Red Blend "Estate" Rust en Vrede, Stellenbosch, ZA, 2015

 For 321 years Rust en Vrede has stood peacefully among the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Through centuries there were periods when wine was produced, but for the last 32 years our family have specialized in producing only red wine with the focus on Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot. “The 2012 Estate Red is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Shiraz and 8% Merlot. That Shiraz component drives the nose with perfumed, pressed violet aromas dominating over any cedar and tobacco scents presumably imparted by the Bordeaux varieties. The palate is certainly well balanced with supple, lightly spiced red fruit with a grainy texture, touches of leather and spice infusing the satisfying finish. You could broach this now, or wait a couple more years for it to develop more