Rietvallei Esteanna 2023

Rietvallei Wine Estate is a historic family-owned estate in the Robertson Wine Valley, where the Burger family has farmed since 1864. The estate's vineyards benefit from the warm, dry Robertson climate and distinctive calcareous soils, with the family placing particular emphasis on careful vineyard management and allowing the character of the site to come through in the finished wine. Owner and winemaker Kobus Burger continues this family tradition today. Rietvallei Estéanna 2023 is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from vines planted in 1998 on a north-west-facing slope in lime-rich red Karoo soil with a high concentration of river stones, while the Cabernet Franc comes from a 2003 vineyard planted in rich calcareous soil. These sites are managed for naturally low yields and concentrated fruit. The grapes were harvested at optimum ripeness and fermented naturally with wild yeast. After fermentation, the wine remained on its skins for a further five days before undergoing malolactic fermentation and spending 24 months in new 300-litre French oak barrels. The final blend was made after barrel maturation, giving the wine time to integrate its fruit, tannin and oak.

Colour: Deep ruby red with a dark, youthful core.
Nose: Ripe blackcurrant and cherry lead the aromatics, followed by toasted oak, vanilla and a subtle dark-chocolate character. Cabernet Franc brings a gentle savoury edge beneath the ripe fruit.
Palate: Full-bodied and richly textured, with layers of blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum supported by firm but sumptuous tannins. The 24 months in French oak adds toast, vanilla and spice, while fresh acidity keeps the wine focused. Despite its richness, the fruit remains at the centre of the wine and the oak is well integrated.
Finish: Long and persistent, with dark fruit, toasted oak, vanilla and dark chocolate lingering alongside fine-grained tannins.