Meerlust ‘Rubicon’ 2014

Producer Information

Meerlust Estate has been the pride of the Myburgh family since 1756. Today, the dedication to quality winemaking continues under the guidance of 8th generation, Hannes Myburgh. Cellar Master, Chris Williams has worked on the estate since 1995 and has been in charge of winemaking since 2004. The name Meerlust means “pleasure of the sea”, as the property is situated 5km from False Bay (and 15km south of Stellenbosch), where the cooling influence of the coast allows the grapes ripen slowly.

Vineyards

The Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on low yielding, predominantly biotite partially decomposed granite gravel topsoil rich in quartz and feldspar to a depth of approximately 600mm with a loamy clay subsoil. The Merlot vineyards are planted on more clay rich, yet well drained soils to ensure moisture retention and availability to the vines roots right through the summer. There are considerable deposits of iron-rich Laterite in the Merlot vineyards which accentuates the fruit definition and mineral profile of the wine.

The Cabernet Franc Vineyard is situated on very well drained, stony Vilafontes soil with approximately 20% clay which is ideal for this variety.

The Petit Verdot is on Oakleaf 3 soils

All the vineyards were green harvested during veraison to reduce yield, increase concentration and fruit definition. The cold winter and mild spring were ideal to promote very even canopy development and good fruit set. Good winter rains in 2012 ensured sufficient soil moisture in our clay-rich soils, particularly important for Merlot. The crop was healthy due to the ever- present prevailing South Easterly sea breezes. The fruit from each vineyard was harvested in small lots and fermented separately to monitor vineyard expression.

Winemaking

The Cabernets were given quite lengthy macerations to ensure complete extraction of the perfectly ripe fruit, but the Merlot was given even longer post fermentation maceration to encourage complete polymerization of complex tannins and add a broad, juicy and silky texture to the blend as a whole. Malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel for 7 months before assessment and assemblage. The 2013 Rubicon is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, this variety now really starting to assert itself as an important component of Rubicon The wine spent a total of 19 months in 65 % new French Nevers oak with 35 % 2nd fill Nevers and Alliers barrels.

Vintage Information

Due to uneven ripening, we had to be very selective during harvest, discarding and bunches which were not perfectly ripe and having shorter macerations on the Cabernet. The Merlot, however, was the standout variety in the season and was beautifully and consistently ripe, although harvested a bit later. Malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel for 7 months before assessment and assemblage. The 2014 Rubicon is composed of  67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, this variety now really starting to assert itself as an important component of Rubicon The wine spent a total of 20 months in 67 % new   French Nevers oak with 33 % 2nd fill Nevers and Alliers barrels.

Tasting Note

“The 2014 Rubicon displays the restraint and elegance of the cooler vintage. Still showing a very deep, youthful colour, and intense almost purple hue. Beautifully perfumed and floral nose with violets, ripe plum, cedar wood and intense spiciness. A typical liquorice note and stony minerality also evident on the nose. Still youthful and intense, promising further maturation potential. The palate is medium bodied, structured by beautifully sleek, ripe tannins which restrain the vibrant delicate fruit typical of this vintage, giving the wine an opulent texture which is kept focused by the linear acidity. The wine lingers on the palate with creamy fruit mouthfiilling tannins.”, Chris Williams, Winemaker

Food Pairing

Venison, game, pot roast and noble cheese.

Serving Suggestion

Ideally served at 18°C - 20°C

Press

Wine Safari Score: 94+ POINTS
Greg Sherwood MW

An invitingly youthful, opulent nose bursting with blueberry pie, vanilla pod spice, violets, cedar wood and polished mahogany. Very impressive with lifted black currant and raisined cranberry notes, the complexity of this wine is mesmerising. The palate is wonderfully suave, fleshy and elegant, showing superb harmony and balance combined with Cabernet Sauvignon backbone, power and breadth. There are lashings of delicious sweet cassis, black currant pastille, blueberries, and seductive creamy oak vanillins. Such a polished example, finely tuned, and positively oozes with class and pedigree. This impressive 2014 should drink well now and for another 25+ years if well cellared. Bravo Hannes Myburgh and winemaker Chris Williams.

Wine Review Online: 93 POINTS
October 10, 2018, Michael Apstein

“The 2014, currently on the market, is a wonderful youthful wine. Balanced and fresh, it has the Rubicon hallmark of gracefulness, which makes it accessible and enjoyable now.”

Wine Spectator: 90 POINTS
February 28, 2018, James Molesworth

“Mature, with polished edges to the mix of coffee, tobacco, steeped black currant and warm fig paste flavors. Light loam and savory hints add range on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2020. 1,153 cases imported.”

Stellenbosch, South Africa
67% Cabernet Sauvignon,
14% Merlot
12% Cabernet Franc
7% Petit Verdot

Natural Cork
13.9%
2.1 g/l
6.12 g/l
Yes
No

Download PDF Print Producer page Contact us