John X Merriman is a red produced by Rustenberg Wines in Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Cellarion's sommeliers have reviewed the drink window of 2 vintages; members see when each one is ready. Track this wine and manage your cellar with Cellarion — the free, open-source wine app at cellarion.app.
Type: Red
Appellation: Stellenbosch
Region: Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Tasting profile
Structure: full-bodied, medium tannin, medium acidity, dry
Rustenberg's flagship Bordeaux blend, named for John X. Merriman — a former Prime Minister of the Cape Colony who owned the farm in the late nineteenth century and revived its vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon led with Merlot and the supporting Bordeaux varieties, from cooler hillside sites on the Simonsberg slopes above Stellenbosch. Blackcurrant and dark plum with cedar, graphite and the dried-herb, faintly smoky savour that marks Cape reds out from their New World counterparts. Full-bodied with firm but approachable tannin. Composed and restrained rather than overtly ripe — closer in weight and shape to mid-tier Bordeaux than to warm-climate South African reds. Genuinely age-worthy, and one of the Cape's more reliable long-term propositions.
When to drink
Cellarion's sommeliers have reviewed the drink window of 2 vintages of John X Merriman. Sign up free to see when each one is ready.
Where it comes from
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch is South Africa's best-known fine-wine district, set among granite hills just inland from Cape Town, and is the historic centre of the country's quality wine trade.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape born in Bordeaux from a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, and it has become the most planted premium red variety on the planet, the backbone of countless…
Merlot
Merlot is a red grape from Bordeaux, one of the world's most planted varieties, valued for its softness, generosity and its role as a blending partner to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a red grape grown in both Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, and is one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a red grape from Bordeaux, traditionally a minor blending component that adds colour, tannin and aromatic lift to Cabernet-based wines.
More wines
From Rustenberg Wines
- Straw Wine — Rustenberg Wines, Stellenbosch
More red wines from Stellenbosch
- Creative Block 5 — Spier, Wine of Origin Stellenbosch
- De Toren Fusion V — De Toren Private Cellar, Stellenbosch
- Faithful Hound — Mulderbosch, Stellenbosch
- Tiara — Simonsig Estate, Stellenbosch
Frequently asked questions
Where is John X Merriman from?
John X Merriman is produced by Rustenberg Wines in Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
What grapes are in John X Merriman?
John X Merriman is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.