John X Merriman

Slow-roast lamb with garlic and rosemary.

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.

100% aged for 20 Months. 35% New French barriques; 65% 2nd & 3rd fill.

Crushed and Destemmed Fruit, Pumped Over During Ferment. Fermented in stainless steel tanks.

The Rustenberg Estate was founded in 1682 and is nestled in the valley of the Simonsberg Mountain in South Africa’s premium wine region Stellenbosch. Rustenberg’s rich heritage and ethos has been informed by many centuries of human influence striving to understand and work with nature to produce wines of distinct character true to their terroir variety and informed style.