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Rust en Vrede 1694

on Dec 24, 2020

This being my last write up of 2020, I admittedly acted a little selfish in choosing a wine farm and specifically a wine that is way up there on my personal favourites list. I have very fond memories of this estate, going way back when.

Nestled in the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains, roughly about a twenty-minute drive from Stellenbosch, you will find Rust en Vrede Wine Estate. Directly translated – “Rest and Peace”.

Since being restored in 1977/78 by Jannie Engelbrecht and his wife Ellen, the Estate has been synonymous with the production of EXCEPTIONAL red wines and great cuisine served from the restaurant on the Estate. In 1993 Rust and Vrede wines were selected by President Nelson Mandela to be served at the Nobel Peace Prize dinner. The farm has played host to the Queen of Denmark, hosting her for lunch at Manor House. The restaurant opened its doors in 2007 and two years later, was named among the top 200 Restaurants in the World by San Pellegrino. Currently, Chef Fabio Daniel continues in the footsteps of his predecessors David Hicks and John Shuttleworth preparing world class cuisine paired with the award-winning wines from the Estate.

But let us get back to business and focus on why we are here. WINE!! The vineyards are perfectly shielded from the well-known South Easterly “Kaapse Doctor” as well as the South Westerly blowing from the ocean which creates a warmer Mediterranean climate with a larger number of sunshine hours and fertile soils with great drainage. This is best suited for late ripening and late maturing grape varieties such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In 2019, over and above numerous other wine accolades and awards throughout the years, three Rust en Vrede wines were chosen as Wine of the Year in their respective categories by Platter. Rust en Vrede Estate 2016, Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and the 1694 Classification 2016, the “chosen one”.

On 12 March 1694, the farm Rust en Vrede was officially granted by the Governor of the Cape. This wine (1694 Classification) honours the previous custodians of the Estate. It is produced from the highest quality, designated Single Vineyards of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an exceptionally well-structured wine and with only 4620 bottles made, it is definitely worth trying to get your hands on one of these.

Wine maker Coenie Snyman describes it best, “Together in the bottle, Rust en Vrede’s two single vineyards – Syrah (majority) and Cabernet Sauvignon – sing and dance.” As mentioned, majority Syrah 61% and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, nuances, and trademarks of each are clear and abundant on the nose and palate.

On the nose - black pepper, violets and liquorice (Syrah). Leather, black cherries, moist earth (Cabernet Sauvignon). On the palate - dark fruit and herb undertones synonymous with both Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Oak very own to Cabernet Sauvignon. Liquorice, black olive and violets associated with Syrah similar to what is experienced on the nose. Ready to drink now, the wine however does have a 10 – 15 year aging potential IF you can wait that long.

Pairing this wine, I have decided on lamb. Reason being that both Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon pairs very well with lamb. The dish? Garlic, rosemary and thyme marinated lamb chops grilled on an open fire to medium rare perfection. Baked potato wrapped in tin foil and cooked in open coals served with Crème Fraiche. Corn on the cob grilled on the open fire basted with chilli butter. For those looking for something green - zucchini, feta and mint salad as a side. Green and fresh. Traditional, tasty and easy to prepare. Simple yet fit for a king (or the Queen of Denmark if she is interested.) Bon Appetit.

It has been a privilege being able to share some of the Sabi Sabi Cellar wines with you over the last few months. As mentioned in the beginning this will be the last write up for the year. So...until we meet somewhere in the African bush over a glass of wine, stay safe and keep wine – “ing” Remember... “So many wines, so little time” Cheers until next time.

Stefs Guide To Wine 18 Rust En Vrede 1694 Final
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