Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

Meerlust Merlot 1989
‘1989’s oak-fruit mélange clear notch ahead of 1988 which has strong, forward bouquet – bit smoky, good plummy fruit backing. Both gold medals at Intervin, North America’s major international wine competition. 1989 only SA wine so honoured. All-new French oak well-toasted for 18 months.’ Platter’s SA Wine Guide 1996, 5*

Meerlust Merlot 1997
'Youthful, bright ruby colour with garnet rim. Pomegranate, peppermint and roasted herbs, with just a slight hint of forest floor. The palate is grippy, with mouth-watering fine tannins, firm acidity and a long line of red and black fruit on the appetising finish. Delicious.' - Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2021), 93/100

Meerlust Rubicon 2007
‘Approaching its 30th birthday, cab-based blend with merlot, cab franc still a Cape benchmark. Splendid 2007 (5 stars) reflects work in the vineyard, with remarkably intense fruit core, currently masked by firm, integrated tannin which should preserve charms to 2025. Like 2006, restrained not showy.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2012, 5*

'Deep garnet. Leafy but not green, silky yet dense tannins and lovely freshness. Elegant and long. Seems surprisingly light on its feet. Really persistent.' - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Oct 2012)

'One of the best vintages of Rubicon to date, and for the price it's a fantastic value that's great for building up your cellar. Right now, the wine is still young and tight, with firm, gripping tannins that need some time to mellow. Fortunately, there's a great concentrated black-fruit core and enough acidity alongside the tannins to support long-term aging. Spicy and earthy, with accents of black tea, cedar and crushed violets. Try after 2016.' - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100