Rustenberg, R M Nicholson, Stellenbosch

Deep ruby in the glass. Intense nose with dominant black fruit combined with tones of herbaceousness (blackcurrant leaf, bell pepper) and hints of licorice. Couldn't detect much oak here, but as it opens up, some smoky notes come into focus. Great refreshing acidity which highlights the fruit and balances with the alcohol in order to keep the wine coming off as flabby and boring. Could use a bit more tannic grip, depth and length to make it something more than …

Quite nice. Very dark purple, with purple bubbles when poured. On the nose big layers of red fruit, pepper/spice and some wood On the palate not as big and bold as I expected. Red fruit, black fruit, wood, a little bit of leather and spice again. Due to its palate, I suspect this is more Syrah than Cab Sauv. There are very little tannins, but I do think this wine would benefit from a year or two in the bottle. …

Used to be one of my go-to wines, but this vintage is very disappointing. It has lost the complexity and tannic bite of previous years. I note from their web-site that it is a cuvee of 50% shiraz, 30% Merlot, 20% cabernet sauv. In earlier years, cab sauv predominated and the addition of shiraz softened the blend somewhat. This is frankly bland, I shall not buy again. Shame.

Black cherry, smoke, mineral, and pumpernickel toast nose. Dry, med-full bodied with solid flavours and firm, meaty tannins. well-built finish. 3.5/5