Rust en Vrede's flagship Estate Blend is a classic Bordeaux-inspired wine composed of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, and 9% Merlot, aged for 22 months in French oak (40% new). The 2018 vintage reflects the estate's signature style, combining Cabernet's structure with Syrah's spice and Merlot's plush texture.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby with garnet highlights.
Aromas: Rich cassis, mulberry, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, black cherry, cracked pepper, mocha, sandalwood, leather, and Christmas cake spices.
Palate: Full-bodied and layered with flavors of black currant, ripe cherry, plum, dark chocolate, licorice, cedar, and baking spices. Firm yet polished tannins are balanced by vibrant acidity, giving the wine both power and elegance.
Finish: Long, dry, and persistent with lingering dark fruit, tobacco, spice, and graphite, indicating excellent aging potential.
Food Pairings
- Grilled ribeye or porterhouse
- Braised beef short ribs
- Herb-crusted lamb
- Venison
- Aged cheddar or Gouda
- Wild mushroom dishes
Professional Ratings
- 92 Points – Wine Spectator: "Fresh and focused... ripe red currant and raspberry fruit with bay leaf, black pepper and fine-grained tannins."
Overall Review
The 2018 Rust en Vrede Estate is one of Stellenbosch's benchmark Bordeaux-style blends, offering impressive depth, complexity, and value. Concentrated dark fruit, savory spice, and refined oak are framed by structured tannins that will reward 10–15 years of cellaring. A polished, age-worthy South African red that consistently overdelivers.
Winemaker Notes
Rich cassis and mulberry with cedar and tobacco reveal Cabernet as the backbone to the blend, after which fresh red and black cherry with black pepper spice show the Syrah component. Intense fruit flavors are layered with mocha, Christmas cake, sandalwood and leather, bringing complexity to the wine. Fresh, fruity acidity balances the firm, coating tannins, culminating in a clean, dry finish that indicates good aging potential.
Blend: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Syrah, 9% Merlot
