Provenance

The Distell Tabernacle - Stellenbosch

Critics Ratings

‘Made on an experimental basis, this precedes the official release of Rubicon from the 1980 vintage. Red berries, tea leaf, a touch of caramel, some earthiness and spice on the nose while the palate is light-bodied with lemon-like acidity and a gently savoury finish. This still possesses plenty of charm if not great intensity.’ - Christian Eedes, 93/100 (Apr 2022)

‘Still to be named, but it will go out under the Meerlust name. Merlot and Cabernet Franc vineyards have come to maturity and since 1978 Nico Myburgh and his cellarmaster Giorgio Dalla Cia have been perfecting a blend in the Medoc tradition, using mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot and Cabernet Franc have been added in more or less equal quantities. The Merlot, especially, has proved a lovely, round, soft wine (many would be tempted to market it on its own) but the backbone of the Cabernet Sauvignon has been shown to be vital here in the Cape. The blend has a richness and breadth that many will find preferable to the more austere, less yielding but majestic straight Cabernet. The blend shows a striking resemblance to the better Medoc growths and recently Nico Myburgh was given a rare accolade by Baron Philippe Rothschild, one of the energetic patrons of the Medoc and owner of the fabled Chateau Lafite-Rothschild.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 1982, 4*

‘Mature, black berry and cherry stone fruit. Savoury, blood orange and citrus oils. Lush, fleshy opulence, dense, full, creamy and intense. Beautifully mature and expressive. A rare wine indeed.’ - Nederburg Auction Selection Panel 2018