Anthonij Rupert Merlot 2011
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James
Suckling
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James Suckling
Ripe black cherries with dry mint aromas. Sweet tobacco too. Balanced and fresh palate. Full body, round and chewy tannins. Solid as a rock. Fresh finish. 100% Merlot.
In 2005, Johann Rupert assumed ownership of the family wine business and created the Anthonij Rupert winery, after his late brother. It was under the guidance of Johann that a complete overhaul of the estate was conducted, which resulted in one of the most state of the art wineries in South Africa.
The Anthonij Rupert Wines philosophy of matching variety to site, to produce the highest quality of fruit, with neither expense nor commitment spared to capture that quality in a bottle, guarantees a current portfolio of wines that are second to none. This philosophy was exemplified in the first Wine Spectator ratings, in which 3 of the 4 wines received 90+ratings.
With generous fruit and supple tannins, Merlot is made in a range of styles from everyday-drinking to world-renowned and age-worthy. Merlot is the dominant variety in the wines from Bordeaux’s Right Bank regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol, where it is often blended with Cabernet Franc to spectacular result. Merlot also frequently shines on its own, particularly in California’s Napa Valley. Somm Secret—As much as Miles derided the variety in the 2004 film, Sideways, his prized 1961 Château Cheval Blanc is actually a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Originally named Franschhoek meaning the “French Corner” because it was home to the influx of French Huguenots, today the valley contains many historic cellars and is an important tourist location because of its proximity to Cape Town.
This valley falls to the southeast of Paarl and is enclosed on three sides by towering mountains. Streams from the slopes flow down to the valley floor, converging to form the Berg River. The area excels in the production of full-bodied reds.