2021 John X Merriman, Rustenberg

"Top Cabernet Sauvignon: Beautiful, bordeaux-aping blend from Stellenbosch, with heaps of bold, blackberry and cassis fruit."
Jane McQuitty, The Times 9/4/2021 (previous vintage)

Rustenberg is one of South Africa's oldest, most beautiful and finest wine estates. Their flagship red wine is John X Merriman named after their owner back in the 1890s.

Winemaker Murray Barlow has become the only person to win South Africa's young winemaker of the year twice - hardly surprising given the quality of the wine he produces. His John X Merriman Bordeaux blend is full of cassis, black cherry and plumbs which soon gives way to hints of cedar, leather and fragrant spice. There is so much depth to the palate and smooth, velvety tannins give incredible elegance to the wine. Enjoy with red meat.