Meerlust, Rubicon 2020

Description

WINEMAKER’S TASTING NOTE

The 2020 Meerlust Rubicon is a classic vintage of this iconic Cape wine. Very youthful in colour, deep and intense with an almost purple hue.

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, 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.

ABOUT MEERLUST WINE

Meerlust Estate has been the pride of the Myburgh family since 1756. Today, the dedication to quality winemaking continues under the guidance of 8th generation, Hannes Myburgh.

The name Meerlust means “pleasure of the sea”, as the property is situated 5km from False Bay (and 15km south of Stellenbosch), where the cooling influence of the coast allows the grapes ripen slowly.

VINEYARDS

The Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on low yielding, predominantly biotite partially decomposed granite gravel topsoil rich in quartz and feldspar to a depth of approximately 600mm with a loamy clay subsoil.

The Merlot vineyards are planted on more clay rich, yet well drained soils to ensure moisture retention and availability to the vines roots right through the summer. There are considerable deposits of iron-rich Laterite in the Merlot vineyards which accentuates the fruit definition and mineral profile of the wine.

The Cabernet Franc Vineyard is situated on very well drained, stony Vilafontes soil with approximately 20% clay which is ideal for this variety. The Petit Verdot is on Oakleaf 3 soils on a northerly aspect to ensure full phenolic ripeness

WINEMAKING

The 2020 Rubicon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, every parcel of each variety was fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300 litre barrels and large Foudré.

After 8 months in barrel, the components were blended and given another 10 months in barrel for harmonization before bottling.

The 2020 sees the more mature Merlot vineyards coming more to the fore with almost equal part Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the final blend.

VINTAGE INFORMATION

Good rainfall during the winter and long uninterrupted cold spells meant reserves where adequately replenished and cold requirement easily met. A very dry and hot spring followed by a moderate growing season resulted in even budding and slower than normal, even ripening – especially beneficial for our late ripening varieties.

Additional information

This Meerlust red pairs perfeclty with venison, game, pot roast and noble cheese.