Considered one of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine farms in the Western Cape. Rustenberg is world-class through and through. Declared a National Heritage Site in 2004. The estate has the ideal terroir conditions to craft impeccably balanced Bordeaux inspired blends. The “John X Merriman” is one of the winery’s proven, as well as affordable flagships. Named in honor of a former owner, John Xavier Merriman, who bought the estate back in 1892. Modeled after a traditional “Left-Bank” Bordeaux blend in which Cabernet Sauvignon comprises the largest percentage of the blend followed by Merlot, and then a smattering of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. 

This 2014 bottling has had a few extra years of beauty rest to reveal a harmonious package held together by silky, fine-grain tannins. Tertiary complexities jump out of the glass with enticing aromas of tobacco, black licorice, and savory herbs. Rich and broad on the palate with plenty of black raspberries and black currant fruit seasoned with truffle, tobacco leaf, and graphite. It's at the perfect “sweet spot” to enjoy after a 30-60 minute decant, as well as having the option to tuck it away for another five years.  Pick up a six-pack or more and enjoy charting its course over the next few years.