Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.0%
Residual Sugar 3.4 g/L
pH 3.72
Total Acidity 5.6 g/L
Calories (estimated) 120 kcal / glass
150ml glass120 kcal
750ml bottle600 kcal
Grape Varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Merlot43.5%
Cabernet Sauvignon41%
Malbec8%
Petit Verdot7.5%
Drinking Window 10 to 15 years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Grapes Picked February-March 2019
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel
Maceration 7 days
Oak Aging 20 months
Oak Details 35% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak35%
Second Fill Oak65%
Oak Types French
Bottling Date December 2020
Extended Maceration Yes
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Production Details 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. 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.
Tasting Notes
cassis, black currant, dark fruits, cigar tobacco, sour cherry
▸ Sources (1)
Producer Information
Website
Address
Rustenberg Wines, Rustenberg Road, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
Phone
+27 21 809 1200
Email
Owner
Barlow Family (Simon, Rozanne, Murray)
Cellarmaster
Murray Barlow