John X Merriman 2018

Rustenberg, fact sheet (rustenberg.co.za – linket fra rustenberg.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2018 Rustenberg John X Merriman – område: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch; 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec; alkohol 14%; fadlagring 20 måneder, 35% nye fade. Producentens noter (engelsk): Introduction: This wine is named after a former owner of Rustenberg, John Xavier Merriman, who bought the farm in 1892 in sympathy with farmers suffering from the phylloxera crisis. He played a great role in revitalizing Rustenberg and in promoting the tourism and agricultural value of Ida’s Valley, the area close to the town of Stellenbosch in which Rustenberg is situated. The John X Merriman is Rustenberg's Estate wine, a blend of Bordeaux varietals that illustrate the ageability and true expression of Rustenberg's finest vineyards. We recommend decanting this wine before serving. Vintage: This vintage was impacted by the fourth year of the ongoing drought in the region. The 2017 Winter was cold and dry, followed by a dry Spring and Summer, with bouts of unusual weather. A number of thunder storms resulted in a late onset of additional vigour in the vineyards. Unsettled weather and wind during flowering, along with a freak hail storm and low levels of soil moisture decreased yields by 20% to 50%. The harvest began closer to its average start date and the smaller berries and bunches yielded lower juice volumes per ton. The lower yields resulted in the wines showing excellent concentration and body, producing rich, robust reds and fruit forward, expressive whites and rosé. Vineyards/winemaking: Extraction Method Crushed and Destemmed Fruit, Pumped Over During Ferment Fermentation Vessel Stainless Steel Tanks Yeast Cultured Active Dry Wine Yeast Extended Maceration For +- 7 days Oak Aging 100% aged for 20 Months Age and Type of Oak 35% New French Barriques; 65% 2nd & 3rd fill Fining Agents Used Egg White (Albumen)