Variety: Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot
Tasting notes:
John X Merriman is a powerful wine that rewards aging. In its youth the wine is worth decanting and expresses cassis, blackcurrant and dark fruits complemented with cigar tobacco and sour cherry notes. As the wine ages and its fine-grained tannins soften, a softer more savoury palate develops revealing wonderful drinkability and tertiary complexity.
Review:
90 point, Neal Martin - Vinous Media
The 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 that’s 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. It’s quite "linear" in style with a reserved finish. The 2022 will benefit from, say, 12 to 18 months in bottle. Fine.