835. Rustenberg, R M Nicholson Stellenbosch, 2010

£13.99; 14.5%

Accidentally bought this instead of John X Merriman. This has a substantial Shiraz proportion, so not strictly a South African Cabernet blend. Deep ruby-garnet – showing either age or traditional wine-making. Distinctly South African nose, with both jammy fruit and a broad, grilled green pepper & meat note. Complexity of tobacco, smoke, cinnamon oak spice and chilli. Sweet, smoky blackberry jam fruit entry. Overlayed with vanilla and meatiness. Medium, grippy tannin. Moderate acidity. Not bad.