Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2021 vs Rustenberg John X Merriman 2022
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications. Rustenberg John X Merriman 2022 currently starts £0.25 lower.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £19.25 | £19.00 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 2 merchants |
| Producer | Kaiken | Rustenberg |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Malbec | Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv |
| Region | — | Stellenbosch |
| Country | — | South Africa |
| ABV | — | 14% |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2021
Kaiken Ultra Mendoza Malbec is an expressive Malbec from the premium vineyards of Los Chacayes, Altamira, and Gualtallary in Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Planted at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 metres, the vines thrive in rocky, alluvial soils with excellent drainage, producing grapes of intense colour, refined structure, and pronounced aromatic complexity. Hand-harvested and carefully selected, the grapes undergo cool pre-fermentation maceration, controlled fermentation, and post-fermentation skin contact before ageing in French oak barrels to create a rich, elegant wine with depth and finesse. Meet the producer Kaiken draws inspiration from the wild geese of Patagonia, symbolising the crossing of the Andes to establish premium vineyards in Mendoza. The winery focuses on Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, combining fruit from its own vineyards (70%) with carefully controlled sites (30%) to craft expressive wines with a balance of ripeness, freshness, and structure. Production Grapes are hand-picked and rigorously sorted at the winery. Pre-fermentation maceration is carried out at cool temperatures, followed by controlled fermentation with selected natural yeasts. After fermentation, the wine undergoes extended maceration and natural malolactic conversion in concrete tanks. The wine is matured for 12 months in French oak barrels of varying usage (new, second-use, third-use) and finished with additional bottle ageing to ensure complexity and balance. Tasting notes Deep ruby in colour, the nose shows intense aromas of black fruit, spice, and subtle mineral notes. The palate is full-bodied and elegant, with ripe, silky tannins, structured depth, and a long, refined finish. Food match Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and mature cheeses. Grape 100% Malbec
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
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