Rustenberg Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2014

The youthful 2014 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc sports a bright sunlit color as it splashes exuberantly from the bottle into the glass. Melon, fig, herb, and freshly squeezed aromas of citrus and tropical fruits greet the nose and serve to enliven the palate. In the mouth, the wine displays an array of clean harmonious flavors dominated by ripe melon and citrus followed by soft pleasant earth tones and a gentle minerality. There’s nothing weighty or complex about the 2014 Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc; rather it is the wine’s bright clean refreshing scents and flavors backed by ideal acidity and balance that make it such a pleasure to drink. We enjoyed this ingratiating Sauvignon Blanc moderately chilled (40°-45° F), though others may opt for serving it ice cold or at an even more ambient temperature where the wine’s clean fruit flavors come forward, but as you like it.

Rustenberg’s charming 2014 Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc provides a superb opening act to any evening, whether it is a big fun-filled affair or a quiet night at home. With or without food, this ebullient Sauvignon Blanc slips down easily, though our preference is to pair it with cheeses, hors d’oeuvres, smoked meats (think salami and prosciutto), or almost any seafood. Scallops wrapped in Bacon and Shrimp Scampi pair especially well with this wine. Spaghetti with Wine Clam Sauce offers another fine companion. Stuffed Flounder provides yet another tasty accompaniment, especially when perfectly cooked flounder filets surround a savory stuffing of sautéed garlic, spinach and cheese. Other winning accompaniments to the 2014 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc include Fried Calamari and many Thai and Chinese specialties, especially Khao Pad Grao Prao or Thai Chicken with Basil served with fried jasmine rice. Other Asian stir fries pair equally well with this Sauvignon Blanc, too. Enjoy!

Stellenbosch and the surrounding wine lands of South Africa’s Western Cape hardly receive the attention and excitement they deserve. No viticultural area or major wine producing region in the world presents itself more spectacularly. The sheer physical beauty of the Western Cape, paired with commanding waves of well tended hillside vines and the proliferation of centuries old Cape Dutch architecture, makes Stellenbosch both stunningly beautiful and unique among the great wine regions of the world. And Rustenberg is one of the oldest and most influential wine estates in this majestic wine land.

Rustenberg was founded in 1682. It lies nestled in the valley of the Simonsberg, at the very heart of the Stellenbosch wine region. Rustenberg produces a full range of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Roussanne, Syrah, and several exciting blends. This family owned property enjoys a rich heritage and an ethos that have been informed by many centuries of human influence striving to understand and work with nature to produce wines of distinct character that are true to their terroir, variety and style. Although we have enjoyed all of Rustenberg’s wines over the last several years, the estate truly excels with Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Although most renowned for John X. Merriman, the estate’s flagship Bordeaux blend named in honor of a former owner of Rustenberg, Rustenberg’s two Sauvignon Blanc offerings are equally compelling for their quality and value.