great grog

RUSTENBERG JOHN X MERRIMAN 2021

£17.99

Stellenbosch. **** Platter rated …terrific Bordeaux blend with rich dark fruit, plums, cigar and cedar notes.

In stock

SKU: 00230 Categories: ,

Description

This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot is unashamedly Old World in stylistic aspiration, though it is a bit easier to approach in youth. Rich and robust with black fruit and earthy notes but veins of sweet oak that softens the palette making it a pleasure to drink.

GRAPE Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot CLOSURE Screwcap
REGION Simmonsberg, Stellenbosch VEGETARIAN Yes
VINTAGE 2021 VEGAN No
ABV 14% ORGANIC No

 

DRY    |________*________|________|________|     SWEET

LIGHT  |________|________|________*________|     FULL BODIED

NO OAK    | ________|________|________|________*    OAKY

Additional information

Rustenberg Estate

Recognised globally as one of South Africa’s top five wine estates, Rustenberg is also one of the oldest in the Cape. In 1941 the Rustenberg Farm, which sits 6km north of Stellenbosch, was bought by Peter Barlow. The Barlows have been at Rustenberg for over 75 years: the longest period any one family has owned the farm with Simon Barlow taking over the running of the farm in 1987, and Murray, his son, now involved with winemaking and marketing.

Vineyards producing the grapes for Rustenberg wines climb the rich red slopes of the Simonsberg and Helderberg; a range of slopes and aspects allows site-specific plantings that enhance varietal characteristics. With a long and very proud history of producing exceptional wines, Rustenberg’s winemaking style is simple: produce quality wines true to the style of the estate and the brand.
Production

Vintage conditions
The 2019 vintage was a challenging one for the Rustenberg team. While the winter of 2018 was a welcome break from the previous four winters of drought, most vineyards had not fully recovered and produced below average yields. A warm snap in June and a wet spring, coupled with a wetter than average summer harvesting season made 2019 a challenge, with some late harvest thinning or multiple harvests of the same vineyard required to achieve uniformity. Early and mid-season ripening varieties performed well, all achieving flavour ripeness at lower alcohol levels, while late ripening varieties required patience and extended time on the vines, again achieving lower alcohols overall, but creating ripe, structured wines.

Vinification details
Grapes were hand-picked and crushed and de-stemmed on arriving at the winery. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks with regular pump overs and an extended maceration of up to seven days. After primary fermentation the wine was transferred to oak barriques (35% new French; 65% second- and third-fill) for 20 months’ maturation.

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