Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/551222
62 / the tasting panel / august 2015 Almost 300 years before Napa Valley winemakers would trump the French in the 1976 Paris Tasting, the Rust en Vrede estate was established, but it wouldn't be until a year after the Paris Tasting that the Engelbrecht family would become proprietors, in 1977. Though the Engelbrecht family had been growing grapes since the 1700s, they hadn't produced any of their own wines. Jannie Engelbrecht produced the family's first vintage in 1978, and then appointed Kevin Arnold as Cellar Master. Jean Engelbrecht, Jannie's son, manages the estate today and has become known as a global wine ambas- sador for the country. Situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Franschhoek, Rust en Vrede has since proven itself a leading force in South Africa's wine revolution. Vineyards mostly face north and enjoy protection from strong Atlantic winds by surround- ing Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountains, creating a slightly warmer microclimate in the Helderberg area. The name Rust en Vrede means "rest and peace" in the native South African dialect, and this family-owned winery has chosen to specialize in the produc- tion of terroir-specific, estate-grown red wines, effectively carving out a big slice of the luxury wine category in South Africa. Today, Jean Engelbrecht and wine- maker Coenie Snyman produce 20,000 cases of wine, of which more than half is distributed around the globe. Rust en Vrede's eponymous restaurant is a local legend and has chalked up a "Best Wine List in Africa and the Middle East" accolade from The World of Fine Wine. Look for the Rust en Vrede 2011 Estate ($48), a red blend from Stellenbosch grown in "Tukulu" soils— a mixture of decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot, and boasts dark fruit and roasted spices, rich dark chocolate character, liquorice and subtle vanilla aromas. In 1988, coming off of the success of Rust en Vrede, Jean Engelbrecht decided to create Guardian Peak, a portfolio of wines that would appeal to the trade-up consumer looking to try new wines from an exciting wine region. The brand takes its name from the highest peak in the Stellenbosch Mountain range and offers classic varietals at value price points. Favorites are the Guardian Peak 2013 Frontier Cabernet Sauvignon ($14) and the Guardian Peak 2013 Shiraz ($14), both aged in a combination of French and American oak. The Frontier Cabernet boasts complex plum and subtle blueberry notes, red fruit flavors, underscored by a toasty hazelnut character—a rich and juicy mid-palate leads to a generous finish. The Shiraz offers supple ripe red fruit notes, mocha and a creamy mid-palate and richness that makes it a great companion for an array of braised meats and hearty-fare dishes. Rust en Vrede and Guardian Peak neries Jean Engelbrecht in front of the Manor House at Rust en Vrede.