{"product_id":"ridgeback-journey-2020","title":"Ridgeback The Journey 2022","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe 2021 Journey is a Bordeaux-style blend led by Cabernet Franc (49%), supported by Merlot (21%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Petit Verdot (10%). The vineyards benefit from decomposed granite and shale soils with warm daytime conditions moderated by cooling maritime influences, allowing for steady ripening and flavour concentration. Each component was destemmed with a portion of whole berries (30%) retained to enhance aromatic lift and structural nuance. This was followed by a 12-hour cold soak and fermentation in open stainless steel at 24–28°C with regular pump-overs to build colour and extract tannin and flavour. After gentle pressing, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in second- and third-fill 225L French oak barrels, where it matured for 13 months before final blending and light filtration prior to bottling, preserving both purity and integration.  Bottled at 14.5% (Bottle size 750ml)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose: \u003c\/strong\u003eA layered and expressive bouquet of mulberry, black plum and cassis, underpinned by lifted aromatics of dried herbs and fynbos. Subtle notes of graphite, cedarwood and cracked black pepper add complexity, while a faint floral edge brings freshness and lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate: \u003c\/strong\u003ePolished and generous, with a supple entry that opens into flavours of dark berries, red currant and spiced plum. The mid-palate is juicy yet composed, with savoury undertones of dried herbs, cocoa and a touch of tobacco, while the restrained oak influence lends a gentle frame without overshadowing the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish: \u003c\/strong\u003eLong and composed, where fine-grained, integrated tannins provide structure and a steady, mineral line carries the wine through the finish. Fresh acidity keeps everything lifted, leaving a lingering impression of dark fruit, spice and a subtle earthy savouriness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Meridian Wine Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48233115877673,"sku":"","price":210.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0987\/1588\/files\/ChatGPTImageAug6_2026_11_11_01AM.png?v=1786007473","url":"https:\/\/www.whiskybrother.com\/products\/ridgeback-journey-2020","provider":"WhiskyBrother","version":"1.0","type":"link"}