Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts, and Wine

Online-Only Auction, 31 May - 7 June 2021

Wine - Stellenbosch Theme

Sold for

ZAR 9 967
Lot 649
  • Meerlust; Rubicon; 1994; 6 (1 x 6); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 9 000 - 12 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 9 967

About this Item

Rubicon, 1994
6 (1 x 6) 750ml

Meerlust Estate has been the pride of the Myburgh family since 1756. Having previously visited Bordeaux, Nico Myburgh realised that the terroir there was very similar to that of his farm near the Eerste River. In 1978, Giorgio joined Nico at Meerlust in which was to be a dynamic, fruitful decades-long friendship and partnership between owner-vintner and cellarmaster.

In 1980 after several years of experimentation, Nico Myburgh with fellow winemaker Giorgio Dalla Cia, their new estate was born and it was unlike anything South Africa had seen before. The introduction was a Rubicon moment for South African fine wine market. One of SA’s most recognised blends, The name ‘Rubicon’ is from ancient Roman days as the crucial border of the ancient capital was named the Rubicon River. When the border was crossed it was deemed as an irrevocable point in history, much like the introduction of Rubicon to the South African fine wine market. Meerlust is committed to ensuring that Rubicon becomes even more distinguished and continues to occupy its rightful place amongst the finest wines in the world.

Critics Ratings

For many – including followers abroad – this remains an ultimate name and statement in Cape claret style. Rubicon remains the quintessence of refined understatement – serious, medium-textured vinosity, ripe but not overripe berry flavours, moderate grip from tannins, essentially dry rather than fruity-sweet. Winemaker Dalla Cia considers Rubicon a “better, richer, more complex wine than cabernet sauvignon on its own could ever be”. Here, the blend is about 65-70% cabernet, 20-25% merlot, balance Cabernet. Franc. New Nevers barrel-matured about 18 months to 2 years, through malo. Dalla Cia has never wavered stylistically: while others see-sawed between bold fruity “New World modernity” and “Cape tradition” this Bordeaux-style standard-bearer has kept a constant course, for nearly 2 decades, openly aiming at European restraint and vinosity. 94 splendid array of layered fruit, tannin, oak.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide (1999)

'The 1994 is traditional in style with a freshness that belies its age, red berry fruit and delicate complexity.' Roland Peens 91 points 2019

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client

View all Meerlust lots for sale in this auction


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