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By Stephen Tanzer
(Rustenberg Wines John X Merriman Stellenbosch) Login and sign up and see review text.
March/April 2007, IWC Issue #131, (See more on Vinous...)
Wine Library TV
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(RUSTENBERG JOHN X MERRIMAN) #2; COLOR-dark; NOSE-Cab Franc delivers the Bell Peppers; a garden EXPLOSION; Asparagus & Brussel Sprouts; dirt action; TASTE-very close to being tremendous, but the finish is shaky; very traditional Old School Bordeaux; great balance, structure & mouthfeel; reminds me of top notch Pomerals I've had; beautiful elegant Sour Cherry dancing throughout your palate; wonderful mid-palate; great structure; great acidic & tannic balance; the fruit is pure; but it kind of disappears on the finish; comes up a little short; could have been great!!; WE-93; GV-90
By Gary Vaynerchuk
South African red wines, Episode #321, 9/26/2007, (See more on Wine Library TV...) 90 points
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Wine Definition
- Vintage2004
- TypeRed
- ProducerRustenberg
- VarietyRed Bordeaux Blend
- DesignationJohn X Merriman
- Vineyardn/a
- CountrySouth Africa
- RegionCoastal Region
- SubRegionStellenbosch
- AppellationStellenbosch
- Display optionsDefault
- UPC/EAN Code669180000035
9/26/2022 - rob63 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Only slight signs of aging, this bottle was in much better condition than expected.
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3/1/2016 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 87 Points
Wow, this has held up incredibly well, structurally speaking. The fruit is waning, but lots going on here. Smells of dried currants, plum, lots of leafy, earthy, spicy and herbal aromas. Tart acidity framed by solid tannins that are still going strong. The fruit (blueberry, currant) tastes a bit dried and subdued, but it's enough to keep the wine interesting. The fruit takes a back seat to a complex web of other elements: wet leaves, tobacco, pine resin, roasted chestnut, pencil shavings. Still alive and kicking, but if rich fruit is your thing, consume this wine eight years ago. I still liked it quite a bit. 46% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot, aged 20 months in oak.
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8/5/2013 - pjaines Likes this wine:
This has really started to develop into a wonderful wine. Much more complex and mature than previous bottles this shows off some lovely leafy Cabernet notes cut through with dry soil, spices and some black fruits. Very impressive. Should continue to improve for a few years.
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1/13/2012 - Parnelli wrote: 88 Points
No problemo with the cork ... the bottom was almost black hinting on a dark, brooding wine. I decanted this about 90 minutes before drinking. It poured dark without any noticeable brown tinge. With bell pepper coming through on the nose and palate, there left little doubt to being more merlot, but it's a dusty one. It's more European than California and it went much better with the food than by itself.
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11/26/2011 - SoCal wrote:
Last bottle....great value
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