Yan Gagnon

9.1

Rustenberg remonte au début de la colonisation par les Hollandais dans la région du Cap en Afrique du Sud. On produit du vin depuis 1892 sans interruption. La cuvée John X Merriman porte le nom d’un ancien propriétaire qui devint premier ministre de la colonie du Cap. C’est un assemblage bordelais, médocain avec une prédominance de cabernet sauvignon, en 2021. Les cépages varient d’une année à l’autre, il y avait du Cabernet Franc et beaucoup de Merlot il y a quelques années. Il a passé 20 mois sous fût de chêne français. Le 2021 est encore jeune avec une belle robe rubis. Le nez est franc avec des effluves de fruits rouges, framboise et de fruits noirs, cassis. La bouche est tout à fait agréable, les tanins sont souples. Le corps est moyen. La finale est longue sur des saveurs de chocolat et de prune et un soupçon d’épices. Il fait partie des 1001 vins qu'il faut avoir goûtés. — 11 days ago

Jocholla

9.2

Alcohol nose, dark cherry, blackberry, blueberry, cigar box cedar, vanilla, damn that is good. Hospitality from this team is top notch. — 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.6

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Consistent both days though more of the typical Syrah characteristics seemed to be more pronounced on Day 2. The 2017 “Judge Family Vineyard” pours a deep, ruby purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with heady notes of black and blue fruits: blackberries, mulberries, Marion berries, blueberries, and plums along with black pepper, olive brine, incense, new leather and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and immensely satisfying. This continues to be an utterly delicious example of Syrah from the New World with unmistakeable nods to the Old World. At this point, it still continues to benefit greatly from a few hours of air. Drink now with lots of patience and through 2037. — 5 months ago

Brandon Boesch

9.4

This wine is just getting good. A lot of baking spice, apple, dried herbs, cranberry, kind of like Thanksgiving sans turkey and potatoes. Really opens after 90 minutes of air. Outstanding — 14 days ago

Kevin C

9.2

Beautiful ruby color. Vanilla, cherry, subtle. Dry, mellow tannins. Good for sipping or with a meal. Prime rib & onion soup, we'll paired. — a month ago

Randy Fillingim

9.0

2012 vintage. Still bringing it after 12 years. laying in the wine cellar since purchased. A very good representation of a Washington Cabernet. Still decent fruit, delicious mouth fill. good balance, still between tannins and fruit.  — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

One of Australia’s best Cabernets. Sue Hodder who is Wynns’ chief winemaker told me that only the best 2% of their wide resources of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes goes into John Riddoch. I guess it explains the continuing high quality of Black Label (the next Cabernet down in the Wynns range and an unbelievable bargain). Sue was the chief winemaker in 2008 when she made this wine and remains the chief winemaker at Wynns. See previous Delectable note as things haven’t changed much. Coonawarra Mint, cassis and blackcurrant. A full bodied palate with fine persistent tannins. — 6 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.2

From magnum. Last vintage of this ever made and in an amazing spot. Light on its feet while still showing wild and somewhat brooding character. This disappeared rather quickly. — 21 days ago

Anjli Paul

10

Given by Akash, smoothest Shiraz we’ve ever had — a month ago

DCH

9.1

A very enjoyable off the shelf back vintage here. Nothing terribly complex, but balance point has held up wonderfully after a decade in the bottle. — 5 months ago