This is one of South Africa’s most iconic red wines, produced by Meerlust Estate in Stellenbosch, a property with winemaking roots dating back to 1756 and still family-owned today. Rubicon is the estate’s flagship blend, created in a Bordeaux-inspired style, and widely regarded as a benchmark for premium South African reds. The wine is built primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small amount of Petit Verdot, giving it structure, balance, and ageing potential.
The vineyards benefit from a strong maritime influence from False Bay, which helps moderate temperatures and allows for slower, more even ripening. This contributes to a style that leans more towards elegance and restraint rather than power. Winemaking is traditional and detail-focused. Each variety is fermented separately before blending, followed by extended ageing in French oak. This process is designed to integrate the components and build a wine that develops complexity over time rather than relying on immediate impact. The 2016 vintage in particular reflects a cooler, drier growing season, resulting in a wine with more structure and finesse, and a slightly higher proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Franc than usual. In Magnum (1.5L), the wine benefits from slower maturation, helping it retain freshness and evolve more gradually, making it especially suited to cellaring or presentation.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Plum, cassis, cedar, and spice
Palate:
Structured and balanced, with dark fruit and refined tannins
Finish:
Long and composed, with a subtle savoury edge
