I've been a longtime fan of the wines of Rustenberg, one of South Africa's oldest and most respected estates. Their 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is one for the ages, as it shows many of the attributes and style markers of a much more expensive Bordeaux or mountain-grown Cab. I love the elegance, the complexity, and the pretty perfume it delivers at less than $30.
In a blind tasting format, I could easily be tricked into thinking this was a St. Julien or St. Estephe, as it presents a wonderful mix of blackcurrant, mint, tobacco, and cedar on the nose and the fresh and fine-grained palate. My staff and I sampled this last week, and we were all blown away.
If you love Old World, Bordeaux-styled Cabs, you are going to freak out when you get this beautiful and noble red into your glass.
2022 Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch
Why should you buy it?
- I used to sell Rustenberg wines before I opened Table Wine. That was over 15 years ago, and the price of their Cabernet Sauvignon has not changed. The vines have gotten older, the wine has gotten more sophisticated, and everything about it screams $50+. Trust me!
- Founded in 1682, this is one of the grand old estates of Stellenbosch, South Africa's most important wine region. It's essentially the Napa Valley of the country, and its hot days and cool nights are ideal for quality wine production.
- Rustenberg's Cab vineyards are located on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, and all of the vines were imported from Bordeaux. High above the Stellenbosch valley floor, these vines get optimal sunshine, but it cools down substantially at night. This provides for a ripe yet fresh and vivid Cabernet.
- Grapes are hand-harvested, and the wine is aged for 15 months in a mix of new and old French oak barriques. The finished wine drinks with pure class and pedigree, and it will drink well now and over the next 10-12 years.
If ever there were a wine to pair with lamb and mint sauce, this is it! Drinking it reminds me that they've been making award-winning wines in South Africa for "a bit." Gorgeous stuff you all, get some before it's gone!
