The Estate
This wine is sourced from a unique vineyard site on the estate. Previously the “Rustenberg Stellenbosch Syrah”, the “Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah” is named for the Jackal and Steppe Buzzards which can be seen circling the thermal currents which rise above the ravine (kloof), within which the Syrah vineyard is situated.

The Rustenberg Estate was founded in 1682 and is nestled in the valley of the Simonsberg Mountain in South Africa’s premium wine region, Stellenbosch. Rustenberg’s rich heritage and ethos has been informed by many centuries of human influence striving to understand and work with nature to produce wines of distinct character true to their terroir, variety and informed style.

Controlled irrigation is used when necessary to alleviate stressed vines and maximise the quality of our grapes. All grapes are hand-harvested in the early mornings and all vineyard blocks vinified separately, then blended for added complexity. There is no set formula – the blend depends on the vintage.

Even sections within a vineyard are monitored according to the acid/pH levels, natural sugar levels and flavour of the grapes, which are often picked over a two-week period to optimise ripeness and quality of the wines such as the Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah

Cultivation of the Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah at Rustenberg is relatively new, considering the Estate’s history, with the variety first being planted in the late 1990’s on the property. The Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah vineyard site is planted in one of the coolest and least sun exposed slopes on Rustenberg, resulting in a long, late ripening process.

The vineyard consistently produces the most well-structured and full-bodied Syrah on the estate, characterised by gamey, spicy aromas and flavours showing more savoury than sweet fruit complexity with a solid tannin structure and full body.

Tasting Note
On the nose
The wine exhibits an enticing nose of pepper, violets and ripe berry fruits.

On the palate
Gamey, spicy aromas and flavours showing more savoury than sweet fruit complexity with a solid tannin structure and full body.

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