Rubicon 2014

Meerlust, fact sheet (meerlust.co.za – linket fra meerlust.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2014 Meerlust Rubicon – område: ikke angivet; 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot; alkohol 14.1%. Producentens noter (engelsk): Vinification: Due to uneven ripening, we had to be very selective during harvest, discarding and bunches which were not perfectly ripe and having shorter macerations on the Cabernet. The Merlot, however, was the standout variety in the season and was beautifully and consistently ripe, although harvested a bit later. Malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel for 7 months before assessment and assemblage. The 2014 Rubicon is composed of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, this variety now really starting to assert itself as an important component of Rubicon The wine spent a total of 20 months in 67 % new French Nevers oak with 33 % 2nd fill Nevers and Alliers barrels. Soil: 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 Petit Verdot is on Oakleaf 3 soils. Viticulture: All the vineyards were green harvested during veraison to reduce yield, increase concentration and fruit definition. The cold winter of 2013 and early spring were ideal to promote very even canopy development and good fruit set. Good winter rains in 2013 ensured sufficient soil moisture in our clay-rich soils, particularly important for Merlot. The growing season was challenging in 2014, with a cooler than normal summer and some unusual showers in late summer and autumn. We thinned the crop to ensure ripeness and suckered several times to ensure an open canopy and healthy grapes. Ageing potential: 15 – 20 years, provided wine is stored in ideal cellar conditions P.O. Box 7121, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa. […]