Rust en Vrede

Estate Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

9.1116 ratings
9.015 pro ratings
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot
Top Notes For
Bob McDonald

Dense Ruby - opaque. Very Cabernet - cassis, mulberry and spice. Hard to pick as an identifiably South African Cabernet from the few Stellenbosch Cabs I have had. I have had similar Australian Cabernets. It is of a similar high standard. 2009 was a great vintage in many parts of the world as it was in Stellenbosch. The next day mulberry and soft tannins - a chocolate nuance - very mellow. I wanted to introduce the kids to South African Cabernets.

Dense Ruby - opaque. Very Cabernet - cassis, mulberry and spice. Hard to pick as an identifiably South African Cabernet from the few Stellenbosch Cabs I have had. I have had similar Australian Cabernets. It is of a similar high standard. 2009 was a great vintage in many parts of the world as it was in Stellenbosch. The next day mulberry and soft tannins - a chocolate nuance - very mellow. I wanted to introduce the kids to South African Cabernets.

Feb 26th, 2022
Martin Bergo

Dark almost inky purple/red color; Strict but powerful nose of semiripe black currant, blueberries and mulberries, and graphite shavings and green herbs and paprika; despite medium acids, tannins, and overall structure, the wine is mouth filling snd satisfying driven by black fruit flavors and reminds me of a good quality Malbec/Tannat. Interesting and well made; nice with Danish, French cheeses and north Italian ham.

Dark almost inky purple/red color; Strict but powerful nose of semiripe black currant, blueberries and mulberries, and graphite shavings and green herbs and paprika; despite medium acids, tannins, and overall structure, the wine is mouth filling snd satisfying driven by black fruit flavors and reminds me of a good quality Malbec/Tannat. Interesting and well made; nice with Danish, French cheeses and north Italian ham.

Mar 5th, 2021
Allison Lyzenga

Huge day tasting in Stellenbosch, so no complete notes; high acid, ripe red fruit, green pepper

Huge day tasting in Stellenbosch, so no complete notes; high acid, ripe red fruit, green pepper

Feb 16th, 2020
Aaron Means

Red berry marmalade, eucalyptus, cedar, loam.

Red berry marmalade, eucalyptus, cedar, loam.

Oct 4th, 2017
Dan Fredman

Chef Sommelier World of Pinot Noir

9.7

Like an international wine tour- Bordeaux-like on opening, heads sub-equatorial with a hit of air, but more Chilean or Argentine (Michalene calls it as Carmenere) than S Africa.
Pyrazines remind me of northern Italy cabernet but syrah adds midpalate weight, but not in Barossa or Coonawarra proportions. This is one of the most interesting and compelling cabernet based wines I've had in a long time. Worth seeking out if the provenance is good.

Like an international wine tour- Bordeaux-like on opening, heads sub-equatorial with a hit of air, but more Chilean or Argentine (Michalene calls it as Carmenere) than S Africa.
Pyrazines remind me of northern Italy cabernet but syrah adds midpalate weight, but not in Barossa or Coonawarra proportions. This is one of the most interesting and compelling cabernet based wines I've had in a long time. Worth seeking out if the provenance is good.

1 person found it helpfulJan 27th, 2015
Stewart Crick

Heavy tannin, but should soften with time

Heavy tannin, but should soften with time

1 person found it helpfulMay 9th, 2014
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

8.8

Super dark garnet red. Dark fruits on the nose with both blue and black. Some cocoa spices and sweet tobacco too. Medium velvety tannins (6.5/10) with solid acidity and medium bodied. Definitely fruiter than expected with cassis and black fruits, a touch green in the medium plus finish. Drink till 2024.

Super dark garnet red. Dark fruits on the nose with both blue and black. Some cocoa spices and sweet tobacco too. Medium velvety tannins (6.5/10) with solid acidity and medium bodied. Definitely fruiter than expected with cassis and black fruits, a touch green in the medium plus finish. Drink till 2024.

May 23rd, 2017
Michael Meagher MS

Chairman/Founder Boston Sommelier Society, Beverage Director Cafe Escadrille

9.3

@gibbethillgrill for a late birthday dinner. Lovely #southafricanwine from @rustenvrede

@gibbethillgrill for a late birthday dinner. Lovely #southafricanwine from @rustenvrede

Nov 6th, 2016
Kurt-Inge Eklund

The 30% Shiraz is dominating this wine but in a nice way.

The 30% Shiraz is dominating this wine but in a nice way.

Sep 25th, 2016
Eric Hwang

Blackberry and cigar box aromas at first. Then tobacco, moist earth with flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry, cassis, and saddle leather on the finish. Medium bodied, a bit hot but smooth and soft. Glad this was the last wine of the day...palate fatigue.

Blackberry and cigar box aromas at first. Then tobacco, moist earth with flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry, cassis, and saddle leather on the finish. Medium bodied, a bit hot but smooth and soft. Glad this was the last wine of the day...palate fatigue.

Jul 21st, 2016