Grapes for the Anthonij Rupert Main Blend 2013 were harvested between 14 February 2013 and 15 March 2013 from vineyards with an average yield of 7 tons per hectare. Grapes were picked at optimal ripeness in small 18kg lug boxes, stored in a cold room at 5°C, destemmed and then sorted with an optical sorter that scans for colour and size, with only the best going into tank for fermentation. Fermentation happens in 10-ton French oak fermenters and in 225-litre French oak barrels, with time on the skins between 21 and 32 days. Matured in 225-litre French oak barrels, 85% new and 15% 2nd-fill. All the different vineyard blocks are made and aged separately for 16 months. A barrel selection is then done to pick the very best that will work for this blend. After the blend was made it was taken back to the same barrels for another 6 months. Bottling after 24 months in barrel was done with gravity, and the bottles cellared for extensive bottle ageing before release into the market. Bottled at 14.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)
Nose: A complex bouquet of black berry fruits, rich fruitcake, tobacco, herbs and even a subtle note of violets.
Palate: The palate is superbly refined, elegant and poised with the rounded rich black cherry, plum and cassis notes countered by spice, cedar and deeper leather and tobacco leaf/cigar box flavours.
Finish: Complex, long and richly rewarding.
