Congratulations! You've stumbled on to one of South Africa's iconic wines. The Rust en Vrede is one of our top five bottles that can single-handedly turn any wine lover into a South African wine enthusiast. Crafted with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot grown on the Rust en Vrede Estate in Stellenbosch, this could pass for a top Bordeaux or blue-chip California Cabernet, combined with a structured Cornas from the northern Rhone. With radiant aromas of tobacco, dark fruit, chocolate, granite, and blue flowers, the Rust en Vrede exudes structured-yet-supple flavors of cassis, black olive, subtle oak, and a piercing beam of fresh raspberry fruit that lingers throughout the finish. Yes, this is very enjoyable on its own. However, do yourself a favor and enjoy this beauty from the appropriate stemware with the hearty meal of your choice. We'd suggest a porterhouse for two with potato gratin or slow-braised short ribs served with a heap of lightly dressed arugula dusted with Parmigiano Reggiano.