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. 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.
The Rubicon is a true expression of the Meerlust estate and draws fruit from our four distinctive terroirs. Each terroir provides a unique element to the final blend.
“Die Kop” – The soils from this warm north facing slope are predominantly formed from weathered granite. The wines originating from this granitic hilltop are expressive and bold in structure, mainly due to the coarse gravelly texture and sufficient soil depth to promote long and even ripening.
River Terraces – Sandy soils laced with rounded river stones allow for excellent root proliferation. This area of the Estate experiences the greatest shift between day and night temperatures, promoting flavour development of these delicate and fruit forward wines.
Quarry – The extremely rocky terrain consisting of greywacke with interbedded shales provides a unique substrate for vines. Shallow rooted vines on this cool and windswept foot slope leads to wines with characteristic red fruit with exceptional length, detail, and precision.
Lowlands – The remains of an ancient estuary are marked by clay-rich soils from deeply weathered greywacke and shales. The wines from this generally cool south facing, clay-rich terroir is typically smooth and silky in texture with prominent black fruit.
The 2020 Rubicon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, every parcel of each variety was fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300 L barrels and large Foudré. After 8 months in barrel, the components were blended and given another 10 months in barrel for harmonization before bottling. The 2020 sees the more mature Merlot vineyards coming more to the fore with almost equal part Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the final blend.
Good rainfall during the winter and long uninterrupted cold spells meant reserves where adequately replenished and cold requirement easily met. A very dry and hot spring followed by a moderate growing season resulted in even budding and slower than normal, even ripening – especially beneficial for our late ripening varieties.
Very youthful colour, deep and dense with almost purple hue. Quintessential Rubicon nose with violets, ripe plum, cedar wood, fennel, liquorice notes and intense spiciness. Still young and intense, the palate is full bodied, structured but packed with fresh dark fruit and rounded tannins and seamlessly integrated oak.
Venison, game, pot roast and noble cheese.
Ideally served at 16 -18°C
2023 Tim Atkin SA Special Report – 96 Points
Stellenbosch (14.46%)
“I want to take the varieties off the label,” says Wim Truter, who’d rather people focus on the terroir and the quality of the wine. Cabernet Sauvignon-led, with a supporting cast of 41% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, this is the latest in a run of impressive Rubicon releases, showing classic poise, elegance and refinement. Detailed, pure and well balanced, it has cassis, bramble and tobacco leaf flavours, scented oak and refreshing acidity.2024-35
Platter Guide 2024 – 93 points
Stellenbosch, South Africa
44% Cabernet Sauvignon,
41% Merlot
11% Cabernet Franc
4% Petit Verdot
Natural Cork
14.55 %
2.6 g/l
5.54 g/l Total Acid, ph 3.63
Yes
Yes