Rustenberg Malbec 2021

Rustenberg Malbec, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2021 

Grape: 100% Malbec, aged 15 months in oak, egg white fining

Producer Tasting Note:

Malbec has found a welcoming home in Stellenbosch, flourishing along with the other Bordeaux red varietals for which the region is renowned. The variety is best known for producing very expressive wines that are more approachable in their youth than Cabernet and Merlot, medium-bodied with fine tannins and having a generous mid-palate. Rustenberg's Malbec exhibits very attractive purple hues with dark fruit flavours such as plum, blackberry and violets, along with pepper and tobacco. As the wine ages it will reveal a more savoury fruit profile.

Grapes were hand picked and crushed and de-stemmed on arriving at the winery. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks with regular pump-overs and an extended maceration of up to seven days. After primary fermentation the wine was transferred to 10% new and 90% second-, third- and fourth-fill French 225L oak barrels for 15 months’ maturation.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Smoky nose of dark plums and black cherries. Rich and ample in the mouth, deep and flavourful."

88/100 points, Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022

"Vibrant, lifted black cherries & blueberry compote, really youthful, primary and delicate."

Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge, 2023

Also awarded 91/100 points by Tim Atkin MW

A wine to enjoy on its own, or with a wide variety of roasted meats, Italian fare, or mushroom based dishes.