The Rubicon
“Alea iacta est. The die is cast,”
1967: Nico Myburgh visited Bordeaux and noted similarities to the Eerste River Valley — a cool sea-breeze climate and decomposed granite and clay soils. Bordeaux focused on blends, while the Cape mainly produced single-cultivar wines.
Returning to Meerlust Estate, Nico was inspired to create a blend with Giorgio Dalla Cia.
1978: First experimental Rubicon (Meerlust wine) made — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
1979: No wine produced due to poor vintage conditions.
1980: Rubicon officially released — 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc — introducing a new Bordeaux-style blend to South Africa.
Rubicon was suggested as a fitting name, referring to Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon River the decision to cross it marked a pivotal point in history. Once you crossed the Rubicon there could be no turning back.
Wine Range
Meerlust Rubicon
First vintage produced was 1980.
Rubicon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot; every parcel of each variety was fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300 L French barrels and large Foudré. After 8 months in barrel, the components were blended and given another 10 months in barrel for harmonisation before bottling.
Terroir
The Rubicon is a true expression of the Meerlust estate and draws fruit from our four distinctive terroirs. Each terroir provides a unique element to the final blend.
