Meerlust Rubicon 2015
By Christian Eedes, 19 April 2018
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Drumroll, please.
What more to say about Rubicon 2015 from Stellenbosch property Meerlust subsequent to its 97+ rating from Greg Sherwood MW and wine buyer at Handford Wines in South Kensington, London (see here)?
A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the nose shows red and black fruit, an attractive herbal note, pencil shavings and oak spice. The palate is medium bodied and has a lovely composure about it – excellent fruit definition, zippy acidity and fine-grained tannins (alc: 14%). It’s being talked up as being able to last for decades and I think it will but not because of any massive structure but rather how pure and harmonious it is. It pretty much corresponds to your mind’s eye picture of what Rubicon at its best should taste like. Wine Cellar price: R375 a bottle.
Editor’s rating: 94/100.
Find our South African wine ratings database here.
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Schalk Burger | 24 March 2025
Hi Edi, your comment is entirely valid – in the case of the Diesel for example, the price increased from R750 to R1200 in just over 6 years – a compound annual increase of around 8%. During the same period CPI in SA averaged slightly less that 5% per annum. So using round numbers, the price of the Diesel outpaced inflation by some 60% over that period. Most knowledgable commentators seem to agree that premium SA wines are underpriced against their international peers, so what we are seeing is probably a slow, steady correction in price, but to your point, I doubt the average wine lover’s remuneration has increased by a compound 8% p.a. over the past 6 years, sadly.
Christian Eedes | 24 March 2025
Well put. The price correction for premium SA wines makes sense in a global context, but it does put local enthusiasts in a tough spot. If salaries aren’t keeping pace, the risk is that more of SA’s best wines are going to be exported – the market decides. That said, there are still bargains to be had but you have to be in the know – a solid reason to subscribe to Winemag’s reviews!
Edi James | 23 March 2025
Greetings Wine Mag,
The price of a Rubicon, according to this article, was R375 in April 2018. Currently, the price of a 22 Rubicon at the cellar in March 2025 is R610. This is about a 63% increase in price in 7 years.
The price of a Beyersloof Diesel in Dec 2018, according to a Wine Mag search, was R750. Currently the price of a 22 Diesel is R1200 at the cellar. This is exactly a price increase of 60% in 7 years.
I have little doubt there are countless other examples like this over the past 7+ years.
I’m wondering if the buying power of local South African fine wine lovers has managed to keep pace with the seven year price increases by South African wineries.
Cheers
Edi