Over the years I have secretly coveted this wine, but I never got around to buying it. South Africa is poorly represented in my cellar (just 3 bottles out of 487) and the depth of my South Africa tasting experience is limited, so I just couldn't bring myself to spend the money. Fortunately, my brother-in-law brought it over for dinner tonight, finally sating my curiousity.The 2000 Meerlust Rubicon is one of South Africa's most celebrated wines, and it is clear where the inspiration comes from. A Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend, with some Merlot and Cabernet Franc blended in, this wine is very Bordeaux like in many ways. Garnet red in colour, the first scents were flinty and smokey. Behind that was a nose I can only describe as classic Bordeaux, with nice floral (violet) scents, blackberries, cedar, oak, leather, liquorice and tea. Every glass revealed more and more of its haunting bouquet.
In the mouth it was just as interesting, with everything in balance. Reserved, yet complex. Elegant, yet rustic. It was a wine that absorbed your attention. Nice, supple tannins and matching fruit, this wine still has a number of years ahead of it. It was also a wine that nicely accentuated our meal, in this case a simply prepared lasagna. This is going to be on my mind for a few days.
13% alcohol
Score 18/20
Cost C$27 (SAQ)
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2 comments:
We found your review online today, thank you! We were just recently in South Africa, spent 3 days in Stellenbosch, trying as many wines as we could. We are now overwhelmed by the incredible range and variety of exceptional South African wines -- we get so little of them in Canada. We bought the Rubicon (2002). Its a lovely bottle...we found a 2000 yesterday (here in Vancouver) and quickly snapped it up.
Nice to find your blog, will keep reading!
Cheers, Mary Ann & Steve, Vancouver, BC
Oh, and if you're interested, this is our tasting blog from SA and photos from the wine region there:
http://ma-girl-and-steve-o.blogspot.com/2007/02/feb-14-07-theme-for-day-caffeination.html
AND:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/93036652@N00/sets/72157594551992915/
Hi there - left a comment on your site. The Rubicon is really interesting, in my opinion - I would absolutely love to taste a vertical of this wine to see how it evolves over time.
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