John Merriman Rustenberg

48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec. 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. Critical Acclaim ST91 International Wine Cellar - "Bright ruby-red. Aromas of plum, minerals, graphite, licorice and mint. Big and rich but firmly structured and tight. Bright acidity--and a smaller percentage of merlot than usual--give this Bordeaux blend a youthful toughness. Finishes savory, solidly tannic and long. Lay this down and forget it for a good seven or eight years. 91(+?) points. "