Rietvallei 1908 Muscadel 2021 375ml

Rietvallei Wine Estate lies in the Robertson Wine Valley, where the Burger family has farmed since 1864. The 1908 Muscadel is made exclusively from the estate's oldest Muscadel vines, planted in 1908 by the second generation of the Burger family. The tiny vineyard covers only around a quarter of a hectare and consists of low-yielding bush vines more than a century old, producing naturally concentrated fruit. The wine is still made according to the original Burger family recipe, with traditional techniques retained through generations. The 2021 grapes were hand harvested at 28° Balling, given two days of skin contact and then fortified with pure wine spirit once fermentation became established. After six months on the primary lees, the wine spent a further 17 months in 15+ year-old 500-litre French oak barrels on the fine lees. This extended maturation allows the spirit and wine to integrate while adding depth and complexity without overwhelming the distinctive Muscadel fruit.

Colour: Deep ruby-red with a rich, youthful crimson hue.
Nose: Intensely fragrant, with ripe Muscat grape, raisins and dried red fruit leading into floral notes, Turkish delight, honey and gentle spice. Subtle oak-derived vanilla and dried-fruit complexity sit beneath the aromatic fruit.
Palate: Full-bodied, rich and lusciously sweet, with flavours of ripe raisins, sultanas, dried berries and Muscat grape. Despite its substantial 198.9 g/L residual sugar, fresh acidity provides an important counterpoint, keeping the wine lively and preventing the sweetness from becoming heavy. The extended maturation adds gentle spice, dried-fruit depth and a rounded texture.
Finish: Exceptionally long and lingering, with raisiny sweetness, floral Muscadel character, dried fruit and a gentle spicy warmth.