John X Merriman 2021

Rustenberg, fact sheet (rustenberg.co.za – linket fra rustenberg.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2021 Rustenberg John X Merriman – område: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch; 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 11% Malbec, 6% 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 before serving. Vintage: The 2021 vintage was produced with the challenges of COVID-19 ever-present. The winter of 2020 started late after a warm autumn and was cold with plenty of rain. The cool and wet conditions extended well into spring, through summer and much of the harvest season. The result of these conditions was slow, steady, stress-free vineyard growth and fruit development. White grape yields were lower than average due to the impact of the weather during critical stages of fruit development. The white wines from the vintage ripened two weeks later than in 2020 and achieved full ripeness at lower sugar levels; producing wines with lower alcohols, excellent acidity, and brilliant flavour development. Yields were higher than average in the reds and the slow ripening season saw excellent flavour and tannin development.