2018 RUSTENBERG Straw Wine, Lea & Sandeman

RUSTENBERG

2018 Straw Wine

Grapes Chenin Blanc
Origin South Africa, Stellenbosch
ABV 10%

A South African version of what the French would call a vin de paille, this gorgeous dessert wine is made from grapes dried on straw mats in the Cape sun, tasting like sweet ripe apricots stored in a luscious syrup of orange blossom honey. David Williams, The Observer (Dec 2019)


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After picking the grapes are laid out on woven straw mats next to the winery to dry in the sunshine and intensify their flavour and sweetness (hence the name). The results are incredibly satisfying as the acidity is concentrated along withthe sugars. Sweet, yet still bright, fresh and complex, with honeyed characters and hints of lemon. Exotic and mouthwatering.L&S (Nov 2019)

Chenin Blanc and 18% Viognier are the grapes here - it normally has a little Crouchen too, but not in 2018 - producing an exotic, unwooded style with pear and orange zest flavours and 210 grams of sugar balanced by acidity. Drinking range: 2020 - 2024 Rating: 92 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Sept 2019)

This vintage was impacted by the fourth year of the ongoing drought in the region but the lower yields resulted in the wines showing excellent concentration and body. Luscious raisin, honey and green mango fruit on the nose and palate with a wonderfully refreshing sugar and acid balance make this a wine to be enjoyed on its own and with both sweet and savoury desserts.Winemaker's notes (Sept 2019)

Rustenberg

Vineyards producing the grapes for Rustenberg's wines climb the rich red slopes of the Simonsberg and Helderberg. The style of wine determines the vineyard to be used: Rustenberg has a history of success with reds.

The viticulturist, Nico Walters, and his dedicated team have been working hard to rejuvenate their vineyards by planting virus-free vines imported from France. A small-scale nursery has been started for propagation, providing available rootstock for upgrading, replanting and experimentation. Controlled irrigation is used when necessary to alleviate stressed vines and maximise the quality of the grapes. All grapes are hand-harvested in the early mornings and all vineyard blocks vinified separately, then blended for added complexity.

This wine isn't currently part of a mixed case, but you can always browse our full selection of mixed cases here.
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