Meerlust

Meerlust is a wine estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa, owned since 1988 by Hannes Myburgh, the eighth generation of his family at Meerlust. Cabernet Sauvignon was the first wine to carry the Meerlust label, in 1975, followed by Rubicon and Pinot Noir in 1980 and Merlot in 1984; Chardonnay followed in 1995. Rubicon was named Champion Red Wine at the South African Championship Show in 1984.

Meerlust's vineyards sit across four zones - Lowlands, Compagniesdrift, Quarry and River Terraces - on soils running from shale-derived clay to decomposed granite and alluvial deposits, about 5km from False Bay. For Rubicon, the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot parcels are fermented separately, go through malolactic fermentation in 300L French barrels and large foudre, age 8 months in barrel before blending, then a further 10 months before bottling.

• South African Championship Show Champion Red Wine , 1984 Rubicon