Rust en Vrede, Estate Vineyards Syrah 2021

Description

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. Proprietor Jean Engelbrecht has worked to maintain Rust en Vrede as one of South Africa’s premium red wine estates, with full-bodied and complex wines that reflect the uniqueness of its Stellenbosch terroir.

Climate and Soil
Rust en Vrede is a warmer microcosm in the Helderberg area with a Mediterranean climate. This is why we specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah which lend themselves to full-bodied wines with powerful structure. Approximately 34% of the Estate is planted with Syrah. Five clones of this variety are grown here: SH1, SH21, SH9, SH99 and SH470. Our north-facing vineyards are planted in Tukulu soil, derived from Helderberg granite and Table Mountain sandstone with small deposits of ironstone, showing good water retention that is carefully monitored and supplemented by drip irrigation. A higher amount of sandstone allows good drainage, resulting in weaker growth and more intense wines.

Vintage
Cool, wet conditions during the winter of 2020 replenished water reserves and provided sufficient water to saturate soils and return water levels to pre-drought levels. This resulted in very vigorous growth in the vineyards, meaning careful vineyard management was required, especially to curb vigorous growth during spring. Flowering and fruit set conditions were ideal, with an average crop set, followed by a moderate growing season. We then experienced a cool ripening season in 2021, with late ripening and minimal precipitation during the harvest period. Ideal conditions that allowed grapes to ripen slowly, retaining good acidity while developing phenolics.

Vinification
Estate grown grapes are hand-harvested and partially destemmed, with 15% of the grapes kept as whole bunches. Fermentation takes place in open top fermenters with manual punch-downs and pump-overs performed 2 to 4 times daily. Maceration continues for 14 to 21 days. Parcels and clones are vinified separately. Wine is matured in 500L French oak barrels for 18 months using a combination of 16% new and 84% seasoned oak.

Tasting Notes
Expressive nose of creamy cherry puree, and blackberries with a floral perfume of violet, and notes of spicy ginger and cloves. Fine, elegant tannins with an undertone of savoury grip are balanced by fresh acidity. Concentrated black fruit on the palate, with bramble, blackberry, mulberry and a hint of black pepper. A finely balanced, elegant Syrah.

Ageing Potential
10 to 15 years

Wine Analysis
Alcohol 13.84% |  pH 3.53 | Acidity 5.5 | RS 1.8 g/l

Additional information

Pair with roast lamb, game meat or aged gouda or cheddar.