2024 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.0%
Residual Sugar 1.6 g/L
pH 3.5
Total Acidity 5.6 g/L
Calories (estimated) 115 kcal / glass
150ml glass115 kcal
750ml bottle575 kcal
Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Cabernet Sauvignon56%
Merlot34%
Malbec6%
Petit Verdot4%
Drinking Window 10 to 15 years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Grapes Picked February-March 2024
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel Tanks
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 November 2025
Extended Maceration Yes
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Production Details Mechanically Destemmed & Sorted Followed by Hand Sorting. Whole-Berry Fermentation, Pumped Over During Ferment. Cultured Active Dry Wine Yeast. Extended Maceration for +- 7 days. 100% aged for 20 Months. 35% New French barriques; 65% 2nd & 3rd fill. Crushed and Destemmed Fruit, Pumped Over During Ferment.
Tasting Notes
cassis, black currant, dark fruits, cigar tobacco, sour cherry
2023 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.0%
Residual Sugar 1.8 g/L
pH 3.48
Total Acidity 5.34 g/L
Calories (estimated) 115 kcal / glass
150ml glass115 kcal
750ml bottle575 kcal
Grape Varieties Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot59%
Malbec27%
Petit Verdot12%
Cabernet Sauvignon2%
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Harvest Dates February-March 2023
Vine Age 10 to 15 years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel Tanks
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 November 2024
Extended Maceration Yes
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Production Details Mechanically Destemmed & Sorted Followed by Hand Sorting. Whole-Berry Fermentation, Pumped Over During Ferment. Crushed and Destemmed Fruit, Pumped Over During Ferment.
Tasting Notes
cassis, black currant, dark fruits, cigar tobacco, sour cherry
Critics Ratings Tim Atkin SA Report: 91
Tim Atkin SA Report91
2022 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.0%
Residual Sugar 2.1 g/L
pH 3.58
Total Acidity 5.48 g/L
Calories (estimated) 115 kcal / glass
150ml glass115 kcal
750ml bottle575 kcal
Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon51%
Merlot43%
Petit Verdot5%
Malbec1%
Drinking Window 10 to 15 years from vintage
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel
Oak Aging 20 months
Oak Details 35% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak35%
Second Fill Oak65%
Oak Types French
Bottling Date December 2023
Extended Maceration Yes
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Tasting Notes
cassis, black currant, dark fruits, cigar tobacco, sour cherry
2021 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.0%
Residual Sugar 2.4 g/L
pH 3.65
Total Acidity 5.5 g/L
Calories (estimated) 115 kcal / glass
150ml glass115 kcal
750ml bottle575 kcal
Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Cabernet Sauvignon63%
Merlot20%
Malbec11%
Petit Verdot6%
Drinking Window 10 to 15 years from vintage
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Harvest Dates February-March 2021
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel
Pressing Method Crushed And Destemmed Fruit, Pumped Over During Ferment
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 November 2022
Extended Maceration Yes
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Production Details 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. Hand Picked, February-March 2021. Cultured Active Dry Wine Yeast. 100% aged for 20 Months. 35% New French barriques; 65% 2nd & 3rd fill.
Tasting Notes
cassis, black currant, dark fruits, cigar tobacco, sour cherry
Critics Ratings Tim Atkin SA Report: 92 Points
Tim Atkin SA Report92 Points
Decanter World Wine AwardsSilver Medal - 92 Points
Vinous – Neal Martin92 Points
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate91+ Points
James Suckling91 Points
2020 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.0%
Residual Sugar 2.6 g/L
pH 3.65
Total Acidity 5.6 g/L
Calories (estimated) 120 kcal / glass
150ml glass120 kcal
750ml bottle600 kcal
Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon43%
Merlot36%
Petit Verdot14%
Malbec7%
Drinking Window 10 to 15 years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel Tanks
Oak Aging 20 months
Oak Details 35% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak35%
Oak Types French
Bottling Date October 2021
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Production Details Crushed and Destemmed Fruit, Pumped Over During Ferment.
