Rust en Vrede Estate 2020

In the vineyard

The vintage of 2018 was challenging as it was the fourth consecutive year of drought, with very dry conditions and 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 at the end of February meant longer hang time, allowing further flavour development. Despite irrigation challenges and a smaller crop, 2018 bodes very well for high-quality wines. Rust en Vrede has a Mediterranean climate with very low rainfall during the 2018 vintage growing season. Rust en Vrede is a warmer microcosm in the Helderberg area. This is why we specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which lend themselves to full- bodied wines with powerful structure. Our north-facing vineyards are planted on Tukulu soil, derived from Helderberg granite and Table Mountain sandstone. Small deposits of ironstone show good water retention, which allows for only moderate vine stress during dry years. A higher amount of sandstone allows more drainage resulting in weaker growth and more intense wines, carefully monitored and supplemented by drip irrigation.