Meerlust Estate has been part of the Myburgh family tradition for eight generations, dating back to 1693. Long recognized for producing world-class wines, the Meerlust Estate is singularly rich in charm and history. Meerlust produces wines that are true to the intrinsic character of their vineyards located in the Stellenbosch region in South Africa. The diverse soils, the unique coastal climate and over 300 years of dedication are all essential components of Meerlust’s complex, rich and truly distinctive wines.

The 2023 Rubicon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (46%), Merlot (36%), Cabernet Franc (11%) and Petit Verdot (7%) every parcel of each variety was fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300 L barrels. After 8 months in barrel, the components were blended and given another 10 months in barrel for harmonization before bottling.

The 2023 Rubicon leads with intense dark fruit, slight savoury nori notes followed by graphite and cool herbal tones. The palate is still very tightly curled, and opens with power and persistence with decanting. A Rubicon that truly expresses the ageability of the sites, but with elegance and balance that allows for earlier drinkability.

Our growing season began mild and dry which was largely beneficial for earlier ripening varieties like Chardonnay. It also limited berry size and yields which benefited our red varieties. The area experienced very similar cool ripening period as with the much-lauded 2021 vintage. Our early phenolic ripening that is a key attribute of the area coupled with vineyard health ensured rapid flavour and tannin development and the vast majority of our vineyards were harvested before the rains began in all earnest. This resulted in bright flavourful wines that show good levels of extraction at good pH and acidity levels which bodes well for future ageing.

This wine pairs well with venison, game, pot roast and noble cheese. Suggested serving temperature is 64°F - 68°F.