John X Merriman 2019

Rustenberg, fact sheet (rustenberg.co.za – linket fra rustenberg.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2019 Rustenberg John X Merriman – område: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch; 43.5% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 7.5% Petit Verdot; 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: 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. 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)