Rustenberg John X Merriman Wine is an exemplary South African red blend from the Stellenbosch region. It displays a complex palate of plummy, dark fruit flavours, expertly melded with notes of tobacco and spice. The robust structure is balanced by firm tannins and a long finish, hinting at excellent ageing potential. This full-bodied vintage is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, aided by Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. Named after a historic Cape figure, Rustenberg John X Merriman is a testament to the quality of wine that the Rustenberg Estates is renowned for. Truly a vinous delight for any wine lover.

Tasting Notes

John X Merriman is a powerful wine that rewards aging. In its youth the wine is worth decanting and expresses cassis, blackcurrant and dark fruits complemented with cigar tobacco and sour cherry notes. As the wine ages and its fine-grained tannins soften, a softer more savoury palate develops revealing wonderful drinkability and tertiary complexity

About the Winery

Nestled in the verdant valley of Simonsberg Mountain, Rustenberg winery is undoubtedly one of the most stunning vineyards South Africa has to offer. Established in 1682, this prestigious winery straddles over three centuries of winemaking tradition, practising integrity, quality, and sustainability.

The winery sprawls over a vast 880 hectares of land, coquettishly decked out in nature's splendour. Of this, 110 hectares are devoted to the cultivation of premium grapes, resulting in wines that are brimming with character, complexity, and depth of flavour. The winery is hallowed ground for a wide assortment of varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Every aspect of Rustenberg winery echoes the harmonious interplay between heritage and continuous innovation. The winery’s cellars are a rich juxtaposition of the new and old. Centuries-old trees and historic buildings conjure a deep sense of nostalgia, standing watch over state-of-the-art winemaking facilities that ensure the wine’s excellence.

At Rustenberg, meticulous attention is given to preserving the integrity of the vineyard as the wines tackle their ageing journey. Low-yielding, ripened grapes are hand-picked and gently pressed, ensuing in wines that consistently garner international recognition and awards.

Despite the scale of their operation the winery maintains a deep commitment to environmentally friendly practices. A large portion of the estate is preserved as pristine, indigenous vegetation; providing a natural habitat for an array of wildlife.

Visitors are welcomed for wine tasting and a tour of the estate during which, of course, one can expect to be charmed by the bewitching tableau of nature and history the winery curates. Along with the brilliant South African sun, one can bask in the glory of Rustenberg's glorious wines.

In conclusion, Rustenberg winery is the embodiment of harmony, where man and nature interface to produce some truly captivating wines. It remains, undisputedly; an invaluable gem on the South African winemaking landscape.

http://www.rustenberg.co.za

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