Meerlust 'Rubicon' Red

71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on low yielding, predominantly biotite partially decomposed granite gravel topsoil rich in quartz and feldspar to a depth of approximately 600mm with a loamy clay subsoil. The Merlot vineyards are planted on more clay rich, yet well drained soils to ensure moisture retention and availability to the vines roots right through the summer. There are considerable deposits of iron-rich Laterite in the Merlot vineyards which accentuates the fruit definition and mineral profile of the wine.

The Cabernet Franc Vineyard is situated on very well drained, stony Vilafontes soil with approximately 20% clay which is ideal for this variety. The Cabernets were given quite lengthy macerations to ensure complete extraction of the perfectly ripe fruit, but the Merlot was given even longer post fermentation maceration to encourage complete polymerization of complex tannins and add a broad, juicy and silky texture to the blend as a whole. Malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel for 6 months before assessment and assemblage. The wine spent a total of 18 months in 70% new French Nevers oak with 30% 2nd fill Nevers and Allier barrels.