Alta Vista Terroir Selection Malbec Red Wine vs Rustenberg John X Merriman 2022

Rustenberg John X Merriman 2022

Named after John Xavier Merriman, who acquired Rustenberg in 1892 during the phylloxera crisis, this flagship red blend combines classic Bordeaux varietals with elegance and structure. Vineyard & Terroir The 2022 vintage consists of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 11% Malbec, and 6% Petit Verdot. The Stellenbosch terroir, with cool, wet winters and warm, ripening summers, provided excellent concentration and ripeness in the grapes. Winemaking Grapes were hand-picked, crushed, and de-stemmed. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks with regular pump-overs, followed by extended maceration of up to seven days. The wine matured for 20 months in oak barriques (35% new French oak; 65% second- and third-fill). Tasting Notes Cassis, black currant, dark fruits, cigar tobacco, and sour cherry, with structured tannins and a long, polished finish. Grape Variety Red Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot) Food Pairing Grilled red meats, braised lamb, hearty stews, or mature cheeses. Awards Platter: 94 pts IWC & IWSC: Silver 90 pts Tim Atkin MW: 92 pts James Suckling: 91 pts Vinous: 90 pts DWWA: Silver 93 pts