Rustenberg

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Continual vineyard improvements, in the hands of Nico Walters, a new winery, in the hands of Randolph Christians, tasting and a new storage facility (over half of which is underground) and one of the Cape’s hottest young winemakers in Adi Badenhorst, are all driven by owner Simon Barlow’s vision of "absolute passion and total dedication to quality in both the vineyard and cellar".
Just over 100ha are planted to mainly red wines on the rich red granitic southern slopes of the Simonsberg mountains as well as the cooler climate Nooitgedacht vineyards on the Helderberg, principally planted to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
While the Rustenberg Peter Barlow single vineyard Cabernet recently won rave ratings from Robert Parker as "may be the finest red wine I have tried from South Africa", it is the Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc "John X Merriman" that is perhaps the wine that most epitomises the estate’s red prowess and international aspirations.
Rustenberg was featured in Decanter Magazine as one of the three 'icons of tomorrow' of South Africa.

2008 John Platter Guide - 2004 Peter Barlow 4.5*, 2004 Syrah 4.5*, 2005 John X Merriman 4.5*
2008 Calyon Bordeaux Blend Challenge - 2005 John X Merriman Champion Blend 
2007 Decanter World Wine Awards - 2004 Peter Barlow Silver

 http://www.winefilms.co.za/winefarms/Rustenberg/RustenbergHarvest.html