2001 Rustenberg Peter Barlow

BY NEAL MARTIN | AUGUST 19, 2024

The 2001 Peter Barlow from Rustenberg was poured blind at a comparative tasting of South African Cabernets against Bordeaux during this year’s visit. The Peter Barlow acquitted itself admirably, even here, pitted against an impressive 2001 Léoville Las-Cases. The Peter Barlow is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate’s oldest vines, named after the man who bought the property back in 1941. This vintage was made by his son, Simon Barlow, while his grandson, Murray, has been the winemaker since 2012.

The 2001 was matured entirely in new French oak for 24 months, common practice at that time, whereas recent vintages are matured in around 60% new wood. At 23-years of age, it offers mainly red fruit tinged with peppermint, a trait that differentiated it from the Saint-Julien. With touches of loam and crushed violet, it becomes pretty pungent with time, that floral element accentuated by aeration. The palate is sweet but not cloying, a medicinal Cabernet with plenty of flesh towards the finish with just a hint of dryness. It is not the most complex Peter Barlow I have encountered, but I was impressed by this showing, proving that South Africa’s best wines can age in bottle as well as anyone’s. 91/Drink 2024-2036.