Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Country
South Africa
Region
Western Cape
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Sustainability
Sustainable Certification
Wine Types
Still, Red, White
About Meerlust Estate
Meerlust Wine Estate is one of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine estates, located in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape and owned by the Myburgh family since 1756. Today, under the stewardship of eighth-generation custodian Hannes Myburgh, the estate is internationally renowned for its pioneering Bordeaux-style blend, Rubicon, alongside a portfolio of elegant, estate-grown wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Crafted from vineyards influenced by the cooling maritime breezes of nearby False Bay, Meerlust wines are celebrated for their balance, complexity and exceptional ageing potential.
As the exclusive Meerlust wine importer in the UK and premium wine distributor, MMD provides direct access to these iconic wines, positioning Meerlust as a benchmark for South African fine wine.
The history of Meerlust is inextricably linked with the South African wine industry. Founded in 1693, its modern legacy began in 1756 when the Myburgh family purchased the property. Across eight uninterrupted generations, the family has preserved this national monument while systematically elevating its viticultural reputation, establishing Meerlust as a symbol of historical continuity and regional authority in the Western Cape.
Heritage
The Visionary Creation of Rubicon
The true turning point of Meerlust occurred under seventh-generation custodian Nico Myburgh. Following a pivotal visit to Bordeaux in 1967, where he recognized striking similarities between the Médoc and Meerlust’s maritime soils, Nico returned determined to create an iconic Cape blend. In collaboration with winemaker Giorgio Dalla Cia, years of experimentation culminated in the 1980 commercial release of Rubicon. This pioneering Bordeaux blend South African wine fundamentally altered the country’s wine landscape, proving Stellenbosch could produce world-class, age-worthy blends. Today, Hannes Myburgh maintains this meticulous stewardship, blending ancestral tradition with contemporary precision.
Region and Vineyards
A Unique Maritime Terroir
Situated just five kilometres from False Bay, Meerlust’s vineyards benefit from a distinct maritime microclimate that sets them apart from hotter inland Stellenbosch sites. The estate features 110 hectares of vines. Cold ocean breezes and evening mists consistently roll across the canopy during summer, lowering temperatures and ensuring a slow, extended ripening period that preserves natural acidity and structural definition.
Distinct Geological Formations
The vineyard holdings are divided into distinct terroir units. The backbone of the estate’s red production is grown on the Compagniesdrift vineyard, a north-facing slope of deeply weathered granite and clay. This terroir provides excellent water retention, yielding grapes with intense concentration and structured tannins. Conversely, sections like the Quarry feature greywacke and shale, bringing an elegant mineral precision, lifted acidity, and aromatic complexity to both their white and Stellenbosch red wine releases.
Viticulture and Winemaking
Sustainable Estate Management
Viticulture at Meerlust is defined by a deep understanding of individual parcels and environmental longevity. The estate operates under full industry Sustainable Certification via the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) scheme. Soil health and biodiversity are prioritised through targeted cover-cropping, natural pest management, and minimal chemical interventions, ensuring each variety reflects the true natural signature of the Eerste River Valley.
Precision in the Cellar
In the cellar, winemaking blends classical philosophies with precise modern infrastructure, overseen by winemaker Wim Truter. Grapes are selectively hand-harvested and sorted to guarantee absolute purity. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and traditional concrete tanks for gentle extraction. The ageing regime utilizes top-tier French oak barrels, where the proportion of new oak is carefully adjusted by vintage. This balanced handling preserves primary fruit characteristics while infusing the wines with fine, seamlessly integrated tannins.
Style of Wine
Meerlust produces an iconic portfolio of still red and white wines characterized by restraint, linear freshness, and profound structural elegance. The estate-grown Chardonnay showcases crisp citrus and stone fruit profiles balanced by a subtle, creamy texture and coastal salinity. The red wine range is comprised with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and the flagship Rubicon, which display intense black fruit aromatics, complex notes of cedar wood, violets, and graphite, backed by fine-grained tannins and vibrant, age-worthy acidity.
A South African Icon in the UK Wine Trade
Meerlust offers a reliable, prestigious portfolio with immediate brand recognition. From premium by-the-glass varietal-led wines to the cellar-worthy Rubicon, these wines support diverse price points on wine lists. Meerlust is an essential addition for wine businesses who are looking to showcase authentic Stellenbosch excellence.
