2010 Meerlust Rubicon (Stellenbosch)

Another South African icon from the country whose winemaking just gets better and better, the Meerlust Rubicon is a Bordeaux blend that ages every bit as well as proper claret. The exact blend this vintage is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, and it has spent 21 months in mostly new French Nevers oak. The 2010 has a classic blackcurrant bouquet with a mint and tobacco character - give it a few years and some earthy, savoury tertiary flavours will add another layer of complexity. (NT 05/04/16)