Meerlust Rubicon 2023

Unlike most Cape red blends, which lean on two or three varieties, Rubicon works across all four classic Bordeaux grapes, giving it more structural range than a simpler blend typically achieves. It also carries a different kind of weight in the glass, since this is the wine that started South Africa’s entire Bordeaux blend category back in 1980, rather than a more recent entry following a trend already established by others. For buyers in Kenya wanting a genuinely collectable South African red with a documented critical track record, this is one of the more historically significant bottles available at The Wine Box Kenya.

Tasting Notes

Deep, dense colour in the glass, dark enough to hint at real concentration before the first swirl. The nose opens with ripe black currant, blueberry and damson plum, layered with Christmas spice, black tea and a touch of melted caramel over fresh cedar and graphite. On the palate the texture is opulent and fleshy, crème de cassis and black cherry compote carrying through the mid-palate alongside a lead pencil spice note. The tannins are chalky and mineral, wrapped around a cool, subtly integrated acidity that keeps the whole wine from feeling heavy despite its density. The finish runs long, closing on a picante, brûléed brown toast note that lingers well after the glass is empty. This is a wine built with real ambition, dense and layered now, with plenty of structure still to unfold over the years ahead.

Food Pairing

This is a wine built for serious red meat. Braised venison shanks in a red wine jus are the estate’s own suggested pairing, the wine’s tannin structure and dark fruit standing up to the richness of the dish directly. Duck, cured meats and dishes built around wild mushroom or fungi flavours also work well, given the earthy, spiced character running through the wine. A hard aged cheese at the end of the meal rounds things off cleanly. For a Nairobi dinner where the occasion calls for a bottle with genuine weight and history behind it, this is one to open with food that can match its ambition.

What You Need to Know:

What makes Rubicon different from other South African red blends?
It uses all four classic Bordeaux grapes together, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, rather than the two or three varieties most Cape blends rely on. It was also the wine that introduced this style of blending to South Africa back in 1980.

Should I drink this now or hold it?
It has real ageing potential, with one reviewer putting the drinking window at 2026 through 2045 and beyond. It can be opened now with a decant, but this is a wine built to reward patience.

Is this wine dry or does it carry sweetness?
Fully dry. The plum and black currant character reads as ripe rather than sweet, and the finish closes on toast and spice rather than any sugar.

What food pairs best with this wine?
Braised venison shanks in red wine jus are the estate’s own recommendation. Duck, cured meats and mushroom based dishes also work well given the wine’s earthy, spiced character.

Do I need to decant this before serving?
A decant of an hour or more will help if the bottle is young, letting both the tannins and the aromatics open up before serving at 16 to 18°C.

What should I do if this bottle is out of stock?
Our customer service team can help you find a suitable alternative or source the product where possible. Reach out before your event.

Can I get Meerlust Rubicon delivered same day in Nairobi?
Nairobi orders placed before 9 PM qualify for same-day delivery, typically completed within a 1-hour window. Free delivery applies to orders above KES 3,000 within Nairobi. Orders outside Nairobi are delivered nationwide across Kenya within 24 to 48 hours.