Private Cellar Selection

Timed Online Auction, 15 - 25 November 2024

Bordeaux theme

Sold for

ZAR 4 690
Lot 83
  • Rustenberg; John X Merriman; 2004; 6 (1 x 6); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 3 500 - 6 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 4 690

About this Item

2004 John X Merriman
6 (1 x 6) 750ml

Named in honour of the former owner of Rustenberg, John Xavier Merriman, who bought the farm in 1892 in sympathy with farmers suffering from the phylloxera crisis. He played a great role in revitalizing Rustenberg and in promoting the tourism and agricultural value of Ida’s Valley, the area close to the town of Stellenbosch, in which Rustenberg is situated.

Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

‘Ripe, with alluring grilled herb, cocoa, currant and plum flavors, backed by fine-grained tannins. Shows a nice sanguine note on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Apr 2007)

‘Good full ruby-red. Complex, claret-like aromas of plum syrup, graphite, tobacco, licorice, minerals and spices, with a light herbal quality adding verve. Intensely flavored, juicy and penetrating but youthfully subdued and extremely slow to express itself. Some bitter cherry and lead pencil notes reminded me of Saint-Julien. Firm acids and broad, building tannins suggest that this needs to be forgotten for at least a few years, but it should make a superb bottle.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 90+/100 (Mar 2007)

‘Classy bdx-style red, blended according to vintage dictates; impressive 04 thoughtfully composed mix merlot with cabs s/f, petit v (46/36/9/9), assembled from 44 batches of fruit. Merlot’s aromatic generosity, cab’s staunch structure, seamless, refined whole. Traditionally vinified, ±20 mths Fr oak.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2007, 4.5*

‘John X Merriman purchased part of the Rustenberg farm in 1892 (it was subsequently bought by the current owners, the Barlow family, in 1940) and this Cabernet-dominated blend is named after him. As with all Rustenberg wines, this is a fine, structured bottling that's more than New World. Offers smoky fruit, a mineral character, and dry tannins. This has potential to age for at least five years.’ – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 93/100 (Nov 2006)

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