Rustenberg RM Nicholson 2021

DESCRIPTION:

Rustenberg is one of Stellenbosch's landmark estates, and RM Nicholson is named for Reginald "Reg" Merriman Nicholson, the charismatic owner-winemaker who spent thirty years on the farm and created the property's famous "Dry Red". In that spirit it is deliberately unconventional — a New World blend of Bordeaux and Rhône varieties that convention says should not be combined, built to express each vintage rather than a house formula.

The 2021 is 58% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Shiraz, hand picked in March 2021 from Hutton and Tukulu soils. It was fermented in stainless steel with up to seven days extended maceration, then matured ten months in French and American oak — 20% new, the balance second to fifth fill — and bottled in September 2022.

Blackcurrant aromas are complemented by scents of dried herbs and notes of black pepper and spice, followed by serious structure from the Bordeaux varieties and finishing with softness from the Shiraz. A cool, wet 2021 season gave slow, even ripening, so the reds from this vintage carry moderate alcohols, excellent acidity and fine tannin.

The estate recommends decanting before serving. Drinking well now, and worth cellaring up to ten years from vintage under good conditions. Excellent with roast lamb, venison, aged cheddar or a rich mushroom ragù.

FEATURES:

Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Varieties: 58% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Shiraz
Vintage: 2021
Oak: 10 months, 20% new French and American
ABV: 14%
Size: 750ml
Standard Drinks: 8.3
Note: fined with egg white (not suitable for vegans)