Tasting Notes
cassis, black currant, dark fruits, cigar tobacco, sour cherry
2019 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
2018 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.0%
Residual Sugar 3.5 g/L
pH 3.45
Total Acidity 5.8 g/L
Calories (estimated) 120 kcal / glass
150ml glass120 kcal
750ml bottle600 kcal
Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon56%
Merlot36%
Petit Verdot6%
Malbec2%
Drinking Window 10 to 15 years from vintage
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Grapes Picked February-March 2018
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%
Third Fill Oak65%
Oak Types French
Bottling Date January 2020
Extended Maceration Yes
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Production Details This vintage was impacted by the fourth year of the ongoing drought in the region. The 2017 Winter was cold and dry, followed by a dry Spring and Summer, with bouts of unusual weather. A number of thunder storms resulted in a late onset of additional vigour in the vineyards. Unsettled weather and wind during flowering, along with a freak hail storm and low levels of soil moisture decreased yields by 20% to 50%. The harvest began closer to its average start date and the smaller berries and bunches yielded lower juice volumes per ton. The lower yields resulted in the wines showing excellent concentration and body, producing rich, robust reds and fruit forward, expressive whites and rosé. The John X Merriman is a powerful wine that rewards aging. In its youth the wine is worth decanting and expresses cassis, black currant 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.
2017 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.5%
Residual Sugar 3.4 g/L
pH 3.49
Total Acidity 6.4 g/L
Calories (estimated) 120 kcal / glass
150ml glass120 kcal
750ml bottle600 kcal
Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon50%
Merlot41%
Malbec5%
Petit Verdot3%
Cabernet Franc1%
Drinking Window 10 to 15 years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Grapes Picked February-March 2017
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 2018
Extended Maceration Yes
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Production Details The Winter of 2016 was dry but cold as drought conditions persisted in the Western Cape. Despite the drought, a warm, dry spring and little wind meant that there was little disease pressure and little stress on the vineyards beyond the heat. Harvest started slightly earlier than usual but was 10 days later than the record early start of the 2016 vintage. Careful use of irrigation to offset the dry drought conditions and cold nights experienced during the first four months of the year resulted in superb quality, and wonderful acidity, colour and flavour concentration in the wines. Indications are that 2017 will be an excellent vintage with plenty of potential to age well.
Tasting Notes
cassis, black currant, dark fruits, cigar tobacco, sour cherry
2016 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.5%
Residual Sugar 2.7 g/L
pH 3.49
Total Acidity 5.7 g/L
Calories (estimated) 120 kcal / glass
150ml glass120 kcal
750ml bottle600 kcal
Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon53%
Merlot35%
Malbec5%
Petit Verdot5%
Cabernet Franc2%
Drinking Window 10 to 15 years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Grapes Picked February-March 2016
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel
Maceration 7 days
Oak Details 35% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak35%
Second Fill Oak65%
Oak Types French
Bottling Date December 2017
Extended Maceration Yes
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Production Details Following a warm start to the year, the Winter of 2015 was dry but cold enough to allow our vineyards to properly rest. A very warm, dry Spring and Summer resulted in an early bud-burst and record high temperatures in December and January brought forward the need to irrigate. As in 2015, the vintage started very early. In the middle of January Rustenberg was engulfed in fire as the entire Simonsberg mountain burnt, sadly destroying 5 hectares of the estate's vineyards. Generally very low yields of concentrated fruit make the wines of the 2016 vintage upfront and opulent. Crushed and Destemmed Fruit, Pumped Over During Ferment. 100% aged for 20 Months.
Tasting Notes
cassis, blackcurrant, dark fruits, cigar tobacco, sour cherry
2015 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.5%
Residual Sugar 2.6 g/L
pH 3.56
Total Acidity 5.9 g/L
Calories (estimated) 120 kcal / glass
150ml glass120 kcal
750ml bottle600 kcal
Grape Varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Merlot52%
Cabernet Sauvignon41%
Malbec5%
Cabernet Franc1%
Petit Verdot1%
Drinking Window 10 to 15 years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Grapes Picked February-March 2015
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel
Pressing Method Destemmed
Maceration 7 days
Oak Details 35% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak35%
Second Fill Oak65%
Oak Types French
Bottling Date December 2016
Extended Maceration Yes
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Production Details Crushed and Destemmed Fruit, Pumped Over During Ferment. 100% aged for 20 Months. 35% New French Barriques; 65% 2nd & 3rd fill.
Tasting Notes
cassis, black currant, dark fruits, cigar tobacco, sour cherry
2014 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.5%
Residual Sugar 3.6 g/L
pH 3.57
Total Acidity 5.7 g/L
Calories (estimated) 120 kcal / glass
150ml glass120 kcal
750ml bottle600 kcal
Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon56%
Merlot38%
Cabernet Franc3%
Petit Verdot2%
Malbec1%
Drinking Window 10 to 15 years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Grapes Picked February-March 2014
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel
Pressing Method Crushed And Destemmed Fruit
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 2015
Extended Maceration Yes
Fining Agents Egg White (Albumen)
Shop prices
| Reference | Vintage / size | Price / bottle | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine-SearcherLWIN 1140307 | — | — | wine-searcher.com ↗ |
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