2016 Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch

2016 Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtProprietary RedSouth Africa

MEERLUST

2016 RUBICON
STELLENBOSCH

2016 Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch
Setting in motion a movement of Bordeaux-style blends in Stellenbosch, Meerlust began producing Rubicon in 1980 and unmasked the possibilities of a region with regal stature, historical strength, and timeless intrigue. Exploiting cool ocean breezes and evening mists, Meerlust sits fifteen kilometers south of Stellenbosch, where ancient soils combine with a maritime influence, creating a powerful expression of the region. At less than $40, this pillar of Stellenbosch deserves a spot in your cellar. 
 
Meerlust is a historical estate dating back to 1756, with a rich history of producing classic expressions of the region. Their longstanding traditions and stewardship of their vineyards continue under the guidance of eighth-generation winemaker Hannes Myburgh. 
 
Calling on four of Bordeaux’s top five varietals, Meerlust’s 2016 Rubicon marries 49% Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged for 16 months in barrels. The wine is rich with supple fruits and silky tannins, offering great concentration, balance, and old-world-like intrigue.
 
MEERLUST
2016 RUBICON
STELLENBOSCH 
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“Cedar wood, spice, a touch of fynbos on nose and palate. Good acidity and layers of flavour that balance the ripe fruit, with a deft touch. Drinking Window 2021 – 2028”
93 Points
 
“The 2016 Rubicon has an expressive nose of mulberry with subtle oak and red and brown spices… the full-bodied palate is still tight and structured with a grippy, chewy edge, but elegance can be gained with age and this wine ends well structured with focused balance.”
90+ Points
 
“Very Old World in style, with a graceful profile and mouthwatering acidity standing firmly behind notes of cherry, savory mineral, rose hip and rosemary. Supple tannins create good harmony and give this more muscle. Needs a bit more time, but well-executed. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2029.”
90 Points
2014 Rustenberg John X Merriman Bordeaux Blend South Africa

2014 Rustenberg John X Merriman Bordeaux Blend South Africa

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtProprietary RedSouth Africa

RUSTENBERG 

2014 JOHN X MERRIMAN 
BORDEAUX BLEND
SIMONSBERG, SOUTH AFRICA

2014 Rustenberg John X Merriman Bordeaux Blend South Africa

 
There are many reasons why South Africa has some of the most unique terroirs anywhere in the world. The iconic Stellenbosch Mountains have soils that are approximately 600 million years old, which is more than three times older than the soils in Napa Valley. The wines of Stellenbosch can often show interesting mineral notes from the decomposed granite soils, and when done right, they can be extraordinary. I’ve been searching for the right South African wine to bring into the shop, and we recently found it in Rustenberg’s 2014 John X Merriman Bordeaux Blend, Simonsberg. At $28, this is a stunning bottle of wine.   
 
Rustenberg was founded in 1682, and the wine team makes its flagship John X Merriman Bordeaux styled blend in honor of a former owner who played a vital role in revitalizing the Estate. The blend is always predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and in 2014 it encompasses all of Bordeaux’s top 5 grapes. 
 
The Estate vines climb the red slopes of Simonsberg, and the winery monitors each block independently for acid/pH levels, natural sugars and flavors, before vinifying the blocks separately. The final blend is a stunning representation of the Estate, and at $28, don’t miss getting this delightful wine. 
 
RUSTENBERG 
2014 JOHN X MERRIMAN 
BORDEAUX BLEND
SIMONSBERG, SOUTH AFRICA
Retails at: $30
 
Your Price: $28
 
 
“The 2014 John X Merriman is the spiciest vintage to date according to Murray Barlow, due to the cooler growing season that did not go past 30 degrees Celsius during the season. Matured in 35% new oak for 20 months, that spice-box element does percolate through the red berry fruit on the nose, touches of bay leaf and melted tar emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannin on the entry, a fine seam of acidity, grippy and quite assertive at first, but calmer towards the finish with that long spicy/pepper tail on the aftertaste. Give this 2-3 years in bottle. This is discretely classy even if it is just missing that “X” factor.” 90 Points