Since 1981, Rust en Vrede has been making red wine only and
there Estate wine is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz and 9%
Merlot. Maturation took place in 50% French and 50% American oak for 23 months,
blending took place 3 weeks before bottling. A further 18 months in bottle
before release with alcohol coming in at 15%.
The strong Cabernet component comes through on the nose with
lovely aromas of black cherry, plum, cassis, pine needles, wood spices, smoke
and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with great flavours of
black fruit, coffee and savoury spices, light acidity, rounded tannins but hot
from the alcohol. Decent length on the finish, great flavours initially but
then again, the hot alcohol quitly kills the flavours. There is no doubt that there is a lot of
effort that went into making this wine; I just wish the alcohol wasn’t over the
top. It makes this wine a little un-balance.
I strongly recommend decanting for at least one hour before serving. I
was left a bit disappointed, was expecting much better. Score 89 points.
Purchased September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release (997742) at
$37.95
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