Reviews & Ratings

2007 Rustenberg South African (Red Blend) "John X Merriman"

Winery: Rustenberg

Vintage: 2007

Wine Name/Vineyard: "John X Merriman"

Wine Category: South African (Red Blend)

Grape blend: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, & 3% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Stellenbosch

State or country: South Africa

Price: $30

Cases produced: 2,500

KWG Score: 89 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: January 3, 2011

Wine Review: This slightly opaque and dark purple colored Red Blend from South Africa opens with a ripe black cherry liquor bouquet with a hint of oak and espresso. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced, and fruit forward. The flavor profile is a spicy black cherry with notes of extracted blackberry and nicely integrated mild oak. The finish is dry and its noticeable sticky tannins are nicely prolonged. Pair this wine with duck breast. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: This sensational Bordeaux blend is named for the Prime Minister of the Cape who purchased and revitalized part of the historical Rustenberg estate in the late 1800s. One of South Africa's most iconic bottlings, it delivers intense, smoky flavors of tobacco, cherry, licorice, and plum intertwined with complex notes of mineral and spice.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Rustenberg 2007 John X Merriman.