Rustenberg has a wine-growing history dating back to 1682, when Roelof Pasman from Meurs, near the Rhine, recognised its wine-growing potential. By 1781 some 3000 cases of wine were produced on the farm. Production doubled by the end of the century and a new cellar was built. Wine has been bottled at this cellar ever since in an unbroken period dating back to 1892. Earlier in its history Rustenberg was split in two, the additional vineyard being named Schoongezicht. Rustenberg was its peak around 1812, with beautiful homesteads and flourishing vineyards, but by mid-century, recession coupled with disease in the vines, brought bankruptcy and dispossession. Schoongezicht was rescued in 1892 by John X Merriman , and Rustenberg by his brother-in-law Sir Jacob Barry. Together they revitalised the farms, fruit was sent to Covent Garden; new vines were grafted onto disease-resistant American rootstock; while wines were exported to England and the Continent. In 1941 Peter and Pamela Barlow bought Rustenberg, later acquiring Schoongezicht and reuniting the properties. Their son Simon took over the running of the farm in 1987, while the Barlows have been at Rustenberg for over 60 years, it is the longest period any one family has owned the farm. A lengthy barrel maturation on gross lees in conjunction with natural fermentation has allowed the wood and fruit to 'marry' well. The results are a complex array of flavours and aromas which are continuously changing as the wine spends more time in bottle. The nose shows nuttiness and marzipan with underlying citrus and hints of white peach aromatics. A firm palate gives backbone to concentrated fruit and the richness of the wine. This wine will develop in bottle, leading to new nuances and flavours and continual drinking pleasure for years to come. (6 x 75 cl)
Region:
South Africa, Stellenbosch
Producer:
Rustenberg
Product ID:
46691
Rustenberg JOHN X MERRIMAN Stellenbosch RSA
Description: This rich red wine, has spicy oak and ripe cassis, blackcurrant and cherry aromas, all complemented by an approachable and seamless tannin structure. This wine is complex and multi-layered. During the last few years Rustenberg have transformed themselves from a distinguished producer on the local scene to a new era South African standard setter on the international stage. Continual vineyard improvements, a new winery, tasting and storage facility and one of the Cape's hottest young winemakers in Adi Badenhorst, are all driven by owner Simon Barlow's vision of 'absolute passion and total dedication to quality in both the vineyard and cellar'. Just over l00 ha are planted to mainly red wines on the rich red granitic southern slopes of the Simonsberg mountains as well as the cooler climate Nooitgedacht vineyards on the Helderberg, principally planted to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. While the Rustenberg Peter Barlow single vineyard Cabernet recently won rave ratings from Robert Parker as '...may be the finest red wine I have tried from South Africa', it is the Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc 'John X Merriman' that is perhaps the wine that most epitomises the estate's red prowess and international aspirations (6 x 75 cl) Price: £66.31
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Rustenberg JOHN X MERRIMAN Stellenbosch RSA
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Rustenberg BRAMPTON Unoaked Chardonnay Stellenbosch RSA
Description: Brampton is a range of wines from Rustenberg that are more fruit driven in a new world style than the classic Rustenberg range. The Brampton name comes from Brampton Beacon Bloomer, the Jersey Bull, whose porgeny form part of the famous Jersey herd that roam the Rustenberg estate. During the last few years Rustenberg have transformed themselves from a distinguished producer on the local scene to a new era South African standard setter on the international stage. Continual vineyard improvements, a new winery, tasting and storage facility and one of the Cape's hottest young winemakers in Adi Badenhorst, are all driven by owner Simon Barlow's vision of 'absolute passion and total dedication to quality in both the vineyard and cellar'. This Unoaked Chardonnay is a pleasurable drink, since the delicate fruit of this variety is preserved and emphasised. Typical aromas are poached pears, white peach, winter melon and ginger spice. These are complimented by a well constructed palate that is rich and full flavoured. (6 x 75 cl) Price: £44.52
Stellenzicht GOLDEN TRIANGLE Chardonnay Stellenbosch RSA
Description: Known initially as Rustenberg and later Alphen, this vineyard at one time belonged to the Baimsfather-Cloete family who produced the famous Constantia wines. In 1981 the estate was acquired by Hans-Joachim Schreiber who renamed it Stellenzicht or in its literal translation 'View of Stellen' . At ages of between nine and twelve years old, the vineyards from which the fruit were selected in crafting this wine are grown in decomposed granite at altitudes ranging between 180 (12 x 75 cl) Price: £115.87
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Stellenzicht GOLDEN TRIANGLE Chardonnay Stellenbosch RSA
