Rustenberg "1682" Red Blend

37% Merlot, 29% Shiraz, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

Vineyards had perfect canopies - allowing optimum light penetration for the ripening of bunches and development of good colour. 

Altitude: 300 - 420m
Distance from sea: 7 - 25km
Soil Type: Decomposed granite (Tukulu / Hutton) & Sale
Root Stock: R99; R110; 101-14
Age Of Vines: 10 - 21 years
Trellising: Vertical shoot-positioned
Pruning: 2-Bud Spur-pruning
Irrigation: Drip irrigation

Although we had a dry winter, there was plenty of water when required in the hot summer months to get the vineyards to mature naturally without undue stress.

At harvest, perfect phenolic ripeness with lovely soft, ripe tannins was achieved. The berries came in at lovely low sugars due to cool conditions at harvest, awesome colour and great quality berries.

Harvested: Mid-February - end March 2011

Grape analysis
Total Acidity: 4.75 - 6.75g/l  |  pH: 3.40 - 3.68  |  Sugar: 24.9° - 25.4° Balling

Primary fermentation occurred in tanks, followed by Malolactic Fermentation (MLF) and maturation in French and American barrels.

Oak Used: 2nd-fill French and American barrels for 9 months