LCBO Sale Wine of the Week: May 11

Rustenberg 2014 Merlot (Stellenbosch, South Africa)

Sale $17.95, Regular $19.95
Discount (until May 21): $2.00
Vintages #404194 | 750 mL bottle

Tastes like: Big black fruit and berries and a whiff of mint. Quite supple.
Pairs with: Burgers, steak, pork chops, lamb, marinated and rubbed meats.
Good for: Backyard shenanigans with a charcoal grill.
Alcohol: 14.2%
Drink: Now to 2020.

Why we're drinking this
Great values from South Africa abound — and Rustenberg is one house that’s been in the game for a long time. Since 1682, in fact, in the Stellenbosch region in the valley of Simonsberg Mountain. Here, on 880 hectares, the Barlow family raises farm stock along with premium and commercial wines. Merlot is a specialty. The grapes were hand-picked, fermented in steel and aged for 16 months in oak barrels (20% new, and a blend of older barrels).

Tasting note
Aromas of ripe black fruit — blackberries, plum, cassis — and a hint of mint. Generous in the mouth, round and warm. The alcohol is quite high at 14.2%, but the wine is nicely balanced by the fruit. Nicely structured with soft tannins and good acidity. A full-bodied, juicy wine, quite complex. Medium finish, fruity and spicy. Drinking well now, but could age a few years. A good backyard wine and a nice match with grilled meats, pork chops, lamb or juicy burgers.

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This week's selection by kwäf Taste Bud Dick Snyder