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Rustenberg Estate, Stellenbosch South Africa
Situated on a beautiful farm in the lee of the Simonberg mountain, Rustenberg has been owned by the Barlow family since 1941 and is today run by Simon Barlow. Renowned for its Jersey herd as well as its wines, it is steeped in history and remains one of the iconic brands of the South African wine industry. They produce two labels. Wines under the Rustenberg name are classical showing old world style yet managing to enhance the fruit and sunshine of the Cape.
On many occasions we have tasted their John X Merriman against clarets and our tasters have found it difficult to identify which is which. And the John X will undoubtedly be cheaper than its French equivalent (see Smedley's Corner for a vertical tasting of seven vintages of John X). Their second label Brampton, named after a prize bull, shows much more New World character. The wines are all made by the same wine making team and the vineyards are managed with huge care by a dedicated team under the experienced eye of viticulturist Nico Walters.
