Meerlust, Rubicon 2018
Product Information
Country South Africa
Region Stellenbosch
Grape Variety 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
Vintage 2018
ABV 14.3%
Meerlust Rubicon 2018 is a luxurious, full-bodied red wine crafted in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This vintage showcases a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (67%), Merlot (19%), Cabernet Franc (10%), and Petit Verdot (4%), offering a refined expression of elegance, structure, and ageing potential.
Tasting Profile:
Deep and intense in colour with a youthful purple hue, this premium red blend offers a complex bouquet of violets, ripe plum, cedarwood, fennel, and bold spicy undertones. Hints of liquorice and earthy nuances add further depth. On the palate, it is bold and structured with silky tannins, fresh dark fruit, and exceptional balance, showing finesse and power in equal measure.
Ageing Potential:
Approachable in its youth due to 2018’s warmer vintage, Rubicon 2018 is designed to evolve gracefully over the next 10 to 20 years when stored in optimal cellar conditions. A smart addition for any wine collector or enthusiast seeking a wine with both richness and longevity.
Vintage Conditions:
The 2018 vintage emerged during one of South Africa's most challenging droughts in a century. Although the harvest yielded smaller crops, the low water availability and cooler nights during ripening contributed to concentrated flavours, rich colour, and overall high-quality fruit.
Winemaking Process:
Each grape variety was vinified separately, undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300L French oak barrels and large Foudres. After 8 months, the components were blended and matured for an additional 10 months in barrel to ensure seamless integration and complexity.
Why Choose Meerlust Rubicon 2018?
• Premium South African red wine with international acclaim
• Elegant Bordeaux-style blend from Stellenbosch
• Excellent for ageing or immediate enjoyment
• Perfect gift for wine collectors and connoisseurs
• Pairs beautifully with red meats, lamb, game, and rich pasta dishes
Limited vintage – order your bottle of Meerlust Rubicon 2018 today and experience one of South Africa’s most iconic red wines.
Discover Meerlust Estate Wines – A Legacy of South African Winemaking Excellence
Meerlust Estate is one of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine estates, producing award-winning wines near Stellenbosch since 1756. Situated just 5km from False Bay, the estate benefits from cool ocean breezes and evening mists, creating the ideal climate for slow grape ripening and full varietal expression. These unique coastal conditions result in rich, elegant wines with depth and complexity.
Owned and run by the Myburgh family for over eight generations, Meerlust is globally celebrated for its Bordeaux-style red wine blends, most notably the iconic Meerlust Rubicon. As the first South African estate to produce a Bordeaux blend, Meerlust made history in 1980 with the release of Rubicon, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The wine’s name, inspired by Julius Caesar's legendary decision to cross the Rubicon River, signifies a turning point, not only for Meerlust, but for South African red wine production as a whole.
Current winemaker Wim Truter brings international expertise to the estate, supported by a dedicated team including cellar master Altus Treurnicht and viticulturist Izak Basson. Together, they uphold Meerlust’s unwavering commitment to crafting premium wines using traditional methods and sustainable vineyard practices.
Meerlust’s rich heritage extends beyond the vineyard. Through the Meerlust Foundation and the Myburgh Family Trust, the estate actively invests in community upliftment, providing meaningful support and education for the children and families of farm workers.
Whether you are a collector of fine South African red wines or a first-time taster exploring premium Stellenbosch wine estates, Meerlust offers a legacy in every bottle.
