Owned by the Myburgh family since 1756, the Meerlust estate once secretly hosted and hid the late Princess Diana on a trip to South Africa. The Myburghs were pioneering growers of Bordeaux varietals in the Cape and have been widely imitated but their vineyards have what others do not: old vines. Rubicon is an iconic, multi-award winning wine, so called when in 1980, the family at last thought they had produced a wine that ‘crossed the Rubicon’ between old and new world wines. The 2016 vintage is distinguished by the high proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Franc in the blend (28% and 20% respectively), with only 49% Cabernet Sauvignon since growing conditions on the Cape meant Merlot shone that year. This gives the wine extraordinary drinkability. It is dark red in colour, with aromas of cassis, cherry, blackcurrant and a touch of tobacco. Completely moreish. Definitely a keeper, we doubt anyone would be able to resist its charms by leaving it in the cellar for any length of time. Delicious with venison, pot roasts and cheese. An earlier vintage was included as one of our 50 Wines To Try Before You Die. We love this bestselling wine. An Eton Vintners classic!
Delivery Charges
*Local Free Delivery: SL3 and SL4 postcode (Windsor/Datchet)
*Local Free Delivery: All SL (Except SL7), HP9, GU25, TW18, TW19 & TW20 postcodes. (Min. 6 bottles or 1 Hamper or 1 of our selected Wine cases purchased)
- England and Wales £12.00
- England and Wales Free Delivery (Over £200 purchased)
- Northern Ireland £30 (All BT postcodes)
- Scotland £15.00 (EH, FK, G, KA, KY, ML, DG and TD postcodes)
- Scottish Highlands and Islands £ 30.00 (All AB; DD; HS; IV; KW; KA27-28; PA; PH; TR21-25; ZE postcodes)
More Information
Bordeaux blends have been centuries in the making and have become synonymous with Bordeaux. Winemakers in the New World replicate this formula to create successful blends in their respective regions – you may see Bordeaux blends from the US labeled Meritage. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. These five red grapes are the components of a classic Bordeaux blend. Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot usually play the lead role, while Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot act as the supporting cast. These three grapes help to add colour, structure and body in varying amounts. A Bordeaux blend typically, but not exclusively, uses at least three of the five grapes to be labeled as such, but many wines in Bordeaux and else where stick to just two. Each year the percentage of each grape in the blend can vary and the winemaker can include more of the variety that excelled in that particular vintage.
