Description
A wooden gift box containing three bottles of outstanding vintages (2016, 2017 & 2018) of Meerlust Estate’s flagship Rubicon. Long recognised for producing premium wines, Meerlust Estate pioneered the Bordeaux blend in Stellenbosch.
The 2018 Meerlust Rubicon has a quintessential Rubicon nose with violets, ripe plum, cedar wood, fennel, and intense spiciness. A typical liquorice note also evident on the nose. Still young and intense, the palate is full bodied, structured but packed with fresh dark fruit and rounded tannins. This is a vintage that is more approachable in youth because of the ripeness and richness levels attained in 2018 but will provide great complexity with further maturation.
2018 Blend Information: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
Ageing potential: 10 – 20 years, provided wine is stored in ideal cellar conditions
Alcohol: 14.3% ABV
Awards / Reviews: Platter’s Wine Guide 2022: 4.5 stars, Tim Atkin (MW) Special South Africa Report 2022: 95 points, Wine Spectator: 91 points & Greg Sherwood MW (Wine Safari Score): 95/100
The 2017 Meerlust Rubicon is a classic vintage of this iconic Cape wine with a quintessential Rubicon nose of violets, ripe plum, cedarwood, fennel and intense spiciness. Typical liquorice notes are also evident on the nose. Still young and intense, promising further maturation potential. The palate is full bodied, structured but packed with fresh dark fruit and rounded, linear tannins promising long beneficial maturation. A stand out vintage of Rubicon displaying all the charm of a perfect vintage from mature vines.
2017 Blend Information: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
Ageing potential: 15 – 30 years from vintage date under ideal cellar conditions
Alcohol: 13.6% ABV
Awards / Reviews: Platter’s Wine Guide 2021: 5 stars, Tim Atkin (MW) Special South Africa Report 2021: 96 points & Wine Safari Score: 96+/100 Greg Sherwood MW
The 2016 Meerlust Rubicon shows great charm and drinkability even at this early stage, no doubt a result of the high Merlot and Cabernet Franc composition. Wonderful exotic aromas of plum, sandalwood and perfume, still with a touch of creamy vanilla. The palate is medium bodied with a forward dark fruit flavour of cassis and mulberry followed by a lithe tannic structure fleshed out with juicy fruit. The impression is one of litheness and grace rather than over-arching power.
2016 Blend Information: 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot
Ageing potential: 15 – 30 years from vintage date under ideal cellar conditions
Alcohol: 14% ABV
Awards / Reviews: Platter’s Wine Guide 2020: 4.5 stars & Greg Sherwood MW (Wine Safari Score): 93+/100
