Product Description
Varieties
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
The Vineyard
Mediterranean climate, with Rust en Vrede in a warmer microcosm within the Helderberg area.
This is why we focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which lend themselves to full bodied
wines with powerful structure. This Single Vineyard (Block 4) produces the highest quality
Cabernet Sauvignon on the Estate and comprises of two clones: 46C and CS163. Planted in
2000 in Tukulu soil which derives from Helderberg granite and Table Mountain sandstone, with
small deposits of iron stone, showing good water retention which allows for only moderate vine
stress during dry years. A higher amount of sandstone allows more drainage which results in
weaker growth and more intense wines, carefully monitored and supplemented by drip irrigation.
The Harvest
2017 saw the drought of the previous few years continuing. Very dry conditions with rainfall
well below average, along with cool spring conditions resulted in smaller berries. Careful
irrigation in the summer months was supplemented by rain just after véraison. Cool summer
nights dropping consistently below 20°C allowed grapes to ripen slowly, retaining acidity and
encouraging excellent formation of colour. Harvest at Rust en Vrede started on the 20th of
February 2017. The cooler vintage is bold, structured and intense with the various components
in the wines creating beautiful harmony.
Harvest Date: 24 & 27 March 2017
The Cellar
Made from a designated Single Vineyard (Block 4) these Estate-grown grapes are picked and
sorted by hand. Each harvest-parcel and individual clones are vinified separately. Clusters are
destemmed, crushed and pumped into open top fermentation tanks where they undergo a 14-
21-day maceration period involving a 7-day fermentation with pump-overs and manual punchdowns 2-4 times daily. Barrel maturation in 100% French oak barrels (50% new, 50% 2nd fill),
in 300l barrels for 22 months.
Alcohol 14.62%
pH 3.44
Acidity 6.56 g/l
Res. Sugar 1.54 g/l
Aging Potential
10 to 15 years.
