Wine Meerlust, “Rubicon”, Stellenbosch WO, 2018

Meerlust, Rubicon – an exquisite red dry wine, the creation of the winemaker Chris Williams, made from grapes of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot varieties that are grown in the company’s vineyards in the Stellenbosch region. Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on partially decomposed granite-gravel soils rich in quartz and feldspar. Merlot vineyards are planted on clay-rich but well-drained soils to maintain optimal moisture levels to the roots of the vines throughout the summer. Merlot vineyards have significant reserves of laterite, rich in iron, which ensures the mineral profile of the wine. Cabernet Franc vineyard is located on well-drained, stony soil with clay content (20%), which is ideal for this variety. Petit Verdot is cultivated on soil such as Oakleaf 3 to ensure complete phenolic maturity. The average age of vines exceeds 20 years. The cold, wet winters of 2015 and early spring were ideal for even development of the canopy and good fruiting. To ensure uniform ripening and high quality of the crop, extensive control of the canopy, culling of leaves and “green” harvesting were practiced . 2015 was widely recognized as one of the most favorable.

Harvested after each of the varieties of optimum ripeness. Varieties were fermented separately in small vats. Malolactic fermentation took place in 300-liter barrels from the Never forests, 66% of which are new, for 9 months. After blending, the wine was additionally aged for another 9 months in barrels. The potential of wine is 15-30 years.

Vintage 2015 was awarded a silver medal at the competition “International Wine & Spirit Competition” in 2018.