Meerlust is celebrating 50 years of producing fine wine. The Rubicon is at the heart of the brand’s global success, and it’s synonymous with special occasions and fine wine custodianship. Looking to the future with confidence, this graceful 2023 Meerlust release is ready for a new generation of wine drinkers.
In short, this is a classic vintage. Their cooler maritime climate and early ripening ensured that grapes were harvested before the rains. Subsequently, this vintage stands out for its refined texture, complexity and weightless intensity. The wine is brimming with dark, brooding fruit and maritime freshness, offering both restraint and pitch-perfect structure.
The Rubicon has been a Cape benchmark since its release and is the oldest Bordeaux-styled red in South Africa. The 2023 is a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, and spent 18 months in 50% new oak. This smart oaking added the finishing touches to a youthful Rubicon that promises many years ahead.
The 2023 release underscores the incredible class and consistency of this legacy property.
Tasting Notes:
‘In a word, this is a classic Rubicon. Lots of black fruit, spice and lively, leafy granite notes. Attractive dark berry cascades to fresh notes of crushed dried herbs, leading to a palate that trades on freshness, subtle fine-grained tannins and a dry, savoury finish. The oaking is wonderfully integrated, making this a wine that will start drinking beautifully now, but has all the structural finesse to mature elegantly for 10 years plus.’ – James Pietersen
‘Classically styled icon Cape Bordeaux, laudably consistent, always impressive. Cab & merlot (46/36), with cab franc & petit verdot in 2023. Beautifully crafted, suede tannins & amazing depth of radiantly ripe black fruit. 50% new French oak. A cellarworthy collectable.’ – Platter’s Guide, 5* (95/100)
