Rich aromas of red and black fruits, cedar, and clove, with lively acidity and velvety tannins. Outstanding balance of oak integration and fruit weight, with a long finish. Aging Potential 10 – 15 years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions.
The 2021 vintage was produced with the challenges of COVID-19 ever-present. The cold winter of 2020 started late, with plenty of rain. The cool and wet conditions extended well into spring, through summer and much of the harvest season. The result of these conditions was slow, steady, stress-free vineyard growth and fruit development.
White grape yields were lower than average due to the impact of the weather during critical stages of fruit development. The white wines from the vintage ripened two weeks later than in 2020 and achieved full ripeness at lower sugar levels; producing wines with lower alcohols, excellent acidity, and brilliant flavor development. Yields were higher than average in the reds and the slow ripening season saw excellent flavour and tannin development. These well-structured wines with moderate alcohols and good acidity should show plenty of potential to age.
Winemaker: Randolph Christians
White grape yields were lower than average due to the impact of the weather during critical stages of fruit development. The white wines from the vintage ripened two weeks later than in 2020 and achieved full ripeness at lower sugar levels; producing wines with lower alcohols, excellent acidity, and brilliant flavor development. Yields were higher than average in the reds and the slow ripening season saw excellent flavour and tannin development. These well-structured wines with moderate alcohols and good acidity should show plenty of potential to age.
Winemaker: Randolph Christians
Founded in 1682 and nestled in the valley of the Simonsberg in South Africa’s premium wine region, Stellenbosch. Rustenberg’s rich heritage and ethos has been informed by many centuries of human influence striving to understand and work with nature to produce wines of distinct character true to their terrior, variety and informed style.
