2011 Rust en Vrede Cape Winemakers Guild Estate
Region: Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
This wine was a dark and opaque purple. The nose was full of chalk, cassis, and raspberries. As it opened up there came along some tobacco, and spices. Kind of like a cigar box. Palate was covered with cassis and blackberries, very thick. Moderate plus tannins (6.5) with a moderate body. Full long and lingering finish (10+ seconds easily) that had moderate plus drying intensity (7/10). Beautifully well balances and can easily integrate more but that does not mean you have to wait. Favorite wine of the dinner for sure, drank up against the 2012 Luddite Wines Niels Verburg and the 2010 Haskell Merlot Cape Winemakers Guild. Both excellent wines but just not up to par with the Rust en Vrede CWG Estate. This wine could easily last another 10+ years in the cellar.
Blend of Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot by Coenie Snyman. All fruit was destemmed and fermented separately. Aged for 22 months in French oak barrels. Only 66 cases produced with 42 cases auctioned in 2014.
2016 till 2028.
Price Point:
$$$$ - Purchased at the Butcher Shop in Johannesburg for around $130.00. Average bid at auction in 2014 was R6,295.24 ($105.00 a bottle) a case. Highest bid was R6,400.00 ($106.75 a bottle) and lowest bid was R6,200.00 ($103.41 a bottle).