Meerlust

Meerlust is one of South Africa's most classicist, historic estates, founded in 1693. Johannes Myburgh purchased the 400 hectare property in 1757, and it has been in his family ever since. Rubicon is their top Bx blend, an age worthy estate blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Each parcel of each grape was fermented separately before heading to 300L barrels for 8 months. After blending, this rested another 10 months in barrel prior to bottling. Perfumed cassis, black plum, dark earth, and baking spices fill a juicy, full bodied palate, with dark cocoa dusted tannins that finish with a dark espresso grip. Lovely structure here, drinking very smartly now (partner with grilled steaks) and with time ahead in your cellar.

(2026) Rubicon is Meerlust's flagship red wine, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (48%), Merlot (46%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the best estate vineyards. In the cellar it was fermented in 300-litre barrels and large foudré for eight 8 months before components were blended and given a further 10 months in barrel. The colour is a dramatically saturated deep purple/crimson, and there's a black-fruited, meaty solidity to this that speaks of the Cabernet dominance. Cedar and graphite, blood and game notes precede a gorgeous, classical palate where the savoury, but ripe, black fruits burst in the mouth, bolstered by chewy tannins and really juicy, focused acidity, over a depth of oak tannin and subtle chocolate flavour and texture. A terrific wine continuing a legacy of very fine Bordeaux-style red from this estate at a fraction of the price of similar wines from the Left Bank.