Rustenberg
John X Merriman, Peter Barlow 2009, 2006,
South African Wines
About the SessionThe South African session brings together a selection of the Cape’s most historic and celebrated wines, spanning decades of winemaking heritage. From Kanonkop, Meerlust and Rustenberg to Klein Constantia and Thelema, the collection showcases landmark Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux-style blends and the iconic Vin de Constance, offering collectors a rare opportunity to explore some of South Africa’s most enduring and influential wines across multiple vintages.
LOT 106
Rustenberg
John X Merriman, Peter Barlow 2009, 2006,
About this Item
This lot consists of the following wines:
Rustenberg John X Merriman 2009
Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2006
Rustenberg is one of South Africa’s most historic estates, on the Simonsberg foothills of Stellenbosch and owned by the Barlow family since 1941. This magnum lot pairs its two flagship reds. John X Merriman, named after the Cape statesman who once owned the farm, is a five-way Bordeaux-style blend and one of the estate’s most consistent achievers, here in the acclaimed 2009. Peter Barlow, from a single Simonsberg vineyard and made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, is the estate’s grandest wine, offered in the 2006. Two contrasting expressions of Rustenberg’s Simonsberg terroir, in celebratory 1500ml format.
Provenance
Single-Owner Private Collection
Critics Ratings
Rustenberg John X Merriman 2009
"Dark, vibrant look. Rich and minerally and very competent. I'd love to see this among a range of bordeaux. It would probably still look a bit pinched but it would not be completely outclassed." - Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, 16/20 (Jul 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...." - Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Dec 2012)
Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2006
"Just slightly green on the nose and pretty chewy. Quite hard work. But very noble in intent and concentrated and savoury." - Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, 16/20 (Sep 2011)
"Full bright ruby. Sexy aromas of cassis, cedar, menthol, chocolate and earth, complicated by a smoky minerality. Dense, lush and sweet but the medicinal cassis and licorice flavors are dominated today by a powerful spine of chewy tannins. Boasts excellent ripeness and outstanding length, but this superb cabernet sauvignon is almost painfully backward today. Finishes with lovely violet perfume." - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 93+/100 (Mar 2011)
"A dark, brawny style, with dense black currant paste and fig sauce notes liberally laced with roasted apple wood, chestnut and tobacco notes. The dark, smoldering finish has plenty of heft in reserve for a touch more cellaring." - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Sep 2011)
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