2019 Rust en Vrede - Cabernet Sauvignon

Full bottle 1,462 g. Mediterranean climate in the Helderberg area. The north-facing vineyards are planted in Tukulu soil, derived from Helderberg granite and Table Mountain sandstone with small deposits of ironstone that are good for water retention, which is carefully monitored and supplemented by drip irrigation. Parcels and clones are all grown on the Engelbrechts' red-wine-focused estate and are vinified separately. Harvested grapes are destemmed, crushed and pumped into open-top fermenters where they undergo a 21-day maceration period involving a seven-day fermentation with pumpovers and manual punchdowns two to four times daily. Barrel maturation in 100% French oak barrels (20% new, 20% second-fill, 20% third-fill, 40% fourth-fill), in 300-litre barrels for 18 months. Mid garnet. Complex nose and palate with a sophisticated dry finish. Definitely needs food, this is bone dry but is well balanced and confident. Knows what it's doing even if it doesn't woo the drinker with easy charm. Long. You could easily take this for a (slightly old-fashioned, or 20th-century) red bordeaux. (JR)