A complex red blend of seven varieties with Cabernet Sauvignon in the driving seat, the 2016 vintage of Rietvallei Estate is the top wine in the Heritage Collection of special, very limited-quantity wines currently available from the farm in Robertson SA. Also in the mix are Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Tinta Barocca, Cinsault, Roobernet and Cabernet Franc – the percentages roughly in proportion to the plantings on the estate. Elegant. Alcohol 13.84%, Residual Sugar 3.5g/l, Total Acidity 6g/l, pH 3.44. R800pb ex-cellar.

Besides the flagships, however, what Rietvallei is perhaps best known for is the Classic Collection, a range of single-varietal wines that began with a Red Muscadel dessert and then grew in number, currently including a total of seven.

The 2023 vintage of Rietvallei Chardonnay is a full-bodied example of the variety, with excellent fruit and wood integration – the wine having spent eight months in second-fill 300L French oak barrels. According to the winemaker Kobus Burger’s tasting notes: “An expressive nose that is rich in citrus aromas and well complemented by the spicy, toasted oak notes derived from the barrel-fermentation.” Rich and creamy with a lingering finish. Alcohol 13.72%, Residual Sugar 2.2g/l, Total Acidity 6.8g/l, pH 3.35. R150pb ex-cellar.

Among the reds in the Classic Collection, the 2021 vintage of Rietvallei Cabernet Sauvignon is almost black in colour, matured in 300L French oak barrels for 12 months plus. “Lots of red and black fruit flavours infused with cherry, cassis and hints of coffee on the nose” – flavours that “follow through on the palate, together with black current and dark chocolate, ending with a toastiness, a touch of vanilla and soft, juicy tannins.” Alcohol 13.37%, Residual Sugar 2.8g/l, Total Acidity 5.9g/l, pH 3.56. R170pb ex-cellar.

The 2021 vintage of Rietvallei Shiraz underwent natural fermendtation (wild yeast) and spent around 12 months in 300L barrels, second- and third-fill. Intense ruby in colour, the berry flavours enhanced with a touch of pepper spice. Full-bodied and a smooth, lingering aftertaste. Alcohol 13.76%, Residual Sugar 2.8g/l, Total Acidity 5.7g/l, pH 3.38. R170pb ex-cellar.

And there’s more… The Heritage and Classic ranges are what the Burgers take greatest pride in at the Rietvallei cellar, but the family has always aspired to also produce different styles of easy-drinking everyday wines. There are the ‘Burger Family’ wines, also made using only grapes harvested from vineyards on the estate, and then there is ‘John B’, a range of wines suitable for any occasion.

Take the 2023 vintage of John B Merlot… Natural fermentation, relying on wild yeast, partly matured in old(er) 300L French oak barrels with a portion matured using oak staves in a stainless steel tank. “A very smooth wine with a soft, juicy tannin structure… Attractive red berry fruit on the nose that follows through on the palate with a touch of toasted oak.” Alcohol 12.87%, Residual Sugar 3.1g/l, Total Acidity 6.2g/l, pH 3.45. R75pb ex-cellar.

Or how about the 2022 John B Cabernet Sauvignon… Also natural fermentation, also matured for 12 months, partly in used 300L barrels and partly in tank with French oak staves, also sealed with a screwcap. “Attractive berry fruit flavours with a hint of oak spice.” Smooth palate. Lingering aftertaste. Alcohol 12.87%, Residual Sugar 3.1g/l, Total Acidity 6.2g/l, pH 3.45. R75pb ex-cellar.

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