Bodegas Señorío de Arana, Viña Del Oja Rioja Reserva 2018 vs Rustenberg John X Merriman 2022
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £19.00 | £19.00 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 2 merchants |
| Producer | Bodegas Señorío de Arana | Rustenberg |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Tempranillo | Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv |
| Region | Rioja | Stellenbosch |
| Country | — | South Africa |
| ABV | — | 14% |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
Bodegas Señorío de Arana, Viña Del Oja Rioja Reserva 2018
The 2018 Rioja Reserva from Viña del Oja displays a garnet-red hue with developing brick edges. Aromatically, it introduces a layered bouquet of dried cherry, red plum, leather, cedar, and subtle tobacco. On the palate, it's medium-full bodied with a smooth, refined texture, ripe red and dark fruit flavours harmonise with gentle spice and earthy elements. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity culminate in a lingering, savoury finish marked by hints of vanilla and tobacco. Crafted under the thoughtful stewardship of this Rioja Alavesa estate, the wine begins with a long aging period: roughly 18 months in American oak followed by extended bottle maturation. It's drinking beautifully now with grilled or roasted meats, mature cheese, or hearty stews.
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
Prices and availability reflect the latest tracked merchant checks and may change before checkout.