Rustenberg John X Merriman, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2022 Benoit Dehu finishing very long and perfumed

finishing very long and perfumed

but the interplay of this with the myriad other components is so complex and fascinating

Scents of fresh lemon

prune and tobbaco stand out

Where do I start on the nose

Rustenberg John X Merriman, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2022 Benoit Dehu finishing very long and perfumedThe 2022 John X Merriman is Rustenberg's estate blend that changes each year, either Merlot or Cabernet driven, this year the latter. This was late picked and matured for 20 months in barrels, with 30% new oak. It has a slightly savory nose thats a bit tertiary in style, with brown spices infusing the mainly red fruit and a touch of wild mint emerging with time. The palate is medium bodied with grainy tannins and a crisp line of acidity. Its quite