694. This wine honours the previous custodians of the Estate and is produced from the highest quality, designated Single Vineyards.