Like Rubicon... at a fraction of the price

For only the fourth time ever, the perfectionist Meerlust Estate has declassified its flagship Rubicon. Winemaker Chris Williams came to see us last week and revealed that in 2011 their best fruit didn't quite make their exacting grade, so it all went into their estate Red, which sells for well under half the price.

Situated 15km south of Stellenbosch and just 5 from False Bay, Meerlust benefits from cool summertime breezes and evening mists. This extends the growing season and adds to the complexity in the finished wines.

Like the event it's named after, the creation of Rubicon was an heroic move, one which went totally against the received wisdom of the time - that the best wines are made from single varieties. Under Hannes Myburgh, the eighth generation of the family at the estate, Meerlust continues to make bold decisions, ones which sacrifice short-term gain and reinforce their longstanding commitment to quality. The 2011 Meerlust Red incorporates all of the estate's best Cabernet and Merlot. Although it's a serious wine with a bit of aging potential, it's good to drink now and it's phenomenal value. /DW