About this wine
Meerlust's flagship Bordeaux blend, one of South Africa's oldest and most respected wines. From the historic farm in Stellenbosch's Eerste River valley.
A benchmark South African Bordeaux blend — the ideal starting point for discovering the quality and aging potential of Stellenbosch red wines.
Sommelier's Note
"Rubicon is South Africa's answer to a First Growth Bordeaux — decades of consistent quality have cemented its status as the Cape's most iconic red, and every serious collector must have it in the cellar."
Food Pairings
Pairs exceptionally well with grilled lamb, roasted beef, venison, and aged hard cheeses. It also complements rich mushroom-based dishes, duck confit, and slow-braised short ribs. With Japanese cuisine, it is superb alongside wagyu steak seasoned with soy sauce or a hearty mushroom-rich sukiyaki.
When to drink it
Ideal for formal dinners, celebratory milestones, or as the centerpiece wine at a sophisticated dinner party with red meat and hard cheeses.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- ¥6,000-9,000
Terroir & Winemaking
Hand-harvested Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc from the Meerlust Estate in Stellenbosch. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged approximately 18 months in French oak barrels (a significant portion new oak) to develop structural depth and complexity. Unfined and unfiltered before bottling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Meerlust Rubicon taste like?
- It offers concentrated dark berries, cassis, cedar, and violets, underpinned by fine-grained tannins and a long, structured finish — a classic Bordeaux-style blend with unmistakable Cape character.
- How does Rubicon compare to Bordeaux?
- Rubicon shares the Bordeaux blueprint — Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant with Merlot and Cabernet Franc — but the Stellenbosch terroir gives it a riper, sun-drenched fruit character while the Atlantic breezes preserve freshness and acidity.
- When is the best time to drink Rubicon?
- Best enjoyed between 5 and 15 years after the vintage date; current releases are approachable now but reward patience with greater complexity and integration.
- What food pairs best with Rubicon?
- Grilled lamb chops, roasted beef fillet, venison, and aged hard cheeses are classic pairings. It also stands up beautifully to wagyu with soy-based sauces and hearty mushroom dishes.
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