Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc is grown at some of the highest altitudes that vineyards are grown at in the Stellenbosch region; just over 550m above sea level, right against the Simonsberg Mountain.
- The cooling effect of altitude and the oceanic breeze blowing off False Bay and Table Bay which are both within line of sight of the vineyards, combined with the vineyards being planted on West facing slopes make this ideal for the production of a full flavored, more tropical styled Sauvignon Blanc.
- Grown on soils consisting of decomposed granite and shale and produced without the influence of oak the wines are aged on their lees for further palate weight and complexity to balance out the wines’ natural acidity.
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Elaboration: After harvest, the fruit is crushed, de-stemmed and pressed. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine ages for 2-3 months on the lees before being bottled.
Tasting Notes: Tropical fruits, melon and gooseberry, with underlying tones of pineapple and passion fruit sustained on a fresh, crisp and well-balanced palate with prodigious length.
PRESS
2020 – 90 Wine Spectators
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
In 1941 Peter and Pamela Barlow bought Rustenberg, later acquiring Schoongezicht and reuniting the properties. Their son Simon took over the running of the farm in 1987. Simon’s son, Murray, joined in the running of the farm with his father in 2012. The Barlows have been at Rustenberg for over 70 years: the longest period any one family has the farm.
The Rustenberg Estate stands on an impressive 880 hectares against the iconic Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. When standing in the high vineyards of the Estate, the entire vista of Stellenbosch is revealed, with a glimpse of Table Mountain in the distance. Of the 880 hectares making up the Estate, 110 hectares are under vine (with plans to plant some more vines in the next year or so), 200 hectares making up the beautiful pastures and farmland for their cattle to graze on, a portion hosts the historical farm and winery buildings and other structures, and the rest of Rustenberg is comprised of conservation land, made up of natural “fynbos” (the indigenous flora of the Cape) and a myriad of wildlife (including porcupines, caracals, and cape leopard) .