Meerlust
Rubicon 2009
South African Wines
About the SessionThe South African session brings together a selection of the Cape’s most historic and celebrated wines, spanning decades of winemaking heritage. From Kanonkop, Meerlust and Rustenberg to Klein Constantia and Thelema, the collection showcases landmark Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux-style blends and the iconic Vin de Constance, offering collectors a rare opportunity to explore some of South Africa’s most enduring and influential wines across multiple vintages.
LOT 76
Meerlust
Rubicon 2009
About this Item
Meerlust is one of South Africa’s most historic estates, in the Myburgh family for eight generations, on the cool, maritime flats near False Bay in Stellenbosch. Rubicon, first made in 1980, was the Cape’s pioneering Bordeaux-style blend and remains one of its most collectible reds. 2009 ranks among the finest modern Cape vintages, and this Cabernet-dominated (70%) Rubicon is widely held to be one of the estate’s greatest, a wine of indulgent depth and dense structure. Roland Peens and Higgo Jacobs each gave it 95, Richard Hemming MW gave it 17.5+ out of 20, Platter’s awarded 4.5 stars (92 points), and James Molesworth from Wine Spectator gave it 91.
Provenance
Single-Owner Private Collection
Critics Ratings
“As expected, the highlight of the tasting. Pure and beguiling nose, with Bordeaux-like graphite and forest floor notes. Dense, rich, and structured with powerful yet lacy tannins. Fine balance with a serious demeanour. Drink 2025 to 2040.” - Roland Peens, Wine Cellar, 95/100 (Feb 2021)
“Expressive of the vintage, the 2009 shows more intensity and concentration of dark fruit, still very tightly packed. Hint of sweet mocha. Unwavering structure, although there is a sweetness and opulence to the fruit that allows drinkability. A long haul vintage.” - Higgo Jacobs, 95/100 (Feb 2021)
“Lively pencil lead, cocoa, oil and tar aromas – real sophistication with a flash of green character on the palate and pert tannins. Supreme length.” - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5+/20 (2018)
“Distinctive, with singed iron and lilac hints, followed by a mix of boysenberry, blackberry and black currant fruit flavors. Dried star anise, cinnamon and black tea notes fill the finish, with iron-coated grip underneath. Tastes like a meeting of Cabernet and Nebbiolo. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.” - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Feb 2015)
“Sensational 2009 (92 pts), indisputably great vintage of venerable cab-dominated (70%) Bordeaux blend. Indulgently plush, with dark fruit that easily absorbs & integrates the oak influence (65% new barrels) to produce an impressively complex, densely structured & promising masterpiece.” - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2014, 4.5* (92/100)
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