Meerlust Rubicon 2023

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. German immigrant Henning Huising was so struck by this idyllic spot on a granite outcrop some 5km from False Bay that he decided to name his new estate “Meerlust” or “pleasure of the sea”. In 1756 it was purchased by the Myburgh family who have owned it ever since, passing it down to the eight generation, Hannes Myburgh, who studied winemaking in Germany and previously worked at Chateau Lafite in Bordeaux. Rubicon is their flagship wine and shows clear influence from Hannes’ earlier experiences in France both in terms of vineyard management and vinification. Predominantly made from Cabernet Sauvignon along with smaller amount of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the fruit comes from mature vineyards which are over 20 years old. Each variety is planted on the most appropriate soils, with the Cabernet on decomposed granite gravel and Merlot on richer clay soils. Hannes ferments the varieties separately and then ages the wine in 60% new French oak barrels for 8 months. He then makes the final blend and lets the wine rest in the barrel for another 10 months. The result is a complex and serious Bordeaux-style blend which punches high above its price tag, bursting with rich fruit flavours, smooth tannins, and enticing hints of spice and toast on the long finish.