South African & International Fine Wine
Live Auction, 14 September 2019
Session Two
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Founded in 1682, Rustenberg Estate on the Simonsberg foothills is one of the most historic and picturesque farms in South Africa. The farm was previously split into two estates, until 1945 when industrialist Peter Barlow purchased both farms and reunited them. Rustenberg is family-owned with son of Peter Barlow, Simon, owning the estate and grandson, Murray (2 x Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year) now cellar master.
In 1892 the farm had previously been divided into two pieces and was nearing on derelict when ‘future’ Prime Minister of the Cape, John X Merriman, stepped in with his brother-in-law Sir Jacob Barry to rescue both farms’.
Provenance
Wine Cellar
Critics Ratings
‘Classically styled five-way Bordeaux blend. 09 makes a statement with layers cassis, lead pencil, sweet tobacco; persistent mineral end. Powerful yet refined. For 8+ yrs hence.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide (2012)
‘The outstanding 2009 John X Merriman comes from 16 separate batches that are raised is 46% new and 54% second and third-fill 225-liter French oak barrels for 21 months. It is reticent at first and takes time to open up. It retains a pleasing sense of aloofness, which one would want from this South African icon. Patience is required, for it eventually rewards you with blackberry, briary, fresh tobacco, cedar and mint...not a million miles away from Pauillac! The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins: blackberry, raspberry and graphite all perfectly delineated with great refinement married with intensity on the finish. You would be hard pressed to find another wine that delivers such class at this price. Drink now-2025.’ – Neal Martin 94/100, Wine Advocate (2012)
